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Books Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ICF

Quality Assurance Editor - On-call

Reston, VA · Remote

The Quality Assurance Editor works across deliverable types-including Incident Position Descriptions (IPDs), Position Task Books (PTBs), Incident Position Standards (IPS), instructional materials ...

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Books Editor information

How does a books editor typically collaborate with authors and other editorial staff throughout the publishing process?

Books Editors work closely with authors to refine manuscripts, providing constructive feedback and guiding revisions to enhance the overall quality and coherence of the book. They also coordinate with copy editors, proofreaders, and designers to ensure the manuscript transitions smoothly through each stage of production. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as Books Editors often juggle multiple projects and deadlines while acting as a liaison between the author and the publishing team. Collaboration is key to producing a polished final product that aligns with both the author's vision and the publisher's standards.

How to get work as a books editor?

To work as a books editor, develop strong editing and writing skills, typically through a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or related fields. Gaining experience via internships, freelance editing, or working in publishing houses can improve job prospects, and familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word or editing software is beneficial.

What does a books editor do?

A Books Editor is responsible for reviewing, selecting, and refining manuscripts for publication. They work closely with authors to improve the content, structure, and style of a book, ensuring it meets the publisher's standards and appeals to the target audience. Books Editors also coordinate with other publishing professionals, such as proofreaders, designers, and marketing teams, to guide a book through the entire publishing process. Their role is crucial in shaping the final version of a manuscript before it goes to print.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a books editor, and why are they important?

To excel as a Books Editor, you need a strong command of language, editorial judgment, and a background in literature, journalism, or publishing—often with a relevant degree. Familiarity with editing software like Adobe InCopy, Microsoft Word, and content management systems is typically required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with authors and other stakeholders distinguish top editors. These skills ensure manuscripts are polished, cohesive, and meet both publisher standards and reader expectations.

How much money do books editors make?

Books editors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of publishing. Senior editors or those working for major publishing houses can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Many editors also benefit from freelance opportunities, which can vary widely in income.

What is the difference between Books Editor vs Books Writer?

AspectBooks EditorBooks Writer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in English, Literature, or related field; editing experienceUsually a bachelor's degree in English, Literature, or creative writing; strong writing portfolio
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, editing firms, freelance editingIndependent, publishing companies, freelance writing
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by publishers to refine manuscripts before publicationUsed by publishers, authors, or freelancers to create original content
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding editing roles, responsibilities, and skillsUnderstanding writing roles, skills, and career paths

The main difference between a Books Editor and a Books Writer lies in their roles: editors focus on refining and improving manuscripts, ensuring clarity, consistency, and quality, while writers create original content from scratch. Both roles require strong language skills and relevant education, but their day-to-day tasks and career paths differ significantly.

Is there a demand for books editors?

Books editors are in steady demand as publishers seek skilled professionals to improve manuscript quality and ensure marketability. Employment opportunities often require strong editing skills, familiarity with editing software, and a good understanding of publishing standards. The job market can vary based on industry trends and the growth of digital publishing platforms.

What qualifications do I need to be a books editor?

To become a books editor, a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field is typically required. Strong editing skills, attention to detail, excellent communication, and proficiency with editing tools or software are also important qualifications for the role.
What are popular job titles related to Books Editor jobs in Virginia? For Books Editor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Books Editor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Books Editor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Books Editor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Books Editor job openings:
Books Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Books Editor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Quality Assurance Editor - On-call

ICF International, Inc.

Reston, VA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Job description

We aren't generic contractors; we are expert consultants. We work with our clients determine the ideal solution to their problems. We are seeking candidates who can help us create dynamic, engaging, exciting content with an emphasis on user-centered design, user experience (UX), and accessibility for all learners. This requires candidates who are exceptional in their attention to detail and consistency.
The Quality Assurance Editor is responsible for ensuring that all project deliverables meet established government client standards for branding, style, formatting, consistency, and accuracy. This role serves as the final quality control function prior to deliverable submission, enforcing adherence to the client's Style Guide, templates, naming conventions, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.
The Quality Assurance Editor works across deliverable types-including Incident Position Descriptions (IPDs), Position Task Books (PTBs), Incident Position Standards (IPS), instructional materials, handouts, and web content-to ensure consistent application of terminology, formatting, and editorial conventions. They collaborate with project managers, instructional designers, technical writer/editors, and subject matter experts to resolve discrepancies and maintain 100% uniformity across products developed under the same effort.
The role requires exceptional attention to detail, the ability to systematically identify and resolve inconsistencies, and the judgment to enforce standards without compromising technical accuracy.
This role works a flexible part time schedule as needed based on client need.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct editorial and quality assurance reviews of all deliverables prior to client submission.
  • Ensure full compliance with the client's Style Guide, GPO style conventions, and project-specific templates.
  • Verify consistency across related deliverables (e.g., IPD ↔ PTB ↔ IPS ↔ training materials).
  • Apply and enforce standardized formatting, capitalization, terminology, acronyms, and file naming conventions.
  • Identify and correct inconsistencies in structure, layout, and document organization.
  • Validate proper use of styles, headings, lists, tables, and embedded elements (figures, hyperlinks, references).
  • Ensure deliverables meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and formatting expectations for final publication.
  • Perform cross-document comparisons to detect drift in terminology, task statements, and language patterns.
  • Maintain and apply editorial checklists and QA processes for repeatable quality control.
  • Proactively coordinate with authors and team members to resolve issues while maintaining project timelines.
  • Develop and maintain best practices according to guidelines, standardizing review processes, and ensuring quality control.
  • Work independently and demonstrate active listening and collaboration with peers in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications:
  • US Citizenship required by federal contract
  • Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in technical editing and quality assurance

Additional Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience editing technical or federal deliverables (e.g., training materials, standards, manuals, guidance documents)
  • Proven ability to apply and enforce a formal style guide (e.g., agency-specific, GPO)
  • Experience performing quality assurance reviews across multiple, related documents
  • Ability to provide short-term surge support as well as regular workflow schedules
  • Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Word, including:
    • Styles and templates
    • Track Changes and commenting
    • Structured formatting (headings, lists, tables)
  • Experience identifying and resolving cross-document inconsistencies
  • Exceptional attention to detail and pattern recognition

Preferred Skills/Experience:
  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience supporting a government client and executing both independently and as part of a team.
  • Experience working in a virtual environment and familiarity with SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook.
  • Familiarity with emergency management and wildland fire concepts and terminology is a plus.

Job Location(s): Position is remote.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$74,090.00 - $125,954.00
Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

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