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Development Editor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

ISTE+ASCD

Sr. Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Sr. Editor, Integrated Content supports the editorial development, production, and optimization ofEducational Leadership magazine, EdSurge journalism, newsletters, and sponsored content ...

ISTE+ASCD

Sr. Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

The Sr. Editor, Integrated Content supports the editorial development, production, and optimization of Educational Leadership magazine, EdSurge journalism, newsletters, and sponsored content ...

T Rowe Price

RFP Editor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Identifying and implementing best practices across the proposal development value chain: working ... The RFP Editor will be working on multiple project proposals at any given time so needs to be adept ...

Wisconsin Land and Water | Jobs

Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

About the Role Deliver precise editing, writing, and quality oversight that ensures NGB and ANG ... development support, and the opportunity to directly influence the quality of National Guard ...

Heartland Consulting

Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$98K/yr

About the Role Deliver precise editing, writing, and quality oversight that ensures NGB and ANG ... development support, and the opportunity to directly influence the quality of National Guard ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, R&D programs, and strategic advisory ... BryceTech is seeking a Senior Editor to support National Guard Bureau executive leadership by ...

Distant Moon

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

... and creative development across all stages of filmmaking. This is an in-person role working ... directors, editors, producers, and creatives in a highly collaborative studio environment. The ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, R&D programs, and strategic advisory ... BryceTech is seeking a Senior Editor to support National Guard Bureau executive leadership by ...

T Rowe Price

RFP Editor

Baltimore, MD · Hybrid

Identifying and implementing best practices across the proposal development value chain: working ... The RFP Editor needs to be an active, ongoing contributor to the operational evolution of proposals ...

Mid-Atlantic Media

Group Editor

Columbia, MD · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Monitor community developments, social media, email, and other sources for story ideas and emerging ... Oversight of editing and factchecking to ensure adherence to AP Style and company editorial ...

New

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA

We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, R&D programs, and strategic advisory ... BryceTech is seeking a Senior Editor to support National Guard Bureau executive leadership by ...

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All JobsDevelopment Editor JobsDevelopment Editor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Development Editor information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$51.2K

$85.1K

$101.3K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Silver Spring, MD is $85,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,400.00 and $100,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is a Developmental Editor paid?

Developmental editors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, project scope, and industry. Freelance developmental editors may charge hourly rates ranging from $30 to $100 or more, based on their expertise and the complexity of the work.

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 kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

Development editors in media can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in editing and project management, and work at major publishing houses or media companies. High salaries are often associated with senior roles, specialized expertise, or leadership positions within the industry.

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.

What is the role of a Developmental Editor?

A Developmental Editor is responsible for shaping the content, structure, and overall flow of a manuscript during its early stages. They work closely with authors to improve organization, clarity, and coherence, often providing feedback on plot, character development, and pacing, especially in fiction and non-fiction projects. Strong editing skills and knowledge of the target audience are essential for this role.

How much do developmental editors make?

Developmental editors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the complexity of projects. Freelance developmental editors may charge hourly rates ranging from $30 to $100 or more, based on their expertise and the scope of work.
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Development Editor jobs near you
Editor, Editorial - Development

Editor, Editorial - Development

Stand Together

Arlington, VA

$110K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America's boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country's biggest problems, from education to the economy, broken communities, and toxic division, among dozens of other pressing issues. We provide our partners with access to resources including funding, thought leadership, a network of peers, and a playbook for applying proven principles to transform lives and society. 

As an Editor, Editorial - Development, you will serve as a senior editorial and strategic partner to Development and Fundraising teams. This role is less focused on writing volume and more focused on expertise, judgment, and elevation - shaping donorfacing work to ensure it is clear, compelling, and strategically sound. 

Editors develop deep subjectmatter fluency in priority issue areas, embed with key stakeholder groups, and coach writers to strengthen both individual products and overall editorial quality. 

How You Will Contribute

  • Develop and apply subjectmatter expertise across assigned issue areas and funding priorities. 

  • Serve as an embedded editorial partner to Development and Fundraising teams. 

  • Edit and elevate drafts produced by writers-strengthening structure, clarity, argumentation, and narrative flow. 

  • Coach writers through thoughtful feedback that improves both the work and the underlying thinking. 

  • Ensure donorfacing materials are accurate, aligned, and audienceappropriate before reaching senior leaders or external partners. 

What You Will Bring

  • Significant experience editing high-stakes communications for senior leaders, donors, or partners, ideally in philanthropy, nonprofit, mission-driven, or complex stakeholder environments. 

  • Strong editorial judgment and narrative instincts, paired with comfort working through dense feedback, multiple reviewers, and evolving direction. 

  • Experience developing subjectmatter expertise and applying it to persuasive communications. 

  • Comfort influencing across teams and working closely with senior leaders. 

  • Proven ability to coach writers and elevate others' work product. 

  • Enthusiasm to contribute to Stand Together's vision and principled approach to solving problems, and a commitment to stewarding our culture, which champions values including transformation and innovation, entrepreneurialism, humility, and respect.
What We Offer
  • Competitive benefits: Enjoy a 6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting, flexible time off, comprehensive health and dental plans, plus wellness and mental health support through Peloton and Talkspace.
  • A meaningful career: Join a passionate community of over 1,300 employees dedicated to improving lives and driving innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
  • Commitment to growth: Thrive in a non-hierarchical environment that empowers employees to discover, develop and apply their unique talents.
  • Competitive compensation: Our approach rewards the value you create through competitive salaries and bonus opportunities, allowing you to share in the success you help drive.
$110,000 - $140,000 a year

For this role, the anticipated base salary range is $110,000-$140,000 per year. This role may also be eligible for additional bonus compensation designed to align total compensation with an employee's overall contribution to the organization. 

Our Principles-Based Management (PBM) compensation philosophy is grounded in an individualized approach that rewards the long-term value each person creates for the organization. Compensation decisions are informed by a variety of factors, including relevant experience, capabilities, demonstrated skills, role responsibilities, and expected contribution. Consistent with this approach, base salary may vary within or outside of the anticipated range based on these considerations. 

Our Values: Working for an organization within the Stand Together philanthropic community is different from many other places. The culture is deeply rooted in Principle Based Management (PBM), a framework guided by the principles that drive human progress, such as dignity, openness, and bottom-up empowerment. PBM empowers employees to be entrepreneurial, to innovate, and to continually drive transformation.   
 
We believe diversity fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success.  That is why we're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and strive to treat all employees and applicants with honesty, dignity, and respect.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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