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Development Editor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Epitec

Editor - III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$46 - $50/hr

... development, editing, and publication of high-quality research content. This individual will edit scholarly articles, research periodicals, e-newsletters, website content, and speeches, helping ...

The Elizabeth Hospice

Editor

Deerfield, IL · On-site

Actively participates in the meetings by providing committees professional opinions on test material editing. f) Assists Managers, Test Development with preparation of final test copy of written and ...

Crain

Deputy Editor

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Oversee the development of newsletters, recurring franchises, and editorial products that build ... Editing Excellence * Raise the quality and impact of daily journalism through strong editing and ...

VIVA USA INC

Research Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

Research Editor - Contractor The client is seeking a talented, mission-driven editor with a passion ... development, and financial services Ability to collaborate effectively and thrive in a team ...

Citrus Health Group, Inc

Medical Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

... the development and maintenance of style guidelines for client accounts that meet with client ... Editor in the Life Sciences (ELS), Certified Medical Publication Professional (ISMPP CMPP™)

Citrus Health Group, Inc

Medical Editor

Chicago, IL

... the development and maintenance of style guidelines for client accounts that meet with client ... Collaborate with senior-level editors to obtain comprehensive project briefs, querying as necessary ...

EVERSANA

Senior Medical Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

The Senior Medical Editor is responsible for a range of Editorial services, including medical ... Grow Talent I own my development and invest in the development of others. Win Together I ...

Eversana

Senior Medical Editor

Chicago, IL

The Senior Medical Editor is responsible for a range of Editorial services, including medical ... Grow Talent I own my development and invest in the development of others. Win Together I ...

EVERSANA INTOUCH

Senior Medical Editor

Chicago, IL

The Senior Medical Editor is responsible for a range of Editorial services, including medical ... Grow Talent I own my development and invest in the development of others.  Win Together I ...

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All JobsDevelopment Editor JobsDevelopment Editor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Development Editor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$84.9K

$101K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Chicago, IL is $84,898.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,300.00 and $100,000.00 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

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Editor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Development Editor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Development Editor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Editor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Development Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,898 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Editor - III

Chicago, IL • On-site

Epitec
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Epitecexternal

$46 - $50/hr

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

  • Location: Chicago, Illinois
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #105807

Title: Research Editor
Location: Chicago, IL
Details: 24-month contract with ongoing need, opportunity for direct hire, Hybrid position onsite 4 days weekly
Pay Rate: $46.00 - 50.00/hr. with benefit inclusions
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented Research Editor to support the development, editing, and publication of high-quality research content. This individual will edit scholarly articles, research periodicals, e-newsletters, website content, and speeches, helping translate complex technical and economic subject matter into clear, engaging communications for broad audiences. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, highly organized editor with strong writing skills, a commitment to accuracy, and an interest in leveraging AI tools to enhance editorial workflows.
Responsibilities
  • Copyedit and proofread research publications, periodicals, e-newsletters, and related editorial content.
  • Perform substantive editing of manuscripts and research documents to improve clarity, consistency, and readability.
  • Edit and review content intended for publication on public-facing websites and digital platforms.
  • Collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts to translate complex topics into accessible communications.
  • Communicate editorial processes, revisions, and timelines with authors and stakeholders.
  • Review and verify bibliographies, citations, tables, charts, figures, indexes, and other publication elements.
  • Utilize AI-enabled tools to improve editorial efficiency and content quality.
  • Review HTML-converted content and coordinate revisions with web production teams.
  • Maintain accurate records of editorial projects within tracking and documentation systems.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting quality standards and deadlines.

Years of Experience and Education
  • Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Economics, Communications, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in content editing, copyediting, proofreading, or related editorial work.
  • Experience editing technical, academic, research, or subject matter expert-driven content preferred.
  • Experience supporting publications through review, approval, and production processes.

Skills Required
  • Advanced copyediting, proofreading, and substantive editing skills.
  • Strong knowledge of editorial style guides, including Chicago Manual of Style or similar standards.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to explain and present complex subject matter in a clear and engaging manner.
  • Experience reviewing page layouts, content formatting, and publication-ready materials.
  • Familiarity with AI research tools and prompt engineering concepts.
  • Experience working with web content management systems and reviewing HTML-formatted content.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with authors, researchers, and cross-functional teams.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
  • Demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning.
  • Interest in economics, public policy, research communications, financial services, or related subject matter.

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