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Development Editor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Agupdate

Assistant Editor (UNION)

Detroit, MI · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

They'll be a thought partner, from reporters' early efforts to build relationships with communities to story development and the editing process and will help facilitate community engagement This ...

gannett

Education Editing Fellow

Detroit, MI

This editor will work with a statewide education reporting fellow and a regional education ... development and the editing process and will help facilitate community engagement This team will ...

gannett

Education Editing Fellow

Detroit, MI · On-site

This editor will work with a statewide education reporting fellow and a regional education ... development and the editing process and will help facilitate community engagement This team will ...

USA-Today-Co.

Education Editing Fellow

Detroit, MI · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

This editor will work with a statewide education reporting fellow and a regional education ... development and the editing process and will help facilitate community engagement This team will ...

Westrock

Copy Editor

Lansing, MI · On-site

General Information Job ID ATR65150 Posting Job Title Copy Editor Locations MI Lansing Employment ... Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities * An attractive salary ...

Smurfit Westrock

Copy Editor

Lansing, MI · On-site

General Information Job ID ATR65150 Posting Job Title Copy Editor Locations MI Lansing Employment ... Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities * An attractive salary ...

CR Marketing

Be Seen First

Videographer/Editor: East Lansing

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Our videographer/editor positions are best suited for people with 3 to 5 years o experience. The ... We are a rare Midwest firm with in-house video, web development, photography, graphic design ...

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All JobsDevelopment Editor JobsDevelopment Editor Jobs in Michigan

Development Editor information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$71.8K

$85.4K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Michigan is $71,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $84,500.00 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.

More about Development Editor jobs

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Development Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,777 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Assistant Editor (UNION)

Agupdate

Detroit, MI • On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Detroit Free Press seeks a strong editor to lead a team of two education reporters as a one-year grant-funded editing fellow as part of a rapid expansion of education coverage statewide.

This editor will work with a statewide education reporting fellow and a regional education reporting fellow, setting priorities for coverage to have the most impact.

They'll be a thought partner, from reporters' early efforts to build relationships with communities to story development and the editing process and will help facilitate community engagement

This team will use every medium and platform - video, social, articles, in-person engagements and visuals - to help parents, lawmakers and community leaders understand the challenges in need of solutions at a time when Michigan children lag other states in reading, math, attendance and postsecondary education attainment.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience 1-3 years of editing or related experience Strong communication and collaboration skills Strong line-editing and story planning skills Strong people-management and problem solving skills Comfortable on camera, and interacting with readers and stakeholders Strong understanding of audience analytics, SEO and engagement strategies This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law

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