1

Development Editor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Technical Editor The Opportunity : Critical decisions are made every single day in the Intelligence ... professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our ...

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 ...

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

Deputy Policy Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

The best person for this job has extensive editing experience, expert knowledge of how politics ... Professional Development: Ongoing learning opportunities through internal training, programs, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Development Editor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56K

$93.2K

$111K

How much do development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for development editor in Washington, DC is $93,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $109,800.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC? For Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Development Editor jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Development Editor job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,237 per year, or $44.8 per hour.
Technical Editor

$62K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

Technical Editor
The Opportunity:
Critical decisions are made every single day in the Intelligence Community (IC). What if you could use your analytical skills to help them make informed decisions? With all the information available today, it takes skilled analysts to know how to find and interpret the best data to give their clients the right answers. As a technical editor, you will use your expertise in producing all-source intelligence analysis to develop products and assessments that give your client the actionable intelligence and context they need. If you have strong analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset, we have an opportunity for you to use those skills to protect our national security and inform our nation's leaders.
As an editor on our team, you'll help your clients understand their mission environment and add clarity to the team's assessment products. As the expert, your client will look to you for time-critical recommendations, often under pressure. This is a chance to build your expertise and broaden your skillset in areas, including intelligence analysis. You'll share your expertise with other analysts through leadership and mentoring. We focus on growing as a team to deliver the best support to our customers, so you'll have the resources to learn new skills and tools. Join us as we provide the right information at the right time to support the critical needs of US policymakers.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • Experience as a writer, editor, or intelligence analyst in an IC organization
  • Ability to proofread, edit, and correct text for style and accuracy
  • Active TS/SCI clearance; willingness to take a polygraph exam
  • HS diploma or GED and 12+ years of experience with technical editing, or Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of experience with technical editing

Nice If You Have:
  • Knowledge of current DoD product lines
  • Possession of excellent organizational and analytical skills
  • Possession of excellent verbal and written communication skills

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; TS/SCI clearance is required.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $62,000.00 to $141,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

What Booz Allen Hamilton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Booz Allen Hamilton logo

About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914