What is an Acquisitions Editor? Why Do You Need One?

By Tierre-Lee Curtis

Last stop ahead, folks! Along the way, we’ve gotten to know some key players who ensure your writing meets public and publishable standards. We’ve gotten to know the roles and responsibilities of an Alpha Reader, Developmental Editor, Line Editor, and last week, we introduced you to the Proofreader. Today, we are going to get to know the Acquisitions Editor.

Acquisitions Editors are key players in the writing world, especially when it comes to networking and building professional relationships with other literary agents. Their responsibility lies in scouting new material and acquiring manuscripts for publishing houses. They have their foot in both worlds: the editing and literary sphere and the business side of the process. Having a strong relationship with an Acquisition Editor can mean the difference between having an advocate on the inside (in a professional capacity) or not.

I know you’re all itching to know, so let’s break down exactly what the roles and responsibilities of an Acquisition Editor are.

• They are facilitators and advocates for authors in professional environments, connecting agents to publishers and beyond.

• Acquisition Editors help authors navigate the publishing landscape, leading them through each stage to a promising and published future. 

• Not only do they connect authors to publishers, but they also offer structural and stylistic editorial reviews of your work.

• Acquisition Editors are also responsible for managing peer review, which is integral to any scholarly text.

• At the end of the day, these guys are the ones who determine whether your manuscript is appropriate not only for those they represent (publishing houses) but their customers (your potential audience) as well.

There are many ways for authors to connect with an Acquisition Editor and just as many for them to reach out to you if they consider your work of interest to their clientele. When it’s all said and done, there are many things to consider before signing a contract, but it’s important to remember that a mutually beneficial fit between author, text, and publisher must be accomplished before any decisions are made. Lucky for you, this is why an Acquisition Editor is here to help you, and exactly what makes them so important to your writing journey.