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Developmental Editing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Magazine and News Development, Editing, and Support * Research critical topics, emerging teaching and learning practices, prospective authors, and content ...

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Magazine and News Development, Editing, and Support * Research critical topics, emerging teaching and learning practices, prospective authors, and content ...

Editor, Editorial - Development

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

As an Editor, Editorial - Development, you will serve as a senior editorial and strategic partner ... Significant experience editing high-stakes communications for senior leaders, donors, or partners ...

Editor, Editorial - Development

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

As an Editor, Editorial - Development, you will serve as a senior editorial and strategic partner ... Significant experience editing high-stakes communications for senior leaders, donors, or partners ...

Essay Editing Tutor

Richmond, VA ยท 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 ...

Essay Editing Tutor

Salem, VA ยท 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 ...

Essay Editing Tutor

Norfolk, VA ยท 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 ...

Essay Editing Tutor

Fairfax, VA ยท 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Developmental Editing information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$31

$57

How much do developmental editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editing in Virginia is $31.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $39.33 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.

What is a Developmental Editing job?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Developmental Editing position, 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Developmental Editing jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Editing jobs in Virginia? For Developmental Editing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sr. Editor

ISTE+ASCD

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

The Sr. Editor, Integrated Content supports the editorial development, production, and optimization ofEducational Leadership magazine, EdSurge journalism, newsletters, and sponsored content initiatives. This role serves as lead editor and producer for assigned content and collaborates with the Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief to execute editorial priorities, enhance audience engagement, and maintain publishing excellence.

The ideal candidate is passionate about K-12 education and excels at shaping developing ideas and drafts into compelling stories. They bring strong digital publishing expertise and know how to adapt content to maximize engagement across search, newsletters, and social media platforms.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Magazine and News Development, Editing, and Support

  • Research critical topics, emerging teaching and learning practices, prospective authors, and content opportunities forEducational Leadership magazine; identify and recommend editorial concepts aligned with established editorial priorities.
  • Solicit articles and manage assigned content through the editorial life cycle, guiding authors through substantive revisions to ensure quality, clarity, and alignment with publication standards.
  • Substantively edit, fact-check, and proofread news stories, columns, blog posts, and other short-form content to maintain editorial excellence and publication readiness.
  • Interview education thought leaders and write feature profiles, short Q&As, blog posts, and related editorial content.
  • Leverage AI-enabled tools and emerging publishing technologies to improve editorial workflows, content operations, and production efficiency while maintaining ethical standards, editorial integrity, and publishing best practices.

Digital Newsletter Strategy and Management

  • Lead editorial planning, production, testing, and distribution of Express, a biweekly digital newsletter; provide editorial content and production support for SmartBrief daily in alignment with audience engagement goals.
  • Execute audience engagement and SEO best practices to optimize newsletter performance, including open rates, click-through rates, subscriber growth, and content reach.
  • Build, test, distribute, and troubleshoot newsletters using HubSpot and related publishing platforms.
  • Monitor newsletter and advertising performance metrics; analyze results, identify trends, provide recommendations, and execute A/B testing to continuously improve effectiveness and audience engagement.

Multimedia Production

  • Publish and optimize digital content using content management systems, including formatting articles, applying SEO metadata, and ensuring accessibility standards through practices such as alt text implementation.
  • Collaborate on podcasts and short-form, social-first video and coordinate production to maximize content distribution and audience engagement.

PRIORITY WILL BE PROVIDED TO CANDIDATES LIVING IN THE DC METRO AREA (MD, DC, or Northern VA); you will be REQUIRED to come into the Arlington, VA office one day per week.

Knowledge

  • Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, education, communications, or related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Understanding of print and/or digital publishing life cycles and developmental editing workflows.
  • Strong knowledge of digital audience psychology, SEO best practices, and newsletter distribution algorithms.

Skills and Abilities

  • Exceptional substantive writing and editing skills, with knowledge ofChicago, APA, and AP formatting.
  • Advanced proficiency in CMS and newsletter platforms.
  • Working knowledge of Adobe InCopy, video/audio editing tools, Canva, and Google Workspace.
  • Demonstrated experience using analytics tools to monitor web and newsletter performance.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a deadline-driven environment.
  • High adaptability and a knack for finding innovative solutions when a project throws a curveball.

Experience

  • Minimum 5-7 years of progressively responsible editorial, publishing, or digital content experience.
  • Proven track record of managing, writing, and growing digital newsletters.
  • K-12 education knowledge/experience is a plus.