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Developmental Editing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Development Editor, High School position offers the opportunity to lead complex content ... editing, market research and testing, permissions, photo research, and turnover to print and media ...

Associate Editor

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and working closely with authors/agents with an eye to author care * Background knowledge of the publishing ...

Developmental Editing-Evaluate the overall soundness of a writer's manuscript from a broad perspective; make corrections and/or query the writer in areas such as length, organization, factual and ...

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and working closely with authors/agents with an eye to author care * Background knowledge of the publishing ...

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and working closely with authors/agents with an eye to author care * Background knowledge of the publishing ...

Associate Editor

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site +1

$60K - $65K/yr

Experience with line and developmental editing, project managing frontlist fiction, and working closely with authors/agents with an eye to author care * Background knowledge of the publishing ...

Crime Fiction Book Writer

KY ยท Remote

$23.56 - $27.40/hr

After the developmental editing phase, the manuscript will move through our multi-stage editing and revision process, which includes line editing, copy editing, style editing, and a final quality ...

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

Leavenworth, KS ยท On-site

... the development, editing, and publication of U.S. Army doctrinal products. This role supports the Army Doctrine Development Program through editorial leadership, doctrine integration, quality ...

Editor

Leavenworth, KS ยท On-site

... the development, editing, and publication of U.S. Army doctrinal products. This role supports the Army Doctrine Development Program through editorial leadership, doctrine integration, quality ...

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 ...

... development, editing, and publication. Working across multiple brands and verticals, you will help execute content from pitch to send, editing drafts, building articles in our CMS, and ensuring ...

... editing and proofreading: * Edit and proofread developed manuscripts for grammar, clarity, consistency, and accuracy * Ensure content follows CPH house style and The Chicago Manual of Style * Verify ...

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Developmental Editing information

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How much do developmental editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 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 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.

More about Developmental Editing jobs
What cities are hiring for Developmental Editing jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Editing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Editing jobs? The most popular types of Developmental Editing jobs are:
What states have the most Developmental Editing jobs? States with the most job openings for Developmental Editing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Editing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Editing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Developmental Editing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Project Editor

Center for Responsive Schools

Turners Falls, MA โ€ข On-site

$53K/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Project Editor provides editorial support for publications and educational programs, including teacher materials, ancillaries, licensed trade books, digital products, catalogs, and marketing collateral. The project editor is responsible for managing projects, often multiple projects simultaneously and usually for the lifetime of the project. Projects may be multi-year and multi-component, or small-scale (for example, new books, reprints, workshop products, articles, new or replacement lessons, lesson components and products, small guides, research reports, and marketing collateral). Finished products will be published in both print and digital formats.

The ideal candidate is a team player, a self-starter, and a lifelong learner. They will have developmental-level editing skills, excellent command of editorial processes and styles, and show evidence of ability to project manage in multiphase projects with multiple components.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning, coordinating and managing a variety of publications projections

  • Project manages a variety of titles from a range of publishing areas from proposal or receipt of manuscript through to print-ready files, including the preparation of digital assets while keeping to schedule and deliverable timeline specifications.
  • Manages timelines to ensure that projects stay on schedule.
  • Coordinates production review processes (all stages of page proof review).
  • Ensures smooth running of projects from manuscript to final print and digital files, in conjunction with the Chief Publications Officer.
  • Establishes excellent relations with authors, illustrators and other external clients, keeping them fully informed of progress, ensuring project expectations are adhered to as the project develops.
  • Develops and maintains good relationships with all in-house staff, knowing where each project is in the system at any given time, ensuring that work is placed appropriately in-house, completing all handover to production forms fully and accurately.
  • Liaises with Programs and production staff regarding completion dates for project deliverables,
  • Collaborates with Chief Publications Officer as requested to develop schedules for projects, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and keeps the Chief and/or Senior Editor informed of any schedule changes.

Editing and Writing

  • Performs manuscript editing tasks, from substantive developmental editing of content to copy editing for consistency and style, and ensures that all materials developed adhere to the style guides/sheets.
  • Partners with copy editors, proofreaders, translators, fact checkers, and other freelance/contract staff as needed.
  • Quality checks all in-house work before it is sent out for internal or external review, checks all outsourced work to ensure that it adheres to the guidelines given and meets the expected standards; gives each project a final check to ensure that CPM standards have been maintained.
  • Undertakes in-house writing, copy-editing, and proofreading on projects as required; organizing clients', authors and proofreaders' mark-ups.
  • Familiar with the purpose of a variety of style guides and able to edit work following the publications department's chosen style guide.

General administration

  • Ensures all correspondence files are up to date and complete.
  • Archives and keeps full proof records until a project is completed and closed.
  • Collaborates with Production Coordinator to record all details relevant to the history of a project.
  • Prepares text of completed projects for website, marketing sales or other as required.
  • Assists with general publications tasks as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Bachelor's degree in communication, English or journalism or closely related field, background in education a plus.
  • At least 3 years of experience in writing and editing, preferably in book publishing and preferably in an office setting.
  • Strong organizational skills and file management abilities.
  • Receptive to direction, feedback, and editing from people with varying roles and backgrounds.
  • Deadline-oriented with the ability to prioritize work to meet project due dates.
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects at one time.
  • Highly organized, excellent attention to detail, strong oral and written communication.
  • High accountability for performance, able to receive and apply feedback.
  • Disposition is consistently professional, cooperative, and collegial as evidenced by workplace maturity, composure, perspective, transparency, reliability, integrity, and trustworthiness.
  • Caring for and, committed to the vision, mission, and welfare of CRS.
  • Respects and values diversity; represents CRS positively and professionally in interactions with clients, vendors, and the community at large in both real and virtual interactions.
  • Able to work and thrive in an open-suite, highly collaborative environment.
  • Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able to use a computer or phone for up to 8 hours per day, with breaks and lunch.
  • Able to lift 30 lbs. on occasion.
  • Must be able to show proof of COVID-19 primary vaccinations or submit a medical or religious exemption.

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job. Other duties, as assigned by the jobholder's supervisor, may also be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.