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Developmental Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SOSi

Technical Editor, Senior

Reston, VA · On-site

Overview SOSi is currently seeking a Senior Technical Editor to provide analytical and support ... developments to expert and other interested audiences. Qualifications Minimum Requirements

AMSG

Senior Writer/Editor

Arlington, VA

Defense Capabilities Analysis, Development & Integration * Government Acquisition Management ... Senior Writer/Editor ID: 1617 Location: Arlington, VA Department: N/A More about this job ...

K2 Group, Inc.

Technical Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

*This is a contingent opportunity The Technical Editor is responsible for reviewing, editing, and ... developments. Desired Experience: * Prior experience supporting DoD Nuclear Command, Control ...

Virginia Tech

Acquisitions Editor

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Acquisitions Editor Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536349 Work type: Administrative ... Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and ...

BAE Systems

Tech Writer/Editor Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

We're looking for a talented Content Editor (Security & Declassification) to play a key role in ... development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work ...

BAE Systems

Tech Writer/Editor Sr

Springfield, VA · On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

... development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work ... Bachelor's degree in copy editing, communications, graphic design, or a related field.

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All JobsDevelopmental Editor JobsDevelopmental Editor Jobs in Virginia

Developmental Editor information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$31

$57

How much do developmental editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 job categories do people searching Developmental Editor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Editor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Developmental Editor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Developmental Editor job openings:
Developmental Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Editor job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,164 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Technical Editor, Senior

SOSi

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Founded in 1989, SOSi is among the largest private, founder-owned technology and services integrators in the defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted results to enable national security missions worldwide.

Job Description

Overview

SOSi is currently seeking a Senior Technical Editor to provide analytical and support services necessary to support our customer in Reston, VA, for Weapons of Mass Destruction Analysis. In this role, you'll serve as a Senior Technical Editor and provide technical writing and editing support for all analytical products that will support the mission to avoid strategic surprise and create decisive advantage as the DoD intelligence leader for producing All Source Intelligence.

Essential Job Duties

  • Review intelligence products for proper grammar, punctuation, and syntax, as well as for logic, clarity, and consistency.
  • Ensure that style and format conform to agency publication standards and that language presentation is consistent with prescribed style guides and specialized vocabulary of subject matter fields.
  • Amend draft tables, tone boxes, and graphics to ensure the content supports and is consistent with the accompanying text.
  • Ensure proper classification markings in accordance with IC guidance.
  • Work with authors to revise products for narrative organization, and negotiate further revisions as needed.
  • Edit technical materials, such as reports of analytic or research findings; scientific or technical articles, news releases, and periodicals; regulations in technical areas; technical manuals, specifications, brochures, and pamphlets; or speeches or scripts on scientific or technical subjects.
  • Apply writing, editing skills, and substantial knowledge of the basic principles and specialized vocabulary of appropriate subject-matter fields to the accurate communication of scientific and technological developments to expert and other interested audiences.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

    • Active in scope DoD Top Secret / SCI Security Clearance with ability to obtain CI Polygraph.
    • BS with 8 years of relevant experience, or 12 years of experience in lieu of a degree.
    • Minimum of 5 years of experience reviewing analytic products for cogent arguments, tradecraft standards, and adequate support for conclusions.
    • Demonstrate the ability to lead, mentor, and develop contract analysts.
    • Demonstrate understanding of the 200 Series of ODNI's ICDs: 203 - Analytic Standards, 206 - Sourcing Requirements for Disseminated Products, and 208 - Write for Maximum Utility.
    • Produce formal written strategic counterterrorism and/or all source intelligence assessments, products, graphics and briefings in accordance with ICD 203, DIA and ODNI standards as appropriate.
    • Demonstrate ability to use research databases (e.g., Global Terrorism Database) and use quantifiable matrices in a professional setting to prepare written and oral products on complex topics.
Additional Information

Work Environment

  • This position is typical of an office work environment. 

Working at SOSi

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.

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