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Developmental Editing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Epitec

Editor - III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$46 - $50/hr

... development, editing, and publication of high-quality research content. This individual will edit scholarly articles, research periodicals, e-newsletters, website content, and speeches, helping ...

The Elizabeth Hospice

Editor

Deerfield, IL · On-site

Actively participates in the meetings by providing committees professional opinions on test material editing. f) Assists Managers, Test Development with preparation of final test copy of written and ...

Varsity Tutors

Essay Editing Tutor

Chicago, 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

Skokie, 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

Lake Forest, 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

Des Plaines, 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

Naperville, 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

Oak Lawn, 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

Wheaton, 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

Schaumburg, 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

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 ...

Varsity Tutors

Essay Editing Tutor

Evanston, 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 ...

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All JobsDevelopmental Editing JobsDevelopmental Editing Jobs in Chicago, IL

Developmental Editing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$32

$59

How much do developmental editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editing in Chicago, IL is $32.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.02 and $40.87 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Developmental Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Editing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,709 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Editor - III

Chicago, IL • On-site

Epitec
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Epitecexternal

$46 - $50/hr

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

  • Location: Chicago, Illinois
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #105807

Title: Research Editor
Location: Chicago, IL
Details: 24-month contract with ongoing need, opportunity for direct hire, Hybrid position onsite 4 days weekly
Pay Rate: $46.00 - 50.00/hr. with benefit inclusions
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented Research Editor to support the development, editing, and publication of high-quality research content. This individual will edit scholarly articles, research periodicals, e-newsletters, website content, and speeches, helping translate complex technical and economic subject matter into clear, engaging communications for broad audiences. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, highly organized editor with strong writing skills, a commitment to accuracy, and an interest in leveraging AI tools to enhance editorial workflows.
Responsibilities
  • Copyedit and proofread research publications, periodicals, e-newsletters, and related editorial content.
  • Perform substantive editing of manuscripts and research documents to improve clarity, consistency, and readability.
  • Edit and review content intended for publication on public-facing websites and digital platforms.
  • Collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts to translate complex topics into accessible communications.
  • Communicate editorial processes, revisions, and timelines with authors and stakeholders.
  • Review and verify bibliographies, citations, tables, charts, figures, indexes, and other publication elements.
  • Utilize AI-enabled tools to improve editorial efficiency and content quality.
  • Review HTML-converted content and coordinate revisions with web production teams.
  • Maintain accurate records of editorial projects within tracking and documentation systems.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting quality standards and deadlines.

Years of Experience and Education
  • Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Economics, Communications, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in content editing, copyediting, proofreading, or related editorial work.
  • Experience editing technical, academic, research, or subject matter expert-driven content preferred.
  • Experience supporting publications through review, approval, and production processes.

Skills Required
  • Advanced copyediting, proofreading, and substantive editing skills.
  • Strong knowledge of editorial style guides, including Chicago Manual of Style or similar standards.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to explain and present complex subject matter in a clear and engaging manner.
  • Experience reviewing page layouts, content formatting, and publication-ready materials.
  • Familiarity with AI research tools and prompt engineering concepts.
  • Experience working with web content management systems and reviewing HTML-formatted content.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with authors, researchers, and cross-functional teams.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
  • Demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning.
  • Interest in economics, public policy, research communications, financial services, or related subject matter.

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