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Freelance Copy Editing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NWF

Associate Editor, Ranger Rick Outreach

Reston, VA · On-site +1

Additional one-off editing tasks round out the role. PRINCIPAL DUTIES * Research and write original ... Edit or rewrite freelance manuscripts for style, accuracy, and readability. * Review all copy ...

Psychiatry

Senior Editor, Books

Washington, DC · On-site

$76 - $87/hr

... freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers; serving as liaison with authors and volume ... Maintains editing schedules of individual projects and continuously monitors and reports on ...

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Multimedia Journalist to join ... Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and error-free copy.

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Multimedia Journalist to join ... Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and error-free copy.

Atlantic Media

Senior Associate Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$85 - $100/hr

... freelancers. The role will sometimes include night, early‑morning, and weekend work ... copy, fact‑check, and audience. Qualifications * 5+ years of editing experience. * Attention to ...

The Atlantic

Senior Associate Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

... freelancers. The ideal candidate will be a strong line editor who is creative and opportunistic ... copy, fact-check, and audience Skills and Qualifications: * 5+ years of editing experience

Pewtrusts

Video Producer and Editor

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$75K/yr

Primary Responsibilities Video Productionand Editing(70%) * Produce and edit short-form video ... Work with freelance editors and vendors as needed * Provide guidance to other staff on fundamentals ...

Condé Nast

Acting digital features editor

Adelphi, MD · Hybrid

Edit and sub-edit copy to the highest editorial standards while maintaining Conde Nast Traveller ... A demonstrable track record of commissioning and editing high-performing digital journalism with a ...

Stand Together

Editor in Chief

Arlington, VA · On-site

Act as both strategist and hands-on creator-shaping the vision while writing, editing, and ... Streamline copy-approval workflows to improve clarity, speed, and collaboration. What You Will ...

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Freelance Copy Editing information

What is freelance copy editing?

Freelance copy editing is the process of reviewing and correcting written content for grammar, punctuation, clarity, consistency, and style on a contract or project basis, rather than as a full-time employee. Freelance copy editors work independently for various clients, including authors, businesses, publishers, and websites. They ensure that documents are error-free and meet the client's specifications, often working remotely and managing their own schedules. This role requires strong language skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of different style guides.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance copy editor?

To thrive as a Freelance Copy Editor, you need a strong grasp of grammar, punctuation, style guides, and attention to detail, often supported by a degree in English or communications. Familiarity with editing tools like Microsoft Word's Track Changes, Google Docs, and style manuals such as AP or Chicago is typically required. Excellent time management, communication skills, and adaptability help you manage diverse client needs and deadlines. These skills ensure clarity, consistency, and quality in written content, which are crucial for client satisfaction and professional reputation.

How do freelance copy editors typically manage client communication and project deadlines?

Freelance copy editors often work remotely, which means clear and proactive communication with clients is essential. Most use email, project management tools, or platforms like Slack or Trello to track edits and deadlines. Establishing expectations at the start of a project, such as turnaround times and revision policies, helps prevent misunderstandings. Time management is key, as freelancers may juggle multiple projects with overlapping deadlines, so creating a detailed schedule and updating clients regularly is considered best practice.

What is the difference between Freelance Copy Editing vs Freelance Proofreading?

AspectFreelance Copy EditingFreelance Proofreading
Primary FocusImproving clarity, style, and structure of contentCorrecting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
Required SkillsStrong editing, rewriting, and language skillsExcellent attention to detail and knowledge of grammar rules
Work EnvironmentRemote or freelance, often with writers or publishersRemote or freelance, typically reviewing final drafts
Common UsageEditing drafts for flow and consistencyProofreading final versions before publication

While both freelance copy editing and proofreading involve language accuracy, copy editing focuses on improving content clarity and style, whereas proofreading emphasizes catching grammatical and typographical errors in the final draft.

What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editing jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Copy Editing jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Copy Editing jobs in Washington?

For Freelance Copy Editing jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Copy Editing jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Copy Editing jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Freelance Copy Editing jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Freelance Copy Editing job openings:

Freelance Copy Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Copy Editing job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Travel Editor (National Geographic)

Washington, DC • On-site

Nashville Public Radio
Broadcasting • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Nashville Public Radioexternal

$79.40 - $106.40/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Travel Editor conceives, assigns, edits and prepares for publishing editorial travel content for National Geographic, with a particular focus on service journalism that attracts broad global audiences to NationalGeographic.com. Working with a roster of freelance writers and creators, he/she/they will develop text- and video-based content and play a key role in managing our ongoing Destination Guides program, helping travelers make better and smarter decisions as they decide where to go and what to do. The travel editor will partner with photo editors on visualizing content, and will pitch in on recurring travel series and franchises as needed. This role is a great opportunity to develop and contribute highly visible and valuable content to a trusted travel brand, helping us to continually improve our approach to satisfying travelers as their needs and habits evolve.

Responsibilities
  • Conceive and pitch travel story ideas for NatGeo.com in collaboration with freelance writers / creators, with a particular focus on service journalism
  • Commission, produce, edit, and prepare stories for publishing, working in collaboration with photo editors and digital producers
  • Define and shape our creative approach to destination guide coverage, including component and formats, and media types, including video
  • Track and plan ongoing refreshes of and additions to our destination guides, leveraging performance data to develop strategic approaches, ensuring continual editorial work to optimize utility to travelers and performance
  • Conceptualize, propose, and execute ideas for additional stories that drive audience development and engagement
  • Pitch in as needed on larger-scale initiatives like Best of the World and other ongoing series and franchises
  • Proactively develop and propose ideas for new approaches to travel storytelling, particularly in video form and for third-party platforms like social media
  • Continually develