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Contract Copy Editor Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

May proofread front matter, descriptive copy, and jacket mechanicals. * Coordinates and monitors ... May prepare Contract Request Forms. * May assist with travel arrangements and process travel ...

May proofread front matter, descriptive copy, and jacket mechanicals. * Coordinates and monitors ... May prepare Contract Request Forms. * May assist with travel arrangements and process travel ...

Contract Copy Editor information

See Boston, MA salary details

$13

$31

$51

How much do contract copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract copy editor in Boston, MA is $31.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $34.71 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Copy Editor jobs in Boston, MA?

For Contract Copy Editor jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Copy Editor jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Copy Editor jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Contract Copy Editor jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Contract Copy Editor job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Copy Editor job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,976 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Assistant Editor

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
Job Description
Reporting to the Editorial Director and the Director of Special Initiatives within the Harvard University Press Acquisitions Department, the Assistant Editor provides administrative and editorial support to designated senior editors while contributing to the successful development and publication of scholarly books. The role collaborates with the Editorial Director on select backlist republication projects, rewrites copy, develops metadata for selected backlist titles, and solicits forewords for new editions of classic works. Following a period of training, the Assistant Editor also assists the Editorial Director with special initiatives.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The Assistant Editor supports all phases of the editorial process, including coordinating peer review, managing manuscripts and artwork, preparing title information sheets and design briefs, maintaining editorial databases, and handling a range of administrative responsibilities that support the department's editorial and publishing operations.
  • Assists acquisitions editors with preparation of manuscript considerations packets for the Acquisitions Planner workflow.
  • Assists acquisitions editors and Editorial Director to prepare for the monthly Syndics Meeting, Editorial Meeting, and Lookahead Meeting, and the triannual Marketing Launch Meetings.
  • Assists editors with entire peer review process.
  • Assists editors with preparation of fact sheets, design briefs, and solicit author questionnaires.
  • May solicit advance endorsements for books. Coordinates with editors and Editorial Director to finalize back ads order and other metadata, as needed.
  • May proofread front matter, descriptive copy, and jacket mechanicals.
  • Coordinates and monitors deadlines, collaborates with authors, translators, mapmakers, and illustrators to ensure that final manuscripts and artwork meet HUP's requirements; provides Editorial Director, editors, and other relevant colleagues in the Press with updates on project progress, expected dates, and manuscript elements.
  • Tracks design elements and technical problems in manuscripts; works with authors, editors, and relevant Press staff to eliminate problems to keep books on schedule.
  • In collaboration with editors, prepares manuscript for timely and complete transmittal to the copyeditorial department (using HUP's "turnover" memo) in accordance with internal guidelines.
  • Drafts correspondence as needed.
  • Maintains book files; scans and saves material to servers; uses Biblio Publishing Management System and Digital Asset Management system to track seasonal lists.
  • May prepare Contract Request Forms.
  • May assist with travel arrangements and process travel expenses.
  • May travel to scholarly conferences.
  • Performs clerical duties, including processing departmental forms, mailing, photocopying, faxing, paying bills, as needed.
  • Assists members of the Acquisitions Department as needed in support of the department goals as determined by manager.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications are the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to be considered for this role.
  • Three or more years of related experience. Education beyond high school may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
College degree strongly preferred. Must have demonstrated excellent writing and computer skills. Must be organized, accurate, detail-oriented, diplomatic, and familiar with the Microsoft suite of products. Related acquisitions editorial experience, some knowledge of the book publishing industry, or related media, familiarity with academic journals, relevant language expertise, and proven academic research skills a plus.
Competencies: Written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with common business software (Word, Excel, Planner, PowerPoint, Adobe, etc.), ability to set priorities, multitask, and work independently.
Additional Information
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings:Identity
  • Other Information:
    • This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.

Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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