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Developmental Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

B Capital

Senior Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Move fluidly from high-level editorial vision to developmental editing to line-level copy editing. Deliver feedback that makes the writing and the writer better. * Mentor, elevate, and attract ...

Perplexity

Senior Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Move fluidly from high-level editorial vision to developmental editing to line-level copy editing. Deliver feedback that makes the writing and the writer better. * Mentor, elevate, and attract ...

Perplexity

Senior Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$210K - $290K/yr

Move fluidly from high-level editorial vision to developmental editing to line-level copy editing. Deliver feedback that makes the writing and the writer better. * Mentor, elevate, and attract ...

Yaqeen Institute

Developmental Editor

Dallas, TX · On-site

Developmentally editing long-form, non-fiction, research-based manuscripts (preferably in the field of religion, politics, or world affairs). * Collaboratively working with authors and scholars ...

GW, Inc.

Associate Developmental Editor

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$19/hr

As an Associate Developmental Editor, you will be creating educational (instructional) content and assessments, focusing on higher education and adult learning. Our mission is to (1) create content ...

Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc

$85K - $95K/yr

Strong writing and editing skills * A test‑and‑learn approach to strategy and genuine drive to innovate * Ability to make data‑informed decisions both independently and collaboratively * Strong ...

GW, Inc.

Assistant Developmental Editor

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$17/hr

As an Assistant Developmental Editor, you will be working in our Content Development team, which creates educational (instructional) content and assessments, focusing on higher education and adult ...

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

... developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading-for publications on a variety of topics and with different levels of complexity, from concept through transmittal. The Senior Editor works as part ...

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How much do developmental editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editing in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is developmental editing?

A Developmental Editing job involves evaluating the structure, content, and overall coherence of a manuscript to improve its clarity, organization, and impact. Developmental editors work closely with authors to refine story arcs, character development, pacing, and thematic consistency. Unlike copy editors, they focus on big-picture elements rather than grammar or syntax. This process is common in book publishing, particularly for fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. The goal is to help authors strengthen their work before it moves to the next stage of editing and publication.

What are typical challenges faced in developmental editing, and how do editors overcome them?

Developmental Editors often encounter challenges such as helping authors address major structural issues, balancing the author's voice with editorial recommendations, and managing tight deadlines. Overcoming these challenges requires clear and constructive feedback, patience, and strong project management skills to keep revisions on track. Editors also rely on regular communication with authors and other team members to ensure everyone is aligned throughout the editing process. Successfully navigating these challenges leads to a more polished and marketable manuscript while maintaining a positive author-editor relationship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in developmental editing, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Developmental Editor, you need advanced skills in manuscript evaluation, story structure, and content organization, usually supported by a background in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editorial software such as Microsoft Word with Track Changes, Adobe Acrobat, and project management tools is important, and professional certifications from organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association are a plus. Excellent communication, collaboration, and diplomacy are essential soft skills when guiding authors through major revisions. These abilities ensure effective manuscript improvement and foster positive relationships with writers and publishing teams.

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Infographic showing various Developmental Editing job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Editor

San Francisco, CA • On-site

B Capital
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about B Capitalexternal

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Perplexity is seeking a Senior Editor to lead the quality and velocity of everything we publish. Our content spans a range of audiences, channels, and objectives. You will set the editorial bar for excellence and make every writer around you measurably better.

If you treat a clunky sentence and a sprawling launch narrative as the same kind of craft, take pride in language without being precious about deadlines, and want to build a world‑class editorial function from the ground up, this role is for you.

Responsibilities
  • Own editorial quality end to end.
  • Reject mediocrity.
  • Demand clarity. Ensure accuracy.
  • Be Perplexity. Evolve and enforce our voice. Everything we ship should sound like we shipped it.
  • Be accountable. Hold objective authority in a sea of subjective opinions.
  • Plan and manage the editorial calendar. Run prioritization and production for a fast-moving pipeline in a high-growth environment.
  • Edit at every level. Player‑coach plus team owner and stadium sponsor. Move fluidly from high-level editorial vision to developmental editing to line-level copy editing. Deliver feedback that makes the writing and the writer better.
  • Mentor, elevate, and attract excellent writers. Earn the respect of strong writers by making them stronger.
  • Make sense of things. Make sense to people.
  • Build the editorial system. Evolve and own the style guides and workflows.
  • Work productively across the company. Everyone wants content, and you’re the content.
Qualifications
  • 7+ years in editing, writing, or editorial leadership, with a body of published or edited work that demonstrates exceptional command of language.
  • High flexibility of tone and mind. You must be able to demonstrate an ability to adapt styles and voices for different channels or audiences.
  • High competence throughout the editorial stack: developmental editing, copy editing, content planning, and managing production.
  • A demonstrated track record of mentoring writers and improving the quality of a team's output, not just your own.
  • Exceptional ability to learn.
  • Refined judgment on all matters of structure, argument, and voice.
  • A proven eye for narrative in messy, ambiguous, or highly technical material.
  • Deep familiarity with the rules of grammar, style, and storytelling.
  • Enough experience in the bullet above that you have a clear perspective on which rules you intend to break and when.
  • Comfort using AI tools and the ability to articulate exactly where and how you incorporate them into your workflows.
  • A passion for the truth well‑told.
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