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Developmental Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Perplexity

Senior Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

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 ...

B Capital

Senior Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA · On-site

This role will support the editorial development and execution of Mattel's publishing program for readers ages 8 through adult , spanning fiction, graphic novels, adult nonfiction and activity books ...

Mattel

Editor - Publishing

El Segundo, CA

This role will support the editorial development and execution of Mattel's publishing program for readers ages 8 through adult , spanning fiction, graphic novels, adult nonfiction and activity books ...

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Developmental Editor information

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How much do developmental editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editor 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 a developmental editor?

A developmental editor is a professional who works with authors to shape the overall structure, content, and flow of a manuscript. They focus on big-picture elements such as plot, character development, pacing, organization, and clarity, rather than correcting grammar or punctuation. Developmental editors provide feedback and suggestions to help authors strengthen their work, often collaborating through multiple drafts. Their goal is to help the author produce a compelling and coherent final manuscript.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a developmental editor?

To thrive as a Developmental Editor, you need a strong command of language, deep understanding of narrative structure, and experience in editing or writing, often supported by a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software such as Microsoft Word (with track changes), Adobe Acrobat, and project management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and the ability to give constructive feedback help a Developmental Editor guide authors effectively. These skills ensure manuscripts are well-organized, coherent, and compelling, ultimately leading to successful publications.

How does a developmental editor typically collaborate with authors and other editorial team members during the manuscript development process?

Developmental editors work closely with authors, providing constructive feedback on overall structure, content flow, and character development. They often hold regular meetings or exchanges to discuss revisions and clarify the author’s vision, ensuring the manuscript meets both creative and market goals. Collaboration with copy editors, proofreaders, and sometimes project managers is also common, as developmental editors help coordinate the workflow and maintain consistency throughout the editorial process. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment focused on producing the strongest possible manuscript.

What is the difference between Developmental Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectDevelopmental EditorCopy Editor
Primary FocusBig-picture content development, structure, and overall flowLine-by-line editing, grammar, and style consistency
Skills & CredentialsStrong editing, developmental, and storytelling skills; often a background in writing or editingExcellent grammar, punctuation, and style knowledge; often a background in editing or journalism
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with authors and writers during manuscript developmentReviews and refines existing text for clarity and correctness

Developmental Editors focus on shaping the content's structure and overall narrative, while Copy Editors refine the language, grammar, and style. Both roles require strong editing skills but serve different stages of the editing process, making them complementary in publishing workflows.

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Developmental Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Developmental Editor

Manning Publications Co

Shelter Island, NY

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Manning Publication publishes books for technology professionals including programmers, system administrators, designers, architects, managers and others. We care about the quality of our books, and we think of our authors as the most valuable part of our business. We work with our authors to coax out of them the best writing they can produce. We consult with technical experts on book proposals and manuscripts, and we may use as many as two dozen reviewers in various stages of preparing a manuscript. The abilities of each author are nurtured to encourage him or her to write a first-rate book.

Job Description

Developmental editor

Manning Publications Co. seeks Developmental Editors to work directly with book authors to create high-quality manuscripts on time. Ideal candidates are critical thinkers who skillfully identify and articulate weaknesses in a manuscript's organization and writing, adopt a coaching/mentoring role with authors, firmly but diplomatically communicate with authors, work both independently and in a distributed team environment, and reliably meet deadlines. Candidates must possess passing knowledge of software concepts and technologies (such as mobile application development, responsive design, cloud computing, big data and analytics, and agile and lean development). This is a great position for someone looking for part-time work (15-20 hours a week).

Primary duties

  • Coach authors on techniques for how to teach difficult or important concepts in their manuscript
  • Identify opportunities for authors to improve organization, presentation, clarity, and value to the book's intended audience
  • Continually assess manuscript content at a high level
  • Manage the book-development process so that authors are completing manuscripts by due dates
  • Ensure that manuscripts adhere to Manning's writing guidelines
  • Provide project status and content assessment to publisher, acquisition editor, development manager and other Manning staff
  • Contribute to the ongoing assessment and improvement of editorial procedures and standards
  • Perform occasional tasks related to the marketing of books

Please note: This position does not include copy editing duties

Must have requirements

  • General understanding of technical concepts, software development, and current industry trends
  • 1+ years previous substantive editing experience
  • Must be available for a minimum of 20 hours per week (primarily during U.S. business hours).
  • Strong project- and time-management skills
  • Excellent organization and multitasking skills
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, and other tools required in an online environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable communicating via email, Skype, and phone
  • Must have remote office setup (computer, Internet and email access, reliable phone line)

Preferred qualifications

Previous experience in a book publishing environment

Additional Information

Apply for this position

Email your resume and two references with job DE-2018-8 in the subject line. If selected for an interview, be prepared to complete an editing sample. This is a freelance, telecommute opportunity (no travel).

Apply