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

Senior Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

This editor will work with a small team responsible for making regular selections of books, under ... A well-developed point of view about literature-fiction and nonfiction alike-a willingness to argue ...

Analytic Editor LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI CI Poly (Please note this ... development. At our company, you come first. We're committed to creating an environment where you ...

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development, or organization. Confers with authors and ... Incumbent independently performs complex editing and writing tasks. Under general direction ...

Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$55K - $126K/yr

As a communications specialist on our team, you'll closely impact the development of creative ... Experience as a technical editor in an IC organization * Knowledge of the intelligence cycle and ...

Technical Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $126K/yr

Technical Editor The Opportunity: Key to an organization's growth is strong stakeholder ... As a communications specialist on our team, you'll closely impact the development of creative ...

Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$55K - $126K/yr

Technical Editor The Opportunity: Key to an organization's growth is strong stakeholder ... As a communications specialist on our team, you'll closely impact the development of creative ...

Joint Doctrine Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$43K - $89K/yr

Knowledge of Joint or Service doctrine development and publishing processes * Ability to follow ... Experience editing or formatting professional documents, including academic, technical, policy ...

Description Position at Al Jazeera Media Network Program Editor Washington DC Al Jazeera English is ... You will decide the editorial lines of the day and how stories should be developed and presented ...

Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$55K - $126K/yr

Technical Editor The Opportunity: Key to an organization's growth is strong stakeholder ... As a communications specialist on our team, you'll closely impact the development of creative ...

Managing Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THIS ROLE The Aspen Institute's Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Managing Editor to lead the editorial vision, development, and production of the program's primary publications. This role ...

Work with Audience development and real-time analytics to inform publishing decisions and ensure ... Strong editing, commissioning and homepage management experience. * Excellent understanding of ...

Technical Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87K - $107K/yr

We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products ... The Technical Editor will review and provide detailed editorial feedback on technical documents ...

Managing Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$93K - $100K/yr

ABOUT THIS ROLE The Aspen Institutes Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Managing Editor to lead the editorial vision, development, and production of the programs primary publications. This role ...

Editor, Central Desk

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

You are already aneditor,or a reporter or producer who has developed strong editing skills and is eager to make editing a larger part of your career * You enjoy moving between the big picture and the ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 1, 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.

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 popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Development Editor jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Editor jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Editor jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Silver Spring, MD 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 $85,133 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Independent Software, Inc. is focused on supporting core Intelligence Community missions. As an Analytic Editor, Level 2, you will apply your SIGINT collection and analysis expertise to ensure intelligence products are accurate and actionable, assisting decision-makers in responding to emerging threats.
Responsibilities:
• Draft, review, and edit serialized-product reports and other intelligence products or services, including working aids, databases, briefings, and related materials, in accordance with information-sharing policies and standards.
• Prepare information for publication or presentation by reviewing and editing content, including external elements such as TAGs, distribution, classification, caveats, title, and Information Needs; verify accuracy of source records when applicable; assess appropriateness of dissemination format or vehicle.
• Ensure all products conform to customer reporting policy guidance and style standards.
• Provide guidance and mentoring in writing, information organization, reporting, and distribution.
• Write, review, and edit intelligence reports and related products, research and respond to information requests, and ensure accuracy and consistency of source materials.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong writing, editing, and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of SIGINT collection, reporting, and analysis processes.
• Experience preparing serialized intelligence reports and other analytic products.
• Ability to assess and validate information for accuracy and compliance with IC reporting standards.
• Strong collaboration and mentoring skills.
• Ability to communicate complex intelligence clearly and concisely.
• High school diploma or GED plus 9 years of relevant experience, an Associate’s degree plus 7 years, a Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years, a Master’s degree plus 3 years, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years.
• Relevant experience must be in writing, editing, or producing technical/analytic reports or products and must be related to SIGINT or Information Assurance.
• Must possess an active TS SCI with appropriate Polygraph to be considered for this role.
Preferred:
• Degree in English, Journalism, or Technical Writing is preferred, but a degree in any field is acceptable.
Company:
Independent Software supports our customers by providing next-generation cyber services, intelligence and all-source analytics, machine learning, and mission application development. Founded in 2005, the company is headquartered in Ellicott City, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.