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Development Editor Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Assume primary responsibility for development, scheduling, editing, design and production oversight for assigned publications each year, as directed by the Publisher. * Liaise directly with internal ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Deputy Managing Editor

Boston, MA · On-site

$96K - $144K/yr

The Deputy Managing Editor is a driving force in a newsroom built for today's public media ... development, strengthening their voices on air, and pushing their work to distinguish itself in a ...

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

WCVB-TV/Chronicle is seeking an experienced part-time Editor to support the development and launch of a new afternoon version of its long-running news magazine program. This temporary role will focus ...

The Deputy Managing Editor is a driving force in a newsroom built for today's public media ... development, strengthening their voices on air, and pushing their work to distinguish itself in a ...

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

WCVB-TV/Chronicle is seeking an experienced part-time Editor to support the development and launch of a new afternoon version of its long-running news magazine program. This temporary role will focus ...

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

WCVB-TV/Chronicle is seeking an experienced part-time Editor to support the development and launch of a new afternoon version of its long-running news magazine program. This temporary role will focus ...

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA · On-site

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

WCVB-TV/Chronicle is seeking an experienced part-time Editor to support the development and launch of a new afternoon version of its long-running news magazine program. This temporary role will focus ...

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

WCVB-TV/Chronicle is seeking an experienced part-time Editor to support the development and launch of a new afternoon version of its long-running news magazine program. This temporary role will focus ...

Part-Time Editor

Needham, MA · On-site

$27.55 - $36.73/hr

WCVB-TV/Chronicle is seeking an experienced part-time Editor to support the development and launch of a new afternoon version of its long-running news magazine program. This temporary role will focus ...

Editor/Writer

Montague, MA · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Position Summary The Editor/Writer reports to the Director of Publications and is responsible for ... Creates or contributes to the development of workshop and curriculum materials for Center for ...

New

Scientific Editor

Medford, MA · On-site

$71K - $119K/yr

We are seeking a Scientific Editor to join the Matter team and contribute to its continued development as a leading venue for materials science. Working closely with and reporting to the Editor in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Development Editor information

See Massachusetts salary details

$54.1K

$89.9K

$107K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Massachusetts is $89,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $105,900.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Editor jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Development Editor jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in Massachusetts?

For Development Editor jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Editor jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Editor jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in MA?

For Development Editor jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Massachusetts 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 $89,938 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

$53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Project Editor provides editorial support for publications and educational programs, including teacher materials, ancillaries, licensed trade books, digital products, catalogs, and marketing collateral. The project editor is responsible for managing projects, often multiple projects simultaneously and usually for the lifetime of the project. Projects may be multi-year and multi-component, or small-scale (for example, new books, reprints, workshop products, articles, new or replacement lessons, lesson components and products, small guides, research reports, and marketing collateral). Finished products will be published in both print and digital formats.
The ideal candidate is a team player, a self-starter, and a lifelong learner. They will have developmental-level editing skills, excellent command of editorial processes and styles, and show evidence of ability to project manage in multiphase projects with multiple components.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning, coordinating and managing a variety of publications projections
  • Project manages a variety of titles from a range of publishing areas from proposal or receipt of manuscript through to print-ready files, including the preparation of digital assets while keeping to schedule and deliverable timeline specifications.
  • Manages timelines to ensure that projects stay on schedule.
  • Coordinates production review processes (all stages of page proof review).
  • Ensures smooth running of projects from manuscript to final print and digital files, in conjunction with the Chief Publications Officer.
  • Establishes excellent relations with authors, illustrators and other external clients, keeping them fully informed of progress, ensuring project expectations are adhered to as the project develops.
  • Develops and maintains good relationships with all in-house staff, knowing where each project is in the system at any given time, ensuring that work is placed appropriately in-house, completing all handover to production forms fully and accurately.
  • Liaises with Programs and production staff regarding completion dates for project deliverables,
  • Collaborates with Chief Publications Officer as requested to develop schedules for projects, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and keeps the Chief and/or Senior Editor informed of any schedule changes.

Editing and Writing
  • Performs manuscript editing tasks, from substantive developmental editing of content to copy editing for consistency and style, and ensures that all materials developed adhere to the style guides/sheets.
  • Partners with copy editors, proofreaders, translators, fact checkers, and other freelance/contract staff as needed.
  • Quality checks all in-house work before it is sent out for internal or external review, checks all outsourced work to ensure that it adheres to the guidelines given and meets the expected standards; gives each project a final check to ensure that CPM standards have been maintained.
  • Undertakes in-house writing, copy-editing, and proofreading on projects as required; organizing clients', authors and proofreaders' mark-ups.
  • Familiar with the purpose of a variety of style guides and able to edit work following the publications department's chosen style guide.

General administration
  • Ensures all correspondence files are up to date and complete.
  • Archives and keeps full proof records until a project is completed and closed.
  • Collaborates with Production Coordinator to record all details relevant to the history of a project.
  • Prepares text of completed projects for website, marketing sales or other as required.
  • Assists with general publications tasks as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in communication, English or journalism or closely related field, background in education a plus.
  • At least 3 years of experience in writing and editing, preferably in book publishing and preferably in an office setting.
  • Strong organizational skills and file management abilities.
  • Receptive to direction, feedback, and editing from people with varying roles and backgrounds.
  • Deadline-oriented with the ability to prioritize work to meet project due dates.
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects at one time.
  • Highly organized, excellent attention to detail, strong oral and written communication.
  • High accountability for performance, able to receive and apply feedback.
  • Disposition is consistently professional, cooperative, and collegial as evidenced by workplace maturity, composure, perspective, transparency, reliability, integrity, and trustworthiness.
  • Caring for and, committed to the vision, mission, and welfare of CRS.
  • Respects and values diversity; represents CRS positively and professionally in interactions with clients, vendors, and the community at large in both real and virtual interactions.
  • Able to work and thrive in an open-suite, highly collaborative environment.
  • Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Able to use a computer or phone for up to 8 hours per day, with breaks and lunch.
  • Able to lift 30 lbs. on occasion.
  • Must be able to show proof of COVID-19 primary vaccinations or submit a medical or religious exemption.

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job. Other duties, as assigned by the jobholder's supervisor, may also be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.