Contract Academic Copy Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Just Right Reader

Just Right Reader is a literacy publisher dedicated to helping children become confident, successful readers through engaging, research-based resources grounded in the Science of Reading. Our growing product line includes decodable and knowledge-building books, classroom resources, teacher guides, lesson plans, literacy games, family resources, and marketing materials designed for students from Birth through Grade 12.

We're looking for an experienced English-language copyeditor to support our Product team by ensuring all content is clear, accurate, consistent, and publication-ready.

About This Engagement

Just Right Reader is seeking an experiencedEnglish-language copyeditor. This is a part-time contract position ideal for an experienced copyeditor with a strong command of English grammar, style, and mechanics. You'll work closely with our Product team to review a variety of educational materials and provide high-quality copyedits within tight production timelines.

Turnaround Expectations

Projects vary in length and complexity, and quick turnaround times are essential. Please note that our production schedule often requires a quick turnaround (typically 24–48 hours, depending on the project scope). Applicants should be comfortable working within these timelines and communicating proactively about their availability to ensure deadlines are met.

Scope of Work

This contractor will provide copy-editing support, which may include:

• Copyedit educational materials for grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, clarity, consistency, and readability.
• Ensure consistency with company style guides and editorial standards (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style).
• Maintain consistency in spelling, capitalization, terminology, formatting, and voice across products.
• Flag inconsistencies, ambiguities, or potential errors while preserving the author's intent.
• Meet fast-paced production schedules and agreed-upon deadlines.
• Collaborate with Product Managers, writers, editors, and designers throughout the publishing process.

This engagement does not include internal people management, HR responsibilities, or administrative duties.

Materials You May Review

• Children's book manuscripts (Birth through Grade 12)
• Decodable readers
• Lesson plans
• Teacher guides
• Family resources
• Literacy games
• Marketing materials
• Product packaging
• Digital learning resources
• Internal educational documents

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Professional copyediting experience (educational publishing preferred)
• Exceptional knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage
• Excellent attention to detail
• Experience editing materials for children and educators is highly preferred
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while meeting tight deadlines
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Adobe Acrobat for reviewing and copyediting documents.

Preferred Experience

• Children's publishing
• Educational publishing
• Science of Reading curriculum
• Teacher resources
• Decodable texts
• Chicago Manual of Style (or similar editorial standards)

Engagement Details

• This role is structured as an independent contractor (1099) engagement.
• Duration - This will be an ongoing agreement that will be evaluated for continuation on a monthly basis per business need.
• The contractor will determine their own work schedule, methods, tools, and approach, subject to agreed-upon milestones and deadlines.
• The contractor may provide services to other clients during the term of this engagement.
• Compensation will be provided on a monthly retainer or project-based basis, as outlined in a separate agreement.
• Services will be performed remotely; occasional in-person collaboration may occur by mutual agreement.

How to Express Interest

Please submit:

1. Your resume highlighting relevant copyediting experience.
2. A brief summary of your experience editing educational or children's materials.
3. Your typical turnaround time for copyediting projects.
4. Your preferred rate structure (hourly, per page, or another pricing method) and your rates.

Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be asked to complete a brief, one-page copyediting exercise.