ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Development Editor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Sun-Times

Managing Editor, News

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$141K - $177K/yr

The Managing Editor ensures the strategic operation of our combined digital, print, and audio ... Lead newsroom culture and professional development with a focus on inclusion and excellence.

Chicago Public Media

Managing Editor, News

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$141K - $177K/yr

The Managing Editor ensures the strategic operation of our combined digital, print, and audio ... Lead newsroom culture and professional development with a focus on inclusion and excellence.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDevelopment Editor JobsDevelopment Editor Jobs in Illinois

Development Editor information

See Illinois salary details

$48K

$79.8K

$95K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Illinois is $79,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,700.00 and $94,000.00 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.
More about Development Editor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Editor jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Development Editor jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in Illinois? For Development Editor jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Editor jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Development Editor jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Development Editor jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Development Editor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in IL? For Development Editor jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Development Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 59% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,800 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Antitrust - Managing Editor, Antitrust Law Journal (JD required)

Antitrust - Managing Editor, Antitrust Law Journal (JD required)

American Bar Association

Chicago, IL • On-site

$78K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.
The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.
The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA's wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.
Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
The Managing Editor is responsible for the day-to-day logistics of producing the Antitrust Law Journal, as well as providing academic rigor, substantive accuracy, and quality control for articles in the editing pipeline and participating in the development and final production of articles for publication--a process that spans submission, peer review, editing, cite checking, typesetting, and production.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities
-Manage submission process, including communicating with submitters, checking conflicts information on submitted articles; assigning peer reviewers for submissions; assessing referee comments; corresponding with referees; discussing referee reports with editors; and preparing draft emails for submission acceptances and rejections.
-Manage development and progress of articles through the editing process, including tracking and reporting on status of articles; communicating with editorial board by email and at meetings; participating in regular conference calls; assigning primary editors and intermediate editors for each article, communicating with authors and editors; and reviewing primary and intermediate edits of articles
-Manage fact- and cite-checking process for each article through review of all citations for: (a) academic rigor; (b) fair characterization of cited material and quotations; and (c) correct interpretation of data and quantitative analyses.
-Prepare final articles for typesetting and printing by managing review of proofs by authors and editors and communicating with vendors.
-Performs other related duties as required.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
-Possession of a JD from an ABA-accredited law school, with at least one law school course in antitrust, and a working knowledge of at least basic economics.
-Lawyer or law professor with at least 3 years of practice, including an emphasis on antitrust, and significant legal writing experience and law review experience.
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience
-Previous publishing experience in writing and/or editing specialized legal books, periodicals, or law reviews.
The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.

Apply