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Developmental Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Technical Editor

Sterling, VA · On-site

$70K - $148K/yr

Technical Editor Job Category: Engineering and Technical Support Time Type: Full time Minimum ... We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad ...

Photographer / Video Editor Level: Journeyman | Work Location: On-Site - Arlington, VA ⚠ This ... Training and Development - Tuition reimbursement and professional trainings for eligible employees ...

Technical Intelligence Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Review and edit graphics, including interactive media,assistin the development of visual aids, and ... Experience with editing Finished Intelligence Products or Intelligence Assessments (products that ...

Technical Editor

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Job Title Technical Editor Location Alexandria, VA 22311 US (Primary) Category Information ... Perform full editorial duties in connection with the development and review of DoD issuances:

Tech Writer/Editor Sr

Springfield, VA · On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

The GEOINT Production Editor reviews and formats text and graphics to ensure reports meet Agency ... development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work ...

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Developmental Editor information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$31

$57

How much do developmental editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental editor in Virginia is $31.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $39.33 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 Virginia? For Developmental Editor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Developmental Editor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Developmental Editor job openings:
Correspondence Editor

Correspondence Editor

Scientific Research Corporation

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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


Job description

Correspondence Editor
Location US-VA-Falls Church
ID 2026-11267
Category Systems Analyst Position Type Regular Full-Time Application Open Date 6/9/2026
Salary Statement
Estimated Starting Salary Range: USD $90,050.00/Yr. - USD $150,000.00/Yr. Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.
Description

SRC is seeking a Correspondence Editor to support our Department of War customer located at the Suffolk Building in Falls Church, VA. The Correspondence Editor will support formal and informal Department of War and external stakeholder communications including Department-wide memoranda, briefings, and whitepapers; correspondence with other government agencies including Congress; and industry engagements. The Specialist will also perform quality checks on all correspondence to ensure routing requirements in the Correspondence and Task Management System are met.

    Reviewing and editing memorandums, whitepapers, and briefings communicating the organization's positions, activities, and analysis to senior leaders, subordinate organizations, industry, and other stakeholders
  • Working with engineers and other subject matter experts to ensure the delivery of timely, executive-quality communications deliverables
  • Tracking progress to plan and ensuring compliance with all applicable policies and standards established by:
    • DoW Manual 5110.04-M, Volume 1, DoW Manual for Written Material: Correspondence Management
    • DoW 5110.04-M, Volume 2, DoW Manual for Written Material: Examples and Reference Material
    • Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Executive Correspondence Office
    • Other authoritative sources as required
  • Coordinating and synthesizing communications products for senior stakeholders including senior government officials, Congress, and industry based on input received from multiple organizations.
  • Coordinating with external stakeholders as well as DoW Public Affairs and Strategic Communications as required for material targeting publication by external entities such as professional journals and news organizations

FILLING THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING

#LI-HK1

Requirements
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in a field related to Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, Public Administration, Legislative Affairs, or a related field
  • 5 years of relevant professional experience in communications; Department of War experience strongly preferred
  • Experience in the development, drafting, editing, publishing, distribution, coordination of various communication deliverables, to include information papers, guidance memorandums, policies, technical reports, congressional reports, annual reports, and responses to media inquiries, briefing cards, and presentations
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with and elicit information from engineers and other technical subject matter experts, locate primary sources, synthesize disparate data points into a focused message, and communicate technical topics to non-technical audiences
  • Experience tracking project progress to plan
  • Ability to work effectively both individually and as a member of a team
  • Flexibility and willingness to work on all aspects of team priorities
Desired Skills
  • TS SCI Clearance
Clearance Information

SRC IS A CONTRACTOR FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE U.S. CITIZENSHIP AS WELL AS, A U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITY CLEARANCE AT THE SECRET LEVEL WITH TOP SECRET ELIGIBILITY

Travel Requirements
  • Less than 5% travel
About Us

Scientific Research Corporation is an advanced information technology and engineering company that provides innovative products and services to government and private industry, as well as independent institutions. At the core of our capabilities is a seasoned team of highly skilled engineers and scientists with multidisciplinary backgrounds. This team is challenged daily to provide cutting edge technology solutions to our clients.

SRC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with a company match, life insurance, vacation and sick paid time off accruals with amounts increasing based on role and years of service, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and a work environment that encourages excellence and more. For positions requiring a security clearance, selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

EEO

Scientific Research Corporation is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.

Scientific Research Corporation endeavors to make www.scires.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact jobs@scires.com for assistance. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.