Image that illustrates Editors, books

Editors, books

44 500 kr

Authors etc.

44 200 - 45 200 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Editors, books

Average salary 44 500 kr
Males 45 100 kr
Females 44 200 kr
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What does an Editor within books do? – Tasks and work environment

An Editor within books primarily works with editing and improving manuscripts before publication. Tasks include language review, proofreading, structuring, and providing feedback to authors on content and style. An Editor is often also responsible for ensuring the tone and message of the book are consistent throughout the work. The work is carried out in close collaboration with authors, designers, and sometimes marketing departments. The most common work environment is publishing houses, but remote work has become increasingly common, especially with the digital transformation of the industry.

Salary development over time

The salary for an Editor within books has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 SEK, followed by an increase to 42 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary reached 44,500 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 11% over the period. This development reflects both an increased demand for qualified editors and a greater focus on quality within the book industry. The industry’s digital shift and expanded responsibilities have also contributed to higher salary levels. Despite relatively small salary differences between genders, a certain gap remains, with women earning on average 98% of men's salaries.

Editor, books salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 44,500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 44,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly rate (average): 268 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 45 100 SEK, women: 44,200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Limited data, but salary levels are generally stable across the country

Education and qualifications

To work as an Editor within books, a university degree in language, literature, journalism, or similar fields is usually required. The industry also values practical experience, good language sense, and the ability to critically review texts. Employers often seek documented experience from publishing houses, editorial offices, or similar environments.

  • Formal education: Bachelor's degree in literature, Swedish, language, or journalism (3 years)
  • Courses/certifications: Publishing knowledge, editor training, or proofreading
  • Internship: Internships at publishers or editorial offices are advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Very good knowledge of Swedish and stylistic sense
  • Self-study: Online courses and independent literary analysis are common

Many Editors within books develop a keen sense for finding the unique voice of stories. The ability to balance the author’s intentions with the reader’s experience is one of the most appreciated and challenging aspects of the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Editors within books are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Some employers also provide professional development, book allowances, insurance, and pension contributions. Bonuses and royalty-based compensations are less common in this profession.

Competition and challenges

The profession of an Editor within books is attractive, and competition for positions is often fierce. Many pursue the industry due to a strong interest in literature and language, resulting in a high educational level among applicants. The digitalization of the book industry has increased demands for technical skills and adaptability, while changes in the publishing world require flexibility and broader responsibilities. The ability to collaborate and meet tight deadlines is crucial for success in the role.

Tips for aspiring Editors within books

To succeed as an Editor within books, it is good to combine analytical skills with a genuine passion for language. Attention to detail is essential, especially for spotting linguistic and stylistic errors. The ability to collaborate and communicate clearly with authors and colleagues is important, as is the courage to give constructive feedback. Flexibility helps when tasks vary between projects and genres. Continual self-education in new digital tools and workflows is also advisable, as the industry changes rapidly. Building a network within the publishing industry can open doors to exciting assignments and projects. Patience and perseverance are often needed to handle long and complex manuscript processes.

Key facts about Editors within books

  • Education level: Bachelor's degree in language/literature often advantageous
  • Work environment: Publishing houses, editorial offices, or remote work
  • Employment type: Full-time, part-time, or hourly employment
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the profession according to latest data
  • Gender distribution: Small salary differences, women constitute the majority in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an Editor within books can advance to roles such as senior editor, project manager for book production, or specialized manuscript coach. There are also opportunities to work as a freelancer or start your own business in editorial services. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, future prospects are stable, with continued demand for qualified editors for both printed and digital books. Digitalization and publishing on new platforms are expected to keep demand for linguistic and editorial expertise high in the foreseeable future.

Frequently asked questions about Editors, books

  • What does an Editor, books earn?
    - The average salary is 44,500 SEK per month. The hourly rate is 268 SEK.
  • What do salary differences between men and women look like?
    - Women earn on average 98% of men's salaries (men: 45 100 SEK, women: 44,200 SEK).
  • What education is required to become an Editor within books?
    - Typically, a bachelor's degree in language, literature, or journalism, along with experience from publishing or editorial work.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Salary levels are generally stable across the country, although some larger cities may offer slightly higher salaries.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - The forecast is stable with about 620 job openings within the profession according to current statistics.
  • What are the tasks of an Editor within books?
    - Language review, proofreading, text editing, and collaboration with authors are central tasks.
  • Can I work as a freelance Editor?
    - Yes, many opt to work freelance or combine different assignments within the industry.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Editors, books is 45200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Editors, books is 44200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 37400 kr 37500 kr
35-44 43700 kr 43700 kr
45-54 47900 kr 48300 kr
55-64 48700 kr 48900 kr
Snitt 98% 44300 kr 44500 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Editors, books has the SSYK code 2641, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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