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Development Editor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

WFMT

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... Writer/Editor to lead the creation and distribution of digital content across WFMT.com and ... basic web development concepts • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Audition;

INTECON

Technical Writer / Editor

IL · On-site +1

$60K - $85K/yr

Job Role: Technical Writer / Editor - MAF Mission Planning Systems LCAT: Technical Support ... Information System Capability Development Documents (IS-CDDs) * Operational Concepts of Employment ...

University of Utah

Content Editors

Campus, IL · On-site

Responsibilities Writing, Editing & Content Development * Write, revise, and edit marketing content for University of Utah websites and campaigns, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to ...

WTTW

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... Writer/Editor to lead the creation and distribution of digital content across WFMT.com and ... basic web development concepts • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Audition;

University of Utah

Content Editors

Campus, IL · On-site

Responsibilities Writing, Editing & Content Development * Write, revise, and edit marketing content for University of Utah websites and campaigns, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to ...

Joint Commission

Editor

Villa Park, IL

$56K - $72K/yr

Adheres to development/publication schedules for all assigned content, ensuring timely, accurate publication. * Reviews, edits, and, as necessary, revises/rewrites draft content to ensure accuracy ...

University of Utah

Content Editors

Campus, IL

Responsibilities Writing, Editing & Content Development * Write, revise, and edit marketing content for University of Utah websites and campaigns, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to ...

Joint Commission

Editor

Villa Park, IL · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Adheres to development/publication schedules for all assigned content, ensuring timely, accurate publication. * Reviews, edits, and, as necessary, revises/rewrites draft content to ensure accuracy ...

Sourcebooks

Editor - Bloom Books/Bloom YA

Naperville, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

The Editor, Bloom Books and Bloom YA will acquire, edit, and manage both adult fiction and young ... Exhibiting initiative, leadership, and a strong desire to grow in book and product development.

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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:
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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.

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

WTTW/Chicago PBS and WFMT/Chicago Classical

Chicago, IL • On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

WFMT, Chicago's classical music radio station, is seeking a creative, deadline-driven Digital Writer/Editor to lead the creation and distribution of digital content across WFMT.com and associated social and digital platforms. The ideal candidate will craft compelling multimedia stories and features - with a strong focus on text and imagery - aligned with WFMT's editorial strategy and designed to grow and engage audiences. This professional will bring to bear exceptional storytelling abilities, a passion for classical and related music genres, and a keen understanding of digital content creation, audience engagement, and analytics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

         Develop, pitch, write and produce original feature content related to WFMT programming, classical music, the arts in Chicago, and related public interest stories.

         Employ a range of storytelling formats with a focus on text and image, but to also sometimes include video or audio to create engaging content and grow audience.

         Oversee the full production cycle from concept to publication: writing, editing, multimedia production, and publishing using an online content management system.

         Write effective headlines, teasers, and display copy to maximize engagement.

         Strategically create and extend produced content for/to WFMT's social media platforms to increase reach, drive traffic to WFMT.com, and support audience growth initiatives.

         Assign and edit additional stories from other staff, interns, and freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT's voice and mission.

         Maintain and update digital content across WFMT digital and social platforms, ensuring consistency with design and style guidelines.

         Use analytics tools to track content performance and inform editorial strategy.

         Ensure rights and permissions are secured for all content and media assets.

         Research, report, and fact-check all content according to WFMT editorial standards and guidelines.

         Stay current with evolving digital tools and workflows, and recommend improvements where appropriate.

         Supervise interns and support staff as assigned.

         Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

         Strong writing, editing, and communication skills

         Proven experience in multimedia content production (text, image, audio, video)

         Self-starter and demonstrated ability to meet daily deadlines

         Experience with online publishing and content management systems; familiarity with HTML and basic web development concepts

         Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Audition; Premiere a plus)

         Data-informed mindset; experience with content analytics and reporting

         Understanding of journalistic standards and ethics

         Collaborative, flexible team player with project management skills

         Deep interest in classical music and digital storytelling

EXPERIENCE:  3+ years in a writing, journalism or content creation role.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:  Bachelor's or Master's Degree in digital storytelling or related field preferred.

ESTIMATED SALARY RANGE: starting at $57,000 - $65,000/annual

WTTW and WFMT are committed to providing comprehensive and affordable benefits. These benefits are available to eligible employees.

Window to the World Communications, Inc., the parent organization of WTTW and WFMT, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

Employment Type: Full time

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