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Development Editor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

ICF International, Inc.

Technical Editor

Reston, VA · On-site

Research, outline, edit, and support the development of reports and other products addressing ... Perform copy editing, proofreading, document formatting, and final publication reviews. * Support ...

ICF

Technical Editor

Reston, VA

Research, outline, edit, and support the development of reports and other products addressing ... Perform copy editing, proofreading, document formatting, and final publication reviews. * Support ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Stand Together

Deputy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

This role will oversee Development Communications, including the editorial calendar, workflows, review cycles, deadlines, approvals, and handoffs. The Deputy Editor will directly manage writers ...

Stand Together

Deputy Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

This role will oversee Development Communications, including the editorial calendar, workflows, review cycles, deadlines, approvals, and handoffs. The Deputy Editor will directly manage writers ...

Stand Together

Deputy Editor

Arlington, VA

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

This role will oversee Development Communications, including the editorial calendar, workflows, review cycles, deadlines, approvals, and handoffs. The Deputy Editor will directly manage writers ...

Goldbelt, Inc.

Technical Editor

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and development practices. Summary: Goldbelt Hawk is seeking a Technical Editor to provide continued support to the DTRA NE-MA Department's customers and programs. Facilitating vulnerability ...

The Washington Post

Economics Editor

Washington, DC

$137K - $228K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with editors across the Politics & Government department and other parts of the newsroom to execute comprehensive coverage of major economic developments. * Partner with Visuals and ...

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Development Editor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$55.9K

$92.9K

$110.6K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Washington, DC is $92,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $109,400.00 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 Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,237 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Senior Technical Editor

Patriot Enterprises LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description:
  • The FHA Senior Technical Editor oversees the entire editorial process for high-stakes technical documentation, ensuring stylistic consistency across large-scale programs and mentoring junior staff
  • Leads a team responsible for transforming raw data and engineering jargon into authoritative documents that meet the stringent requirements of the agency, including reference checking, fact checking, and ensuring copyright compliance

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Focus on substantive editing, verifying technical accuracy, and ensuring compliance with agency style guides for all documents, reports, and manuals
  • Lead an independently working team, managing the full lifecycle of a document from outline to final publication including online and web publishing
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), project managers, technical staff, leadership, and stakeholders to translate complex technical, scientific, regulatory, or policy information into clear, concise, and audience-appropriate communications
  • Establish, maintain, and enforce editorial standards, writing conventions, branding requirements, and document formatting guidelines to ensure consistency across all organizational publications
  • Provide substantive editing, copy editing, line editing, and developmental editing to improve document quality, logical flow, readability, and usability while preserving technical accuracy and author intent
  • Review documents for compliance with applicable organizational policies, contractual requirements, regulatory guidance, publication standards, and accessibility requirements

Education:
  • Master's Degree (Senior) in English, Journalism, or a technical field

Experience:
  • 10+ years of supervisory and project management experience; FHA transportation experience, especially in highway and surface transportation is preferred
  • This position requires an expert-level command of the US Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual and an eye for detail when ensuring quality control for all publications and documents

Apply