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Development Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Development Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$55K - $65K/yr

Description Fairchild Books, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing and the leading US publisher in Fashion and Interior Design academic textbooks, is seeking a textbook development editor to join its ...

The Senior Development Editor, High School position offers the opportunity to lead complex content initiatives from idea to execution. Success in this role requires a blend of excellent editorial ...

Developmental editing will be needed in some of your work to ensure the content has a logical narrative and is easy for our clients to use and consume. Guide authors with clear advice and examples of ...

Developmental editing will be needed in some of your work to ensure the content has a logical narrative and is easy for our clients to use and consume. Guide authors with clear advice and examples of ...

Developmental editing will be needed in some of your work to ensure the content has a logical narrative and is easy for our clients to use and consume. Guide authors with clear advice and examples of ...

This role supports the Army Doctrine Development Program through editorial leadership, doctrine ... Coordinate with doctrine authors, government editors, and doctrine proponents * Maintain version ...

Editor

Irving, TX · On-site

Developmental editing will be needed in some of your work to ensure the content has a logical narrative and is easy for our clients to use and consume. Guide authors with clear advice and examples of ...

Developmental editing will be needed in some of your work to ensure the content has a logical narrative and is easy for our clients to use and consume. Guide authors with clear advice and examples of ...

This role supports the Army Doctrine Development Program through editorial leadership, doctrine ... Coordinate with doctrine authors, government editors, and doctrine proponents * Maintain version ...

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Development Editor information

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$49.5K

$82.4K

$98K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in the United States is $82,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Development Editor, you need a strong grasp of editorial processes, manuscript evaluation, and subject-matter expertise, typically supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with publishing software like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and content management systems is crucial, as is experience with style guides such as Chicago or APA. Exceptional communication, project management, and collaboration skills help build productive relationships with authors and cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure high-quality content development, adherence to publishing standards, and successful project delivery.

How does a Development Editor typically collaborate with authors and other editorial team members throughout the publishing process?

As a Development Editor, you work closely with authors to shape manuscripts, providing detailed feedback on structure, content, and clarity. Collaboration is key—regular meetings and written communications help guide authors through revisions and ensure the manuscript aligns with the publisher's vision. You’ll also coordinate with copy editors, proofreaders, and sometimes designers to maintain consistency and quality throughout the publication process. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to balance constructive criticism with encouragement, ensuring a smooth and productive workflow for all parties involved.

What Is a Development Editor?

A development editor works with an author to define and improve the structure and content of a manuscript. Development editors may start early on, from the point when the manuscript is accepted for publication, noting a lack of focus and helping the author refine a more definite direction for the book. They may also discover inconsistent tone, an unclear audience, or a stilted writing style, and provide suggestions to resolve these issues. Some development editors review the book chapter by chapter, until the book is ready for publication. Most developmental editors have a degree in English or a related subject. Many have experience in publishing as copy editors or proofreaders, or have been writers themselves before moving to become developmental editors.

What is the difference between Development Editor vs Content Editor?

AspectDevelopment EditorContent Editor
Primary RoleOversees the development process of a publication, including editing, coordinating with authors, and managing timelines.Focuses on editing and refining the content for clarity, style, and accuracy.
Required SkillsStrong editing, project management, and communication skills; knowledge of publishing processes.Excellent editing, grammar, and style skills; attention to detail.
Work EnvironmentTypically works in publishing houses, educational institutions, or corporate publishing teams.Works in similar environments, often within editorial teams or media companies.

While both roles involve editing, a Development Editor manages the overall development and production process of a publication, whereas a Content Editor concentrates on refining the content itself. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in publishing and editing industries.

What is a Development Editor?

A Development Editor is a publishing professional who works closely with authors to shape and refine the content, structure, and overall direction of a manuscript before it moves to copyediting or production. Their primary focus is on the big-picture elements such as organization, clarity, pacing, and coherence of the work. Development Editors provide constructive feedback and suggestions to help authors strengthen their ideas and ensure the manuscript meets its intended purpose and audience. They are commonly employed in book publishing, academic, and educational settings.
What cities are hiring for Development Editor jobs? Cities with the most Development Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Editor jobs? The most popular types of Development Editor jobs are:
What states have the most Development Editor jobs? States with the most job openings for Development Editor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs? For Development Editor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,351 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Development Editor

Bloomsbury Publishing Inc

Manhattan, NY • On-site, Remote

$55K - $65K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description

Fairchild Books, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing and the leading US publisher in Fashion and Interior Design academic textbooks, is seeking a textbook development editor to join its New York team. 


