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Looking for a way to put your editing skills to work without leaving home? Remote book editing offers the perfect blend of intellectual challenge and flexibility. But finding companies that consistently hire remote book editors—and pay well for your expertise—can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
The reality is that many aspiring editors waste countless hours applying to positions that either don’t match their skill set or turn out to be low-paying gigs that undervalue their talents. Between sorting through job boards, deciphering vague listings, and trying to avoid outright scams, the search can quickly become exhausting.
Fortunately, several reputable companies regularly hire remote book editors at competitive rates. Whether you’re an experienced editor looking for new clients or just starting your editing career, these companies offer legitimate opportunities to build a sustainable income from home.
Also See: Get Paid to Read Books: 8 At-Home Jobs for Book Lovers
Top Remote Companies Seeking Book Editors
1. Scribendi
Scribendi stands as one of the most established online editing services, with over 20 years in the industry. They hire remote editors for both fiction and non-fiction projects, including full-length manuscripts, academic papers, and business documents.
The application process at Scribendi is thorough and selective. Candidates need a university degree, strong editing skills, and at least three years of professional editing experience. They also require you to pass an editing test that evaluates your attention to detail, grammar knowledge, and editing efficiency. Successful applicants gain access to Scribendi’s proprietary workflow system, where they can select projects that match their expertise and availability.
Work Environment: Scribendi offers a truly flexible arrangement where editors can log in at any hour and claim available projects. There’s no minimum hour requirement, making it suitable for those with varying availability. Their system tracks editing quality and maintains consistent standards through regular performance reviews.
Also See: Editing Jobs From Home
2. Reedsy
Reedsy operates as a marketplace connecting authors directly with freelance publishing professionals. Unlike traditional employment, Reedsy functions more as a curated platform where qualified editors can showcase their services.
The application process involves submitting your professional background, portfolio, and specialties for review. Their team evaluates each application carefully, accepting only those with proven track records in the publishing industry. Once approved, you’ll create a detailed profile highlighting your experience, preferred genres, and editing approach. Authors then browse these profiles and send project inquiries directly to editors who match their needs.
Client Relationships: On Reedsy, you manage your own client relationships from initial consultation through project completion. This arrangement provides greater control over your editing business while benefiting from Reedsy’s reputation and marketing. Editors handle their own contracts, timelines, and communication, with Reedsy providing the platform and taking a percentage of each project.
3. Cambridge Proofreading & Editing
Cambridge Proofreading specializes in academic and business editing, making it an excellent option for editors with strong backgrounds in scholarly writing. They serve an international clientele, including academic researchers, business professionals, and students.
Their hiring process prioritizes candidates with advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) and demonstrated expertise in academic writing standards. New editors undergo training on their style guidelines and quality expectations before handling client documents. This company maintains high standards to uphold its reputation with academic institutions worldwide.
Specialization Areas: Cambridge allows editors to select specializations based on their academic background—humanities, sciences, business, or technical fields. This specialization ensures editors work primarily with content in their areas of expertise, allowing for more accurate and valuable edits.
4. Book Editing Associates
This network connects independent editors with authors seeking professional editing services. Unlike companies that assign projects, Book Editing Associates functions more as a screening and referral service for qualified editing professionals.
Joining this network requires passing through multiple screening phases, including editing tests, background checks, and professional reference verification. They accept only about 5% of applicants, maintaining strict quality standards. Once accepted, you’ll have a profile on their website where authors can review your credentials and contact you directly about their manuscripts.
Selection Process: Book Editing Associates tests applicants on everything from basic grammar to developmental editing skills. Successful applicants receive referrals suited to their specific skills—whether that’s developmental editing for fantasy novels or line editing for academic books. This targeted approach helps editors secure projects that match their strengths.
5. Editor World
Editor World provides editing and proofreading services for various documents, including books, academic papers, and business materials. They position themselves as a direct connection between clients and professional editors.
To join Editor World, candidates must submit an application detailing their education (minimum bachelor’s degree required), editing experience (at least two years), and areas of expertise. Selected applicants then complete an editing test to demonstrate their skills. Accepted editors create profiles on the platform and receive project notifications based on their stated preferences and availability.
Client Interaction: Unlike some services where editors remain anonymous, Editor World promotes direct communication between editors and clients. This approach allows for clarification of expectations and specialized attention to each manuscript’s unique needs. Editors can ask questions and provide personalized feedback throughout the process.
6. Kirkus Media
Known for their respected book reviews, Kirkus Media also offers editing services to authors. Their editing division provides thorough manuscript assessments and editing services for both traditional and self-publishing authors.
Kirkus selectively recruits editors with proven industry experience, particularly those with backgrounds in traditional publishing. Their application process includes multiple editing tests and sample projects to evaluate not just technical skills but also the ability to preserve an author’s voice while improving the work. Successful applicants generally have experience with published books and a strong understanding of current publishing standards.
Editorial Approach: Kirkus emphasizes substantive editing that addresses structural issues while maintaining the author’s unique style. Editors are expected to provide comprehensive feedback on plot, character development, pacing, and market positioning alongside technical corrections. This in-depth approach requires strong critical reading skills and knowledge of genre conventions.
7. Upwork
Upwork serves as an open marketplace where freelance editors can connect with clients seeking editorial services. While not exclusively focused on book editing, the platform hosts numerous opportunities for manuscript work.
