What does an Acquisitions Editor do?
Acquisitions editors work as part of a publishing team at book publishing companies, literary agencies, and publishing operations of universities and professional institutes, and acquire manuscripts for publication. Acquisitions editors read manuscripts with their customers and readers in mind to determine their potential in the marketplace. They sometimes approach authors and agents to discuss manuscripts and acquire both books and authors when appropriate.
Acquisitions editors advocate for projects and authors they believe in, often discussing them and pitching them to team members including editors, sales managers, advisors, and other relevant people and departments. They suggest changes to manuscripts that make them more captivating and easier to understand and offer book cover concepts. They prepare and renew contracts and participate in marketing and promotion activities. Acquisitions editors research and prepare statistics for market trends and prioritize the publication of manuscripts that better suit current market trends. Acquisitions editors need a minimum bachelor’s degree in mass communications, literature, or related fields.
- Provide oversight and compliance review of acquisition documentation at all levels of preparation.
- Draft acquisition strategy documents and assist the Government in implementing the strategies.
- Process title and holdings changes for current and bound periodicals.
- Build and maintain relationships with key external parties including third party advisors and deal sources.
- Provide all pertinent property description information, seller demands, terms, conditions and contact information to management.
- Maintain responsibility for developing departmental overhead budget and controlling the budget.
- Develop business community relationships and scout other avenues for possible acquisitions.
- Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws.
- Receive and provide initial response plan for all new leads from outside sources.
- Bachelor's Degree in business or engineering.
- Strong command of English language and good communication skills.
- Solid leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Requires careful attention to detail.
- Comfortable working with frameworks and statistics.
Acquisitions Editor Salaries near India
Average Base Pay
Acquisitions Editor Career Path
Learn how to become an Acquisitions Editor, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Acquisitions Editor Insights
Bainbridge“There are great people you get to work with at the lower levels of the firm.”
Kendall Hunt Publishing“Pretty much going to make your base salary because your commission is heavily based on the size of your book of business”
Kendall Hunt Publishing“end of pay for an AE position One “Bonus” and year Low commissions for first 2 years.”
Constellation Software“You will be waiting several weeks just to have communication about whether there is a further round.”
Rhodes Enterprises“Rhodes Enterprises has the best culture I've found in my career of over 20 years.”
“It was a great experience and I learned a lot.”
Sonae“Good as a learning opportunity”
“Monetary benefits are not industry comparable”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of an Acquisitions Editor
- Editor
- Copywriter
- Writer
- Managing Editor