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Contract Copy Editor Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Junior Technical Writer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Under general direction, write technical copy for various types of reports, responses, and ... Experience in production and/or editing of technical documents to include specific experience in ...

Under general direction, write technical copy for various types of reports, responses, and ... Experience in production and/or editing of technical documents to include specific experience in ...

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Contract Copy Editor information

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How much do contract copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract copy editor in Baltimore, MD is $28.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.97 and $31.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract copy editor?

A Contract Copy Editor is a freelance or temporary professional responsible for reviewing and refining written content for accuracy, clarity, grammar, and consistency. They typically work on a project-by-project basis for publishers, marketing agencies, or businesses. Their role includes checking for spelling errors, improving sentence structure, and ensuring adherence to style guides. Since they are contractors, they may work remotely and manage multiple clients at once.

What does a contract copy editor do?

A typical workday for a Contract Copy Editor involves reviewing and editing written materials—such as articles, marketing copy, or reports—for clarity, grammar, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines. You may juggle multiple projects from different clients, prioritize tasks based on deadlines, and communicate frequently with writers or project managers to clarify requirements or provide feedback. Most Contract Copy Editors work remotely and enjoy flexibility in setting their schedules, though responsiveness and timely delivery are crucial. Collaboration tools like Slack, email, and shared document platforms are commonly used to coordinate with other team members and ensure smooth workflow.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a contract copy editor?

To thrive as a Contract Copy Editor, you need excellent command of English grammar, spelling, and style, combined with a keen attention to detail and prior editing experience or a relevant degree. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word Track Changes, Google Docs, and style guides like AP, Chicago, or MLA is often required. Strong time management, ability to work independently, and clear communication with clients or team members distinguish top performers in this contract-based role. These skills and qualities are vital to consistently deliver accurate, polished content within set deadlines across a variety of projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor jobs in Baltimore, MD?

The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs in Baltimore, MD are:

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Contract Copy Editor jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Contract Copy Editor job openings:

Medical Editor II (DOM Infectious Diseases)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

We are seeking a Medical Editor II who will determine and plan editorial content and manage publication and distribution of in-house and/or external publication(s). The Medical Editor II serves as an information specialist and brings expertise to scientific and/or promotional editing and writing.
The JHU Clinical Guidelines Program partners with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) AIDS Institute (AI) in producing, publishing, disseminating, and keeping up to date the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines that establish the State of New York's standards for medical care for adults with HIV, viral hepatitis, other sexually transmitted diseases, and substance use disorders. This role works closely with the Program Director and staff and with the AI's committees of medical subject matter experts, authors, and reviewers to develop, review, refine, publish, and keep up to date a portfolio of 25 to 35 clinical practice guidelines (depending on the funder's priorities) and a variety of collateral materials to enhance dissemination.
The Medical Editor II is also responsible for completing independent projects when assigned. Examples of independent projects include developing and implementing a system for program evaluation, developing and implementing a social media strategy and presence, and partnering with the National Library of Medicine to develop and implement a system for publishing and indexing all program guidelines with the NLM.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Edit and/or produce written materials/manuscripts, and ensure technical accuracy, editorial consistency, clarity, and appropriateness for the target audience using technical/scientific knowledge of the subject matter.
  • Plan layouts, contract with vendors, review copy.
  • Design layout and oversee production.
  • Research story ideas and assign or write articles.
  • Plan and manage budgets.
  • Oversee advertising activities.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to create structure and form in the writing and editing of manuals and other communication vehicles.
  • Perform literature reviews and Internet research on selected topics.
  • Collaborate with authors on content development, editing, and submission of journal articles.
  • Guide the work of design/desktop publishing staff in developing content for internal and external audiences.
  • Apply subject matter expertise to edit manuscripts and other journal features.
  • Interact with authors on changes, agreement to copyright release and mandatory charges, deadlines, and production requirements.
  • Oversee the administrative function of the journal, e.g., publication budget, basic copy editing of non-scientific portions of the journal, editorial board meeting content and scheduling, advertising space and advertising goals, maintenance of online editing systems.
  • May establish author guidelines, resource materials, and make recommendations for the overall format for journals.

In addition to the duties described above:
  • Act as lead editor for specific guidelines: Perform background research to summarize current best practices and areas of potential controversy; identify and review existing reputable clinical practice guidelines (e.g., CDC, DHHS, NIH, IDSA); assist authors and writing groups in defining guideline and literature review scope (whether new or update); assist with literature search and documentation of evidence; ensure that lead authors understands and can apply the program's standards to guideline development; as first line of review, provide detailed feedback to authors through all stages of development; write effective author queries to help shape the text; shepherd the manuscript through multiple stages of review and revision by the writing group and committee, facilitating resolution of controversies when needed; create and maintain the EndNote reference database; develop the evidence table to facilitate rating of recommendations; ensure that all recommendations are rated for strength and quality of evidence; ensure that all required internal and external reviews are completed before submission to the NYSDOH AI for approval to publish; ensure fidelity between the approved manuscript and the published product.
  • Identify possible obstacles to manuscript completion and work proactively with the Managing Editor, author, and writing group to develop and implement solutions as needed.
  • As assigned or needed, propose, develop, and implement solutions and innovations to improve the program's efficiency and ability to meet the funder's priorities.
  • Participate in regular conference calls with authors, writing groups, and committee members to ensure that the development process does not stall and that authors are able to meet deadlines.
  • Travel domestically as needed for programming meetings and professional development.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
  • Three years of related experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/ graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
  • A Master's Degree in a related field is preferred (e.g., professional writing, public health, biological sciences).
  • Demonstrably strong medical editing skills (structural and substantive editing, fact checking, copyediting, referencing, and proofreading), with working knowledge of AMA and Council of Science Editors styles for medical writing and literature citation.

Classified Title: Editor II
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Medical Editor II (DOM Infectious Diseases)
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PD
Starting Salary Range: $62,900 - $110,100 Annually ($75,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Remote
Department name: DOM Infectious Diseases
Personnel area: School of Medicine

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876