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Development Editor Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

GLENWOOD INC

Development Associate

Birmingham, AL · On-site

The Development Associate supports Glenwood's Development Department through fundraising operations ... A strong communicator, with excellent writing, editing and interpersonal skills. * Creative and ...

4P Consulting Inc

Technical Writer III

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Technical Writer IIIWe are seeking an experienced Technical Writer III to support technical documentation, publication development, editing, quality control, and communication activities. The ...

4P Consulting Inc

Technical Writer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Technical Writer IIIWe are seeking an experienced Technical Writer III to support technical documentation, publication development, editing, quality control, and communication activities. The ...

4P Consulting Inc

Technical Writer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Technical Writer IIIWe are seeking an experienced Technical Writer III to support technical documentation, publication development, editing, quality control, and communication activities. The ...

4P Consulting Inc

Technical Writer III

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Technical Writer IIIWe are seeking an experienced Technical Writer III to support technical documentation, publication development, editing, quality control, and communication activities. The ...

4p-Consulting-Inc.

Technical Writer III

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Provide research, writing, editing, document consultation, development, and design support to internal clients. * Oversee and support various communication platforms, including web-based tools, Watts ...

UAB NOVA RENT

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$19.80 - $24.03/hr

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR - UAB HEERSINK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE The University of Alabama at Birmingham ... editing copy for correspondence and submitting reimbursements. Candidates must have excellent ...

RhyGaze AG

... development programs. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in analytical method ... editing-, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-, and/or lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based modalities. This ...

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Development Editor information

See Alabama salary details

$44.9K

$74.6K

$88.8K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Alabama is $74,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,100.00 and $87,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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Development Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,642 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Publication Acquisitions Editor II - 529999

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

$53K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Acquire 20-25 book manuscripts annually in scholarly and trade fields, ensuring alignment with the press's goals and budget constraints.

  • Solicit, evaluate, and prepare proposals and manuscripts for review, guiding authors through revisions and finalizing manuscripts for editorial and production processes.

  • Participate in seasonal list-planning, assess editorial and production costs, and identify sources of financial support for book projects.

University Of Alabama rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job no: 529999
Position type: Regular Full-time (Benefits eligible)
Location: Tuscaloosa
Division/Equivalent: Academic Affairs
School/Unit: Libraries
Department/Office: 219801 - University Press
Categories: Other, Communication

Apply now

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $53,500 - Midpoint: $66,900 (Salaried E8)

Department/Organization: 219801 - University Press

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The Publication Acquisitions Editor II acquires book manuscripts sufficient in number to fulfill annual goals and within budget constraints under minimal supervision. Ensures acquisitions align with the direction and vision of the Editor-In-Chief. Provides training and guidance to entry-level Publication Acquisition Editors.

Additional Department Summary:

Acquires 20-25 book manuscripts annually in scholarly fields that include but are not limited to Anthropology, Archaeology, Native American Studies, Food and Foodways, and Latin American History. Acquires trade titles intended for a broad general-interest or regional readership. Solicits and evaluates proposals and manuscripts. Secures appropriate peer reviewers from subject-matter experts. Prepares packets for the faculty editorial board to review. Presents new projects to press staff and to the faculty editorial board. Guides authors through revisions. Prepares final manuscripts for editorial and production. Assesses editorial and production costs and considerations to factor those costs into any given book project. Participates in seasonal list-planning as well as general press operations. Identifies sources of financial support or subsidies for their book projects, executing such fundraising in consultation with, and at the direction of the Press Director. Works closely with series editors to maintain output and foster innovative work while also seeking to establish new series as appropriate. Maintains productive and collegial relationships with the manuscript editorial, production, marketing, and business departments to keep books on schedule and budget.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of book acquisitions and/or publishing experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of book acquisitions and/or publishing experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain a steady pipeline of projects. Strong organizational skills. Keen attention to details. Ability to set priorities and work independently. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem resolution skills. Ability to negotiate with authors and internal staff. Good judgment. Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Word and Outlook). Solid understanding of the scholarly publishing industry, with an awareness of finances and market potential, as well as a familiarity with current publishing trends and developments.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with database management. Experience with the scholarly literature pertaining to literary criticism; rhetoric and communication studies; and Southern art, music, literature, and culture, particularly as they pertain to the State of Alabama and the American South.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC's Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.

Advertised: Jul 28 2026 Central Daylight Time
Application close: Aug 31 2026 Central Daylight Time

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