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Contract Copy Editing information

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$12

$28

$47

How much do contract copy editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract copy editing in the United States is $28.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $31.97 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 cities are hiring for Contract Copy Editing jobs? Cities with the most Contract Copy Editing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editing jobs? The most popular types of Copy Editing jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Copy Editing jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Copy Editing jobs include:
Contract Copy Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Copy Editing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,809 per year, or $28.8 per hour.
From Pitch to Print: Were Looking for an Associate Editor

From Pitch to Print: Were Looking for an Associate Editor

The Miami Times

Miami, FL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Salary: $35-$40/hour based on experience and qualifications


The Biscayne Times is seeking a newsroom-minded Assignment & Production Editor (Contractor) to help run the monthly editorial pipeline and guide each issue across the finish line. This is a coordination-first role with real ownership: keeping assignments moving, wrangling freelancers, strengthening drafts before copy edit, and partnering with design to close the issue on deadline.


***Qualified Candidates Must Live In South Florida***
About The Biscayne Times

The Biscayne Times is a trusted community newspaper serving Miamis neighborhoods with local journalism that matters. We cover the people, places, culture, and decisions shaping our communitiesalong with accountability reporting that keeps local institutions honest. Our readers rely on us for hyperlocal news, civic affairs, development, business profiles, arts and culture, and enterprise stories across areas including Edgewater, Wynwood, the Upper East Side, and beyond.


What Youll Do

Assignment desk + workflow ownership

  • Work closely with the Publisher to shape the monthly editorial plan and coverage priorities
  • Assign and track stories from pitch to publish, keeping writers aligned on scope and deadlines
  • Lead collaborative story-planning conversations with staff and freelancers to generate strong hyperlocal ideas

Editing + quality control

  • Review and line-edit all content prior to copy editing (clarity, structure, voice, accuracy, and flow)
  • Ensure stories meet editorial standards for fairness, sourcing, and local relevance
  • From time to time, contribute high-value stories, features, or opinion pieces as needed

Team coordination + production close

  • Oversee our staff writer and coordinate a small team of contributors and freelance writers
  • Recruit and onboard new freelance writers periodically to meet evolving editorial needs
  • Work closely with the graphic design team to support final page production and a clean handoff to print
  • Keep the issue on track and help ensure we consistently meet monthly print deadlines

Community relationships

  • Build and maintain working relationships with elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to support reporting and advance the publications editorial mission

Required Skills

  • 3+ years experience editing in a newsroom or news publishing environment (community/local strongly preferred)
  • Strong news judgment and comfort shaping angles, tightening structure, and elevating clarity fast
  • Excellent line-editing skills and attention to detail
  • Solid command of AP Style (and ability to enforce consistent house style)
  • Proven ability to manage writers and freelancers with clear feedback and steady follow-through
  • Comfortable working with print workflows and collaborating with designers toward page close
  • Organized, deadline-driven, and calm under pressureespecially during the final week of production


Nice to Have

  • Familiarity with Miami neighborhoods, civic issues, and local government
  • Spanish proficiency
  • Experience with CMS tools and basic editorial workflow systems

Contract Details

  • Contractor role (1099)
  • Rate: $35-$40/hour based on experience and qualifications
  • Time commitment: Not to exceed 65 hours per month
  • Workload is typically lighter early in the month and ramps up approaching the end-of-the-month print deadline
  • Remote-friendly; some in-person coordination may be requested depending on the month/needs
  • Immediate opening


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About The Biscayne Times

The Biscayne Times is a trusted monthly community newspaper serving Miamis neighborhoods with local journalism that matters. We cover the people, places, culture, and decisions shaping our communitiesalong with accountability reporting that keeps local institutions honest. Our readers rely on us for hyperlocal news, civic affairs, development, business profiles, arts and culture, and enterprise stories across areas including Edgewater, Wynwood, the Upper East Side, and beyond.