Position Summary: Communicate the expectations and requirements regarding manuscript preparation, artwork, and schedules to authors in agreement with contract and publishing plan. Ensure that author meets interim schedule for delivery of 1st draft through final manuscript adhering to approval title proposal or revision plan. Work closely with production team to bring titles through publication.


Duties and responsibilities include (but not limited to):

  • Analyze manuscript quality, accuracy, currency, and progress from 1st draft to final manuscript regarding organization, topical coverage, consistency of presentation, reading level, illustrations, pedagogical features, and up-to-date references. 
  • Monitor length, art counts, and all other variables that affect project goals to ensure assigned project stays within the approved budget.
  • With support from Editorial Assistant, arrange reviews to provide market feedback for first draft and final manuscript for new titles. Analyze comments, prepare development plan to guide authors in the writing and revising stages. Advise authors on making necessary changes to ensure that each title will satisfy the quality, accuracy, currency, and content needs of the market to the fullest extent possible. 
  • Evaluate and/or suggest suitable pedagogy from an overall assessment to actual creation of chapter-by-chapter features that will enhance the main strengths of the text and meet the needs of the specific target audience.
  • Work closely with the Art Editor to evaluate the art program to ensure recommendations enhance the text and represent a mix of photographs and drawings with reasonable pacing throughout text and, if necessary, make recommendations for replacement or additional art. 
  • Prepare all documents for transmittal to production, including style sheets for copyediting, cover copy from author, design template. For Marketing, draft promotional copy based on Author Marketing Questionnaire and Competitive Grid. 
  • Brief full manuscript and complete art program to production.
  • Review sample design pages, ensuring that design includes all text and art elements listed in design memo and that design interprets design memo in a way that achieves the goals established by the Publisher and Acquiring Editor.
  • Review each stage of page proofs from first page proofs to final page proofs. 
  • Participates in cover discussions, including but not limited to selections, title treatment, essential cover information, and ensuring the final cover mechanical is complete, including all Fairchild Book front cover, spine, and back cover information, accurate, and provides final approval. 
  • Tailor ancillary resources to address specific content and market needs of each title, including instructor and student resources the publisher has selected for each title.
  • Work closely with the Digital team and the Fairchild Books Editorial Assistant/Assistant Editor to review, assess, ensure quality, and upload of online resource materials for student and instructor resources. 
  • Attends, participates, and presents at a variety of editorial meetings.
  • Provide information and support as necessary to marketing/sales to introduce new titles and revisions and maximize the title's sales potential in the marketplace.

Requirements

  • 3-5 years of publishing experience in textbook publishing and/or content development editing.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Word and PowerPoint); basic skills needed in Adobe PhotoShop.
  • Adaptable to new learning new software (Biblio, Collection Point, etc.)
  • Excellent schedule management and ability to multi-task and juggle multiple projects (typically 15-20 per year) simultaneously at various stages of development.
  • Able to sensitively and clearly convey edits, information, and recommendations to authors across a range of disciplines and experience levels.
  • Excellent written communication skills in a positive and professional manner.
  • Adaptable communication skills to accommodate author needs, including but not limited to, email communication, phone communication, and video call communication.
  • Scheduling and maintaining regular author meetings as needed.
  • Attention to detail is essential. 

 Submission must include a cover letter for consideration 


Location:

We are seeking candidates located within the DC, MD, VA region or the NY tri-state area who can work a hybrid schedule from our Greenbelt MD or NYC office. 

 
Equal Opportunity Employment

Bloomsbury Publishing USA is committed to a merit-based, equal-opportunity workplace. We hire, retain, and promote employees based on individual qualifications, skills, and performance, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Our company fosters an inclusive environment where all employees are treated fairly and have the opportunity to succeed based on their abilities and contributions. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and fairness in all aspects of employment. 


Benefits

  • Medical insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Hybrid Work Schedule