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Developmental Editing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Essay Editing Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of essay structure, thesis development, paragraph organization, transitions ... Emphasizes teaching self-editing skills and connects essay revision to academic success ...

Varsity Tutors

Essay Editing Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of essay structure, thesis development, paragraph organization, transitions ... Emphasizes teaching self-editing skills and connects essay revision to academic success ...

Crain

Deputy Editor

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Oversee the development of newsletters, recurring franchises, and editorial products that build ... Editing Excellence * Raise the quality and impact of daily journalism through strong editing and ...

American

Managing Editor, IRW

Campus, IL · On-site

Oversee those on contract for reporting, editing, design, and web development. * Approve any and all use of proprietary or subscription-based tools to do our work. * Collaborate with the data editor ...

Asuep

Executive Editor - NEWSWELL Chicago

Oak Park, IL · On-site

Strong editing background with demonstrated excellence in story development and copy editing * Experience managing reporters, editors, freelancers or cross-functional teams * Strong understanding of ...

Fastmarkets

Non Ferrous Editor Americas

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

The regional editor implements the broader Fastmarkets growth strategies, working with the ... Adopt and drive the LEAP (Launch, Elevate, Attack, Protect) approach to price development and ...

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All JobsDevelopmental Editing JobsDevelopmental Editing Jobs in Illinois

Developmental Editing information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$30

$55

How much do developmental editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editing in Illinois is $30.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $38.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How do you become a developmental editor?

To become a developmental editor, individuals typically develop strong writing, editing, and communication skills, often through a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or related fields. Gaining experience by editing manuscripts, building a portfolio, and understanding the editing process is essential; many also pursue certifications from professional organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association or the Chicago Manual of Style. Familiarity with editing software and industry standards helps improve job prospects in this field.

How much do developmental editors make?

Developmental editors typically earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Freelance developmental editors may charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $100 or more, with rates influenced by their expertise and the scope of editing required.

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 to do in developmental editing?

Developmental editing involves reviewing and improving the overall structure, content, and flow of a manuscript or document. It includes providing feedback on organization, clarity, tone, and coherence, often working closely with authors to shape the work before copyediting and proofreading. Strong editing skills, familiarity with style guides, and effective communication are essential for this role.

What do developmental editors do?

Developmental editors work with authors to improve the structure, content, and overall flow of a manuscript during the early stages of editing. They provide feedback on organization, character development, pacing, and clarity, often collaborating closely with writers to shape the manuscript before copyediting and proofreading. Strong communication skills and a deep understanding of storytelling or subject matter are essential in this role.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Editing jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Developmental Editing jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Editing jobs in Illinois? For Developmental Editing jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Editing jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Editing jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Developmental Editing jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Developmental Editing job openings:
Developmental Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Editing job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,692 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Essay Editing Tutor

Varsity Tutors

Buffalo Grove, IL • Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Varsity Tutors rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 23 rated private schools and tutoring

Job description

About the Job
The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Essay Editing tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the flexibility to set your own schedule, earn competitive rates, and make a real impact on students' academic success and understanding. All from the comfort of your home.
Why Join Our Platform?
  • Earn incrementally higher pay for each session with the same student, reaching up to $40/hour.
  • Get paid up to twice per week, ensuring fast and reliable compensation for the tutoring sessions you conduct and invoice.
  • Set your own hours and tutor as much as you'd like.
  • Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required.
  • Get matched with students best-suited to your teaching style and expertise.
  • Our AI-powered Tutor Copilot enhances your sessions with real-time instructional support, lesson generation, and engagement features, helping you save prep time and focus on impactful teaching.
  • We handle the logistics—you just invoice for your tutoring sessions, and we take care of payments.

What We Look For In a Essay Editing Tutor
  • Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of essay structure, thesis development, paragraph organization, transitions, argument construction, grammar and mechanics, citation styles including MLA and APA, and revision strategies. Ability to explain effective introductions and conclusions, evidence integration, topic sentence construction, and stylistic clarity while preparing students for academic writing success across disciplines.
  • Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at providing constructive feedback on essay drafts, identifying structural weaknesses, and guiding revision processes. Guides students through strengthening thesis statements, reorganizing arguments for logical flow, improving sentence variety, eliminating redundancy, and polishing grammar and mechanics. Emphasizes teaching self-editing skills and connects essay revision to academic success, scholarship applications, and professional writing.
  • Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with essay writing expectations across grade levels and disciplines, and common challenges such as developing clear thesis statements, integrating evidence smoothly, and maintaining consistent tone. Adapts instruction using rubric-aligned feedback, revision checklists, and comparative draft analysis to support students from middle school through graduate level improving their academic and personal essay writing.
  • Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple approaches, and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs and styles.
  • Strong communication skills and a friendly, engaging teaching style.
  • Ability to adapt to different learning styles and student needs.

Ways To Connect With Students
  • 1-on-1 Online Tutoring - Provide personalized instruction to individual students.
  • Instant Tutoring - Accept on-demand tutoring requests whenever you're available.

About Varsity Tutors And 1-on-1 Online Tutoring
Our mission is to transform the way people learn by leveraging advanced technology, AI, and the latest in learning science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students receive customized instruction that helps them achieve their learning goals. Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a passion for learning.
Please note: Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Puerto Rico.

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