ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

The Lawfare Institute

Associate Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$48K - $60K/yr

The associate editor plays a pivotal role in the editorial process, ensuring that articles ... Soliciting submissions from contributors based on current developments and perceived gaps in ...

Skdk

Video Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Provide expertise and input during creative meetings, contributing to the development of campaign ... Expertise in video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro) and familiarity with motion graphics tools ...

Skdk

Video Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Provide expertise and input during creative meetings, contributing to the development of campaign ... Expertise in video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro) and familiarity with motion graphics tools ...

The Aspen Institute

Managing Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$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 ...

The Aspen Institute

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 ...

Aspen Institute

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 ...

Sentar

Analytic Editor

Fort George G Meade, MD

As an Analytical Editor, you will be given the opportunity to showcase your SIGINT Reporting ... Professional development reimbursement * Recognition and Awards programs If you are not ready to ...

Sentar, Inc.

Analytic Editor

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

As an Analytical Editor, you will be given the opportunity to showcase your SIGINT Reporting ... Professional development reimbursement * Recognition and Awards programs If you are not ready to ...

Sentar

Analytic Editor

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

As an Analytical Editor, you will be given the opportunity to showcase your SIGINT Reporting ... Professional development reimbursement * Recognition and Awards programs If you are not ready to ...

Condé Nast

Senior Copy Editor

Adelphi, MD · Hybrid

... development of style guidelines. * Reviewing layouts and page proofs, ensuring pages are accurate ... Supporting the Chief Sub Editor with workflow improvements and the implementation of new editorial ...

The US Institute of Peace

Editor/Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$99K - $102K/yr

Summary The Editor/Writer works as part of the editorial team to assist in driving the Institute ... and development, and general readability. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications

Red Carrot

Photographer / Video Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

Photographer / Video Editor Level: Journeyman | Work Location: On-Site - Arlington, VA ⚠ This ... Training and Development - Tuition reimbursement and professional trainings for eligible employees ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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.
More about Development Editor jobs
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:
Development Editor jobs near you

Associate Editor

The Lawfare Institute

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$48K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Lawfare Institute
Lawfare is a non-profit multimedia publication dedicated to "Hard National Security Choices." We provide non-partisan, timely analysis of thorny legal and policy issues through our written, audio, and other content-all of which you can find free of charge at our website, www.lawfaremedia.org. We strive to achieve academic-level depth with magazine-level readability at the pace of news. We aim to improve the discourse on the law and policy of national security with a relentless focus on substantive issues that matter-in a fashion that is useful to policymakers and practitioners, but also accessible to anyone who wants to access it. Our areas of coverage range from national security law, threats to democracy, cybersecurity, executive powers, content moderation, domestic extremism, and foreign policy, among many others.
About the role
We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for associate editor at Lawfare. If you've ever listened to our podcasts or read our articles and thought, "I want to be part of that team," now is your chance.
This is a highly demanding job. The associate editor plays a pivotal role in the editorial process, ensuring that articles, documents, podcasts and everything else we produce are up to Lawfare's editorial standards. The associate editor also assists with long-term research projects carried out by members of the Lawfare team, works closely with Lawfare's network of experts, and has opportunities to write articles and host podcasts.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience within a range of $48,800 - $60,000.Benefits include health and dental care (with premiums fully paid by Lawfare), flexible hours, and participation in Lawfare's 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match.
What you'll do
The associate editor works at the direction of the managing editor to perform or assist with significant aspects of Lawfare's work, including:
  • Reviewing submissions for possible publication on the Lawfare website;
  • Soliciting submissions from contributors based on current developments and perceived gaps in Lawfare's coverage;
  • Processing accepted submissions to prepare them for publication;
  • Working with our podcast team to develop new audio content and daily podcasts;
  • Contributing to long- and short-term research projects at the direction of the senior editorial staff;
  • Ensuring final copyediting and posting of publications to the website;
  • Assisting the managing editor in setting and maintaining the Lawfare publication schedule;
  • Contributing as needed to Lawfare podcasts and articles on topics of particular expertise or need;
  • Managing the website, including rotating highlighted pieces, posting relevant documents and livestreams, and controlling quality, in coordination with the web hosting team;
  • Scheduling and other administrative responsibilities;
  • Assisting with fundraising and donor-required documentation, as needed;
  • Managing and hiring Lawfare interns;
  • Completing other duties as assigned by Lawfare management.

Qualifications
This role is an entry-level position, well-suited for recent college graduates or those with a year or two of work experience. Candidates will have a bachelor's degree, preferably in a field related to political science, government, journalism, or history. Outstanding writing, analytical, and research skills are required, as is an interest in national security issues. Candidates must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision, have excellent interpersonal, verbal, and organizational skills, and have the ability to take initiative and work in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in editing, journalism, the legal industry, or digital media is a plus.
Lawfare is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
How to Apply
Use the application link to submit the following documents:
  1. a resume that shows the experience and education requested above;
  2. a cover letter of no more than two pages that explains how you plan to apply your skills and experiences to Lawfare;
  3. a brief writing sample of no more than 1500 words;
  4. two references, with email addresses, of people directly familiar with your work.

Questions can be directed to applications@lawfaremedia.org.
The pay range for this role is:
48,800 - 60,000 USD per year (Remote (United States))

Apply