Creating a successful Upwork profile requires showcasing your editorial expertise through detailed descriptions of your experience, education, and specialties. The platform uses a proposal system where you respond to client job postings with customized applications. Editors can set their own rates and availability, allowing for complete customization of their work schedule and client load.
Profile Development: Successful book editors on Upwork create specialized profiles that highlight their genre expertise, editorial approach, and previous publishing successes. Including samples of before-and-after editing work (with permission) helps demonstrate your skills to potential clients. Maintaining prompt communication and consistently delivering quality work leads to positive reviews, which significantly impact your visibility on the platform.
8. Fiverr Pro
Fiverr Pro represents the premium tier of the Fiverr marketplace, offering verified professional services at higher rates than the standard platform. For book editors, this designation provides greater visibility among serious authors willing to invest in quality editing.
Qualifying for Pro status involves a rigorous application process where Fiverr evaluates your professional background, portfolio, and client testimonials. Only about 1% of applicants receive this designation. Pro editors create customized service packages defining exactly what clients receive at different price points—from basic proofreading to comprehensive developmental editing.
Service Structure: Successful Fiverr Pro editors create clear, tiered packages that allow authors to select the appropriate level of editing for their needs and budget. For example, a basic package might include proofreading and minor corrections, while premium packages offer developmental feedback, multiple rounds of revision, and consultations. This structured approach helps set clear expectations from the start.
9. Cactus Communications
Primarily known for academic and scientific editing, Cactus Communications also handles book manuscripts, particularly in specialized or technical fields. They serve academic publishers, research institutions, and individual authors worldwide.
Cactus looks for editors with subject matter expertise alongside strong language skills. Their application process involves editing tests specific to your field of specialization. Successful candidates receive training on their internal quality standards and editorial protocols. Editors are matched with documents in their areas of expertise, ensuring they can provide substantive improvements beyond basic grammar corrections.
Training System: Unlike some platforms where editors begin working immediately, Cactus provides structured onboarding and continued professional development. New editors receive feedback on their early assignments and have access to resources for improving specific editing skills. This supportive approach helps editors refine their techniques while maintaining consistent quality standards.
10. Editorial Freelancers Association
The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) functions as a professional organization connecting qualified editors with clients seeking editorial services. Their job board serves as a valuable resource for finding remote book editing opportunities.
Joining the EFA requires an application and membership fee. Members gain access to an exclusive job board featuring opportunities from publishers, literary agencies, and individual authors. These listings typically offer professional rates and clear project descriptions. Beyond job access, membership provides professional development resources, networking opportunities, and industry rate guidelines.
Networking Benefits: EFA membership extends beyond job listings to include community forums, virtual chapter meetings, and professional courses. These resources help editors stay current with industry trends and build relationships with potential clients and collaborators. Many members report that the community aspect provides valuable support and referrals beyond the formal job board.
11. Polished Paper
Polished Paper provides editing services primarily for academic writing but also handles book manuscripts. They maintain a selective roster of editors with strong credentials in various fields.
The application process includes a comprehensive editing test that evaluates technical skills, attention to detail, and understanding of academic writing conventions. Accepted editors receive access to their project board, where they can select assignments that match their expertise and schedule. Each editor is rated on quality and timeliness, which affects future project availability.
Quality Control: Polished Paper maintains strict editorial standards through a multi-tier review system. Editors receive regular performance evaluations based on client feedback and internal reviews. This accountability ensures consistent quality while helping editors identify areas for professional development. Their structured approach provides valuable experience for editors looking to strengthen their technical skills.
12. Scribbr
Scribbr specializes in academic editing but extends their services to educational books and academic publications. They maintain a reputation for thorough editing and quick turnaround times.
To join Scribbr, candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and pass a challenging language test that assesses grammar knowledge, editing skills, and attention to detail. Successful applicants then complete a comprehensive training program covering their style guide and feedback protocols. Scribbr emphasizes not just error correction but also constructive comments that help authors improve their writing.
Feedback Approach: Scribbr distinguishes itself by requiring editors to provide explanatory comments alongside corrections. This educational component helps authors understand the reasoning behind changes rather than simply fixing errors. Editors develop skills in constructive feedback that enhances their value across all editing contexts.
13. ProofreadingServices.com
This company provides various editing services, including book editing for both self-publishing and traditional authors. They maintain a distributed team of remote editors working across different time zones to provide around-the-clock service.
The application process centers around a challenging preliminary test that evaluates proofreading accuracy, grammar knowledge, and editing efficiency. Only about 0.3% of applicants successfully pass this screening. Accepted editors undergo additional training on the company’s standards and processes before receiving client assignments.
Time Management: ProofreadingServices.com operates with quick turnaround expectations, making it suitable for editors who work efficiently under deadline pressure. Their system allows editors to select projects based on their availability and expertise. This flexibility enables editors to build schedules that accommodate their personal lives while maintaining steady work.
Also See: How To Become a Book Editor
Taking Your First Steps Toward Remote Editing Success
These companies represent just a portion of the remote book editing opportunities available. Each has its own application process, requirements, and compensation structure. Many editors find success by working with multiple companies simultaneously or using these platforms as stepping stones toward building their own independent editing business.
Before applying, make sure to polish your resume, gather samples of your best work, and prepare for editing tests. Many of these companies require passing challenging assessments before accepting new editors. The effort is worthwhile—remote book editing offers a rewarding career path that combines literary passion with the freedom and flexibility of working from home.