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Development Editor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Public Media

Managing Editor, News

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 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.

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;

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;

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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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 Jun 9, 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 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.
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Development Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 66% In-person, 18% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,898 per year, or $40.8 per hour.
Manuscript Editor I (Hybrid)

Manuscript Editor I (Hybrid)

American Medical Association

Chicago, IL • On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Manuscript Editor I (Hybrid)
Chicago, IL
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), published continuously since 1883, is an international peer-reviewed general medical journal. JAMA is a member of the JAMA Network family of journals, which includes 11 specialty journals and JAMA Network Open. The JAMA Network provides access to the research, reviews, and opinions shaping the future of medicine.
At AMA, our mission to improve the health of the nation starts with our people. We foster an inclusive, people-first culture where every employee is empowered to perform at their best. Together, we advance meaningful change in health care and the communities we serve.
We encourage and support professional development for our employees, and we are dedicated to social responsibility. We invite you to learn more about us and we look forward to getting to know you.
We have an opportunity at our corporate offices in Chicago for a Manuscript Editor I (Hybrid) on our Scientific Publication team. This is a hybrid position reporting into our Chicago, IL office, requiring 3 days a week in the office.
This role will editscientific articles written by physicians and researchers and a major sectionof the journal for a medical readership.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Editing
  • Edit medical articles and content using an XML editing system maintaining conformity to AMA style, editorial policies, and deadlines
  • Collaborate with manager to improve reporting quality and ensure clarity, readability, technical and scientific accuracy, and integrity of content;
  • Perform research and follow style and policy for correct use of medical terms, units of measure, references, and statistics
  • Advise the director of the progress of all manuscripts and alert the manager to any problems

Author and Staff Communications
  • Liaise with authors, editors, and the editorial, production, and media relations staff throughout the publication process and post-publication
  • Query and resolve inconsistencies and ambiguities and investigates errors and process corrections
  • Negotiate approval of edited content and address author and editorial management's questions; work with manager to resolve conflicts

Quality Assurance
  • Confirm all necessary consent forms and permissions, author information, and authors' contributions and disclosures
  • Read proofs word for word to verify conformity to editorial and author changes, making changes as necessary
  • Check citation and format of figures and tables, figure legends, supplemental content, references, and internal and related article links

May include other responsibilities as assigned
REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Bachelor's degree required, preferably in English, journalism, communications, or biological or physical sciences
  2. Two or more years of related experience preferably as a manuscript editor for a medical, scientific, or technical publication
  3. Background in science, knowledge of medical terminology, and familiarity with AMA Manual of Style and research methods recommended
  4. Familiarity with computer systems, electronic editing software, and content management systems; eXtyles or XML editing preferred
  5. High level of concentration required to edit materials; attention to detail critical
  6. Ability to organize and assign priority to assignments and to function well under strong pressure to meet fixed deadlines
  7. Strong interpersonal communication skills required in regular and frequent contacts with authors, editors, and production staff

The American Medical Association is located at 330 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 and is convenient to all public transportation in Chicago.
This role is an exempt position, and the salary range for this position is $61,800-$82,025. This is the lowest to highest salary we believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's pay within the salary range will be determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to business consideration and geographical location, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employees are also eligible to participate in an incentive plan. To learn more about the American Medical Association's benefits offerings, please click here.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. As an EOE/AA employer, the American Medical Association will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran or disability status.
THE AMA IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE NATION
American Medical Association logo

About American Medical Association

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1847, the American Medical Association (AMA) is the largest and only national association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders. Throughout history, the AMA has always followed its mission: to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. As the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care, the AMA delivers on this mission by representing physicians with a unified voice in courts and legislative bodies across the nation, removing obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises, and driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care and training the leaders of tomorrow.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1847

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