Book Editors

Book editors acquire and prepare written material for publication in book form. Such formats include trade books (fiction and nonfiction), textbooks, and technical and professional books (which include reference books). A book editor's duties may include contracting for and evaluating a manuscript, accepting or rejecting it, rewriting, correcting spelling and grammar, researching, and fact checking. Book editors may also work directly with printers in arranging for proofs and with artists and designers in arranging for illustrations and determining the physical specifications of the book.

Approximately 38,400 editors work for book, newspaper, and magazine publishers in the United States. Book editors are employed at small and large publishing houses, book packagers (companies that subcontract book production for larger publishing houses), associations, and government agencies.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

None

Outlook

Decline

Personality Traits

Creative

Enterprising

Problem-Solving

Career Ladder

Editorial Director or Self-Employed

Managing Editor

Book Editor

Copy Editor

Editorial Assistant or Proofreader