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Contract Copy Editing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Artemis Arc

Copy Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

Requisition ID 2026-4349 Job Summary Artemis is seeking a full-time Copy Editor with demonstrated experience supporting a large-scale federal communications contract. The Copy Editor supports the ...

Artemis Arc

Copy Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

2026-4349 Artemis is seeking a full-time Copy Editor with demonstrated experience supporting a large-scale federal communications contract. The Copy Editor supports the government client by ...

Artemis Arc

Copy Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Requisition ID2026-4349Job Summary Artemis is seeking a full-time Copy Editor with demonstrated experience supporting a large-scale federal communications contract. The Copy Editor supports the ...

The Washington Post

Print Editor, Opinions

Washington, DC · On-site

$7.0K - $9.5K/mo

This contract role is an opportunity to bring opinions journalism to life in the print paper and go ... It will also involve some proofreading and editing for clarity and Post style for the website. We ...

The Washington Post

Print Editor, Opinions

Washington, DC · On-site

$7.0K - $9.5K/mo

This contract role is an opportunity to bring opinions journalism to life in the print paper and go ... It will also involve some proofreading and editing for clarity and Post style for the website. We ...

SAIC

History Program Specialist

Springfield, VA · On-site

As the senior level historian, provide oversight of history services within the contract to include AP Style copy editing. Work will be performed at the customer site in Springfield, VA. The hiring ...

SAIC

History Program Specialist

Springfield, VA

As the senior level historian, provide oversight of history services within the contract to include AP Style copy editing. Work will be performed at the customer site in Springfield, VA. The hiring ...

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All JobsContract Copy Editing JobsContract Copy Editing Jobs in Washington

Contract Copy Editing information

See Washington salary details

$12

$32

$64

How much do contract copy editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract copy editing in Washington is $32.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.47 and $36.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Copy Editing vs Contract Proofreading?

AspectContract Copy EditingContract Proofreading
Primary FocusImproving clarity, style, and consistency of the textCorrecting grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors
Skills & CredentialsEditing skills, strong language knowledge, possibly editing certificationsAttention to detail, strong grammar and spelling skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborative editing process, often with writers or editorsFinal review stage, often independent
Industry UsageUsed across publishing, marketing, legal, and corporate sectorsPrimarily in publishing, legal, and corporate documents

Contract copy editing involves refining the content for clarity, style, and consistency, often requiring editing credentials. Proofreading focuses on catching grammatical and typographical errors. Both roles are essential in the editing process but serve different purposes in ensuring high-quality documents.

What is contract copy editing?

Contract copy editing is a form of freelance or temporary work where an editor is hired on a contract basis to review and revise written materials for clarity, grammar, style, and accuracy. Unlike full-time in-house editors, contract copy editors typically work for multiple clients and projects, providing their services as needed. Their responsibilities often include correcting spelling and grammatical errors, checking for consistency, and ensuring the text meets the client's standards and guidelines. This role can be performed remotely or on-site, depending on the agreement with the client. Contract copy editors are valued for their flexibility, expertise, and the ability to handle various types of content across industries.

What are some common challenges faced by contract copy editors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract copy editors often juggle multiple projects with varying deadlines, which can make time management challenging. Additionally, they may need to quickly adapt to different style guides and client expectations across diverse industries. To manage these challenges, it’s important to establish clear communication with clients, use organizational tools to track project timelines, and stay updated on major style guides like AP, Chicago, or MLA. Building a network with other editors can also provide support and resources for handling complex editing queries.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Contract Copy Editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Copy Editor, you need a strong command of grammar, style, and language conventions, typically supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and style guides like AP or Chicago Manual of Style is essential. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure that edited content is accurate, clear, and delivered on deadline, maintaining the quality and credibility of published materials.
What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editing jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Copy Editing jobs in Washington are:
Contract Copy Editing jobs near you

Copy Editor

Artemis Arc

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Requisition ID
2026-4349
Job Summary
Artemis is seeking a full-time Copy Editor with demonstrated experience supporting a large-scale federal communications contract. The Copy Editor supports the government client by copyediting and proofreading written products for grammar, punctuation, consistency, readability, plain language, accessibility and adherence to AP Style, client style, and organizational standards. The role edits content across testimony, press releases, fact sheets, blogs, webpages, reports, social media and other communication products.
This role requires a self-starter, proactive problem solver and action-oriented team player with deep copyediting experience, including science writing intended for broad audiences. This position needs an individual who can maintain style consistency, improve clarity and readability, support scientific accuracy, ensure plain language and accessibility compliance, and work efficiently across multiple formats and deadlines.
This is a contingent hire position. Offers will be contingent upon client approval, ability to meet security requirements, and the ability to adhere to any on-site requirements (which may change at contract award).
Remote work is anticipated. However, all candidates should be local to the Washington, DC metro area as on-site work may be required.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Copyedit and proofread materials for grammar, punctuation, consistency and readability.
  • Edit written content across multiple formats, including testimony, press releases, fact sheets, blogs, webpages, reports and social media.
  • Ensure written content adheres to AP Style, client writing guidelines, and applicable organizational standards.
  • Ensure plain language and accessibility compliance across written content.
  • Review science-focused content for clarity, consistency and suitability for broad audiences.
  • Maintain and follow organization-specific style guidance for recurring products and campaigns.
  • Collaborate with writers, editors, government staff, program officials and subject matter experts to resolve editorial questions.
  • Identify and correct inconsistencies in terminology, tone, formatting, citations, names, dates and other key details.
  • Support quality assurance for high-visibility communications products before publication or delivery.
  • Manage competing editing assignments and meet tight deadlines.
  • Participate in special projects and perform other related editing and quality assurance duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 1 year of professional copyediting experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in communication, writing, public relations, or related field.
  • Experience copyediting science writing intended for broad audiences.
  • Experience editing written content across multiple formats, including testimony, press releases, fact sheets, blogs, webpages, reports and social media.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in AP Style.
  • Experience maintaining and following an organization-specific style guide.
  • Familiarity with federal communication requirements, including the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and Section 508 compliance.
  • Strong command of grammar, punctuation, consistency, readability and editorial quality assurance.
  • Ability to edit complex scientific and technical topics for clarity, accessibility and accuracy.
  • Ability to manage competing deadlines and collaborate effectively with writers and communications stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications
  • Strong critical thinking, analytical and time management skills.
  • Proven ability to organize, prioritize and work well with others.
  • Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas and solutions logically both written and orally.
  • Ability to stay calm under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to receive feedback from clients and implement changes quickly and effectively.
  • Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
  • Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

Client Information
The National Science Foundation Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) requires contractor support to provide writing and editing services for the agency. This role supports OLPA communications by translating complex NSF programs, initiatives and research findings into clear, accurate and accessible content for internal and external audiences.

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