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Developmental Editor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

American

Managing Editor, IRW

Campus, IL · On-site

Oversee those on contract for reporting, editing, design, and web development. * Approve any and all use of proprietary or subscription-based tools to do our work. * Collaborate with the data editor ...

Fastmarkets

Non Ferrous Editor Americas

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

The regional editor implements the broader Fastmarkets growth strategies, working with the ... Adopt and drive the LEAP (Launch, Elevate, Attack, Protect) approach to price development and ...

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All JobsDevelopmental Editor JobsDevelopmental Editor Jobs in Illinois

Developmental Editor information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$30

$55

How much do developmental editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editor in Illinois is $30.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $38.41 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.
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Editor jobs in Illinois? For Developmental Editor jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Editor jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Editor jobs in Illinois are:
Developmental Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Editor job openings in Illinois 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 $63,692 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Editor

The Elizabeth Hospice

Deerfield, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Assists in ensuring the integrity of all written examinations and other communications.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Item Bank Support and Item Editing (95%)
a) Maintains the examination item banks as assigned for Certification and Article-Based Continuing Certification (ABCC) examinations, including item and article entry.
b) Edits and proofs examination materials. This includes editing for style, clarity, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as providing suggestions for restructuring items to increase their testworthiness.
c) Tracks items through the editorial process and provides reports on status of items.
d) Assist Managers, Test Development with the production of meeting materials.
e) Attends and participates in test committee meetings. Accurately documents item changes decided by the committees. 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 computerized examinations.
2. Other Duties (5%)
a) Understands and adheres to all of the procedures and policies as well as the Employee Manual and the Office Procedures Manual.
b) Assists other staff in proofreading and editing.
c) Participation is on staff committees as needed.
d) Serves as Secondary Back-up to Executive Assistant, Test Development and Internal Meetings for on-site committee meetings.
e) Performs other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, preferably with a medical editing background
Minimum Experience: One or more years of editing experience. Exposure to an office setting would be helpful.
Computer Skills:
• Microsoft Office preferred
• Experience with SQL database preferred
Administrative Skills:
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated proofreading and editing skills
• Ability to interact effectively with highly educated, professional clientele
• Ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple projects
• Ability to work well under deadline pressures
• Attention to detail
• Strong service orientation
• Tact and discretion
• Cooperative attitude; team player
• Availability for work related travel
Other Skills:
• Ability to operate various office equipment, including personal computer, calculator, fax and copier
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
• Regularly required to sit
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers, handle and touch objects or controls and talk and hear
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs, reach with hands and arms, and reach above shoulders
• Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
• Occasionally required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and bend
• Required to be able to work at close range and have clear vision at 20 inches or less
• Required be able to have the ability to adjust focus in order to bring an object into sharp focus

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