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Developmental Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CORSAIR

Short-Form Video Producer & Editor

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Stay current on social media trends, editing styles, platform updates, AI production tools, and developments within the PC gaming and DIY hardware communities. Qualifications * 3 to 5+ years of ...

Relativity Space

Senior Video Editor

Los Angeles, CA

$74K - $112K/yr

You'll be editing the videos that tell the story of Terran R and shape external and internal ... development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Relativity Space

Senior Video Editor

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$74K - $112K/yr

You'll be editing the videos that tell the story of Terran R and shape external and internal ... development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Patagonia

Producer & Photo Editor, Climb

Ventura, CA · Hybrid

Producer & Photo Editor, Climb Team : Category Photo Edit Scope : Individual Contributor Years of ... Champion the Patagonia photography point of view across every stage of campaign development ...

Associated Press

Live Blog Editor (Remote)

Carlsbad, CA · Remote

$53K - $85K/yr

The Associated Press is seeking a dynamic Live Blog News Editor to join our growing team of ... Opportunities for professional development to help you reach your career goals. * Access to tools ...

Car Trackers Inc

Videographer/Editor

Tustin, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Videographer/Editor Location: Anaheim (On-Site) Job Type: Part-Time About Us Car Trackers is a ... Opportunities for professional growth and development * Collaborative and creative work culture ...

Car Trackers Inc

Videographer/Editor

Tustin, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Videographer/Editor Location: Anaheim (On-Site) Job Type: Part-Time About Us Car Trackers is a ... Opportunities for professional growth and development * Collaborative and creative work culture ...

Car Trackers Inc

Videographer/Editor

Tustin, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Videographer/Editor Location: Anaheim (On-Site) Job Type: Part-Time About Us Car Trackers is a ... Opportunities for professional growth and development * Collaborative and creative work culture ...

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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 Aug 10, 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?

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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,867 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Technical Publications Editor

Loch Harbour Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

 
Loch Harbour Group, Inc. is seeking a Technical Publications Editor to support and oversee editorial operations for technical publications, reports, and strategic communications within a federal program environment.

This role requires strong expertise in technical/scientific editing, Chicago Manual of Style, and advanced document formatting, with the ability to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance with Department of Defense publication standards. The selected candidate will work closely with authors, leadership, and editorial staff to deliver high-quality written products and maintain consistency across all publications.

The position requires full-time onsite support in San Diego, CA and the ability to work with sensitive or classified materials.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and support editorial efforts for technical publications, reports, white papers, and strategic communications
  • Review and edit complex technical and scientific documents (typically 5–100+ pages) to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and compliance with DoD standards
  • Apply Chicago Manual of Style as the primary editorial standard across all deliverables
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for authors, guiding document preparation, formatting, and submission requirements
  • Ensure compliance with Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) submission requirements and assist with publication processing
  • Coordinate and manage editorial workflows to ensure high-quality deliverables and timely completion
  • Develop and maintain editorial guidelines, templates, and SOPs to standardize publication practices
  • Manage and maintain content within Knowledge Management platforms
  • Support development of executive-level communications, reports, and briefing materials
  • Provide training and guidance to authors on technical writing, formatting, and publication requirements
  • Track and report on editorial activities, metrics, and publication status to leadership
  • Support onboarding and collaborate closely with senior editorial staff during initial ramp-up period
Requirements

Education Requirements

Bachelor''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''s Degree

Experience Requirements

  • 3 years of professional experience creating, editing, and reviewing technical materials

Required Technical Skills

  • Familiarity with DoD technical publication standards and working with sensitive information
  • Strong knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style (primary requirement)
  • Experience editing technical/scientific documents (5–100+ pages)
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, including formatting, styles, templates, and document structuring
  • Familiarity with DoD technical publication standards
  • Strong attention to detail with a focus on quality over speed
  • Ability to handle sensitive and/or classified materials
  • Willingness to learn and follow NIWC processes (e.g., DTIC, RISTI/OPSEC workflows)
  • Ability to work onsite and collaborate closely with team members

Additional required qualifications

  • Active Secret Security Clearance (required at time of hire)
  • Ability to work onsite in San Diego, CA
 Company Highlights:

At LHG, we offer our employees a full comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Our benefits package features:

  • Competitive salaries
  • Paid time off
  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • Company paid short/long term disability
  • Company paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
  • 401(k) (up to 5% matching)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Other company perks

The Loch Harbour Group is an equal opportunity employer, all interested qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, D/M/V/F. LHG welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce.

Apply