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Developmental Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zealot

Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

As you learn from the team and develop your skills, the next anticipated step in your professional development will be Senior Editor where you will be responsible for creating industry leading AV ...

ZEALOT

Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As you learn from the team and develop your skills, the next anticipated step in your professional development will be Senior Editor where you will be responsible for creating industry leading AV ...

Internet Soft

Video Editor

San Jose, CA · On-site

Editing and assembling raw video footage to create engaging and compelling video content ... Training and Development: Certifications * Good Infrastructure * Flexible working culture Facebook ...

Hearst Television

Night Editor

San Francisco, CA

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... new developments, and think ambitiously about approaches to stories that engage our readers. We ...

Hearst

Night Editor

San Francisco, CA

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... new developments, and think ambitiously about approaches to stories that engage our readers. We ...

Hearst Newspapers

Night Editor

San Francisco, CA

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... new developments, and think ambitiously about approaches to stories that engage our readers. We ...

Hearst Newspapers

Night Editor

San Francisco, CA

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... new developments, and think ambitiously about approaches to stories that engage our readers. We ...

Hearst Newspapers

Night Editor

San Francisco, CA

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... new developments, and think ambitiously about approaches to stories that engage our readers. We ...

Hearst

Night Editor

San Francisco, CA

Night Editor San Francisco, CA The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an experienced, nimble ... new developments, and think ambitiously about approaches to stories that engage our readers. We ...

Procom Consultants Group

Web Editor

Folsom, CA · On-site

Application Development Project Management Quality Assurance Business/Systems Analysis ... Web Editor Job Details Manages content for internet or intranet sites. Responsible for migrating ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

... development. You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and ... eliminating jargon. You should be a polymath, not just able but eager to immerse yourself in a ...

Deloitte

Editor, Consumer Industry

Fresno, CA

Stewarding each project through the full content development process, coordinating with authors ... Editing copy for factual accuracy, grammar, punctuation, readability, flow, and style, and applying ...

Deloitte

Editor, Consumer Industry

San Diego, CA · On-site

Stewarding each project through the full content development process, coordinating with authors ... Editing copy for factual accuracy, grammar, punctuation, readability, flow, and style, and applying ...

Deloitte

Editor, Consumer Industry

Sacramento, CA

Stewarding each project through the full content development process, coordinating with authors ... Editing copy for factual accuracy, grammar, punctuation, readability, flow, and style, and applying ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

... development. You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and ... eliminating jargon. You should be a polymath, not just able but eager to immerse yourself in a ...

Digital Remedy

Video Editor

Santa Monica, CA

The editor also provides support on long-form projects, including original series, platform ... In addition, the position contributes to content development by helping generate ideas for trend ...

TubeScience

Lead Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Lead Editors bridge the gap between strategic objectives and visual execution, transforming ... development. About TubeScience: Founded in 2016, TubeScience stands at the forefront of ...

TubeScience

Lead Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Lead Editors bridge the gap between strategic objectives and visual execution, transforming ... development. About TubeScience: Founded in 2016, TubeScience stands at the forefront of ...

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All JobsDevelopmental Editor JobsDevelopmental Editor Jobs in California

Developmental Editor information

See California salary details

$11

$31

$56

How much do developmental editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editor in California is $31.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $39.13 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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Developmental Editor, and why are they important?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Editor jobs in California? For Developmental Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Editor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Editor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Developmental Editor jobs? Cities in California with the most Developmental Editor job openings:
Developmental Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Editor job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,867 per year, or $31.2 per hour.
Editor

Editor

Zealot

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Editor
Location: LA (Hollywood) or NYC
Hybrid: Three days in office
Hours: 10am to 7pm
Summary
This position works directly with a Creative Director and/or Producer to create a wide variety of creative AV marketing materials. At ZEALOT, we prioritize diverse perspectives and strive to create an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive. We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing growth opportunities for those who show creativity, passion, commitment, and a pursuit of excellence.
Job Description
An Editor is responsible for creating original AV marketing materials. This will typically include contributing to pitch decks, as well as cutting digital and creative content pieces, TV spots, teasers and trailers. Editors may occasionally be asked to come across other editors' projects to assist with changes or create cutdowns depending on scheduling needs.
Editors will often take the lead on a campaign. There will be a significant focus on the sports genre, however, this editor role will be expected to cut well on multiple genres, require minimal supervision & feedback on basic tasks, and moderate supervision and feedback on more complicated assignments. Editors have exposure and experience to a wide variety of assignments and genres, especially sports.
Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Demonstrate a medium to high level editing skill set including: a keen eye for detail, timing, pacing, and storytelling, editorial flair, use of music and sound design.
  • Fluent with professional editing software. (Premiere is preferred but not essential.)
  • Contribute creative ideas to projects.
  • Use creative judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
  • Comprehend, collaborate on and execute creative notes in a timely manner.
  • Meet internal and client deadlines.
  • Follow a creative brief that aligns with campaign strategy.
  • Monitor and respond to all communications in a timely manner, ensuring smooth project flow.
  • Maintain excellent Premiere project organization.
  • Be self-motivated-take initiative, solve problems, reach out, don't just sit and wait for notes.
  • Stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques to help bring fresh ideas to the table.
  • Demonstrate positive collaboration with team members and contributions to ZEALOT's culture.

Qualifications
  • Experience and success cutting a variety of AV marketing materials on a variety of genres.
  • Fluent with professional editing software. (Premiere is preferred but not essential.)
  • A strong interest and familiarity with sports leagues, players and rules including the NFL, MLB, Combat Sports, Soccer, Tennis, etc.

Additional Information:
  • Reports to: Creative Director or VP (LA) or Executive Creative Director (NY)
  • Non-Exempt (Hourly, Paid overtime)
  • Pay Range is $100,000.00 to 160,000.00 annual salary. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Actual offers may vary based on work experience.
  • Regular business hours are Mon-Fri 10am to 7pm. However, your shift may later be determined by ZEALOT.
  • Regular overtime may occur as our business is driven by our clients' needs.
  • You must be able to make a daily commute 3 x per week to the office to be considered for this job.

Career Path
No one at ZEALOT does it alone. As you learn from the team and develop your skills, the next anticipated step in your professional development will be Senior Editor where you will be responsible for creating industry leading AV marketing materials and show an extremely high level of skill in narrative storytelling, editorial flair, use of music and sound design creative collaboration, speed and endurance. You will require minimal input from a producer & Creative Director. If you choose, you will also be involved in mentorship with younger staff members. Remember, you will always have support from your team!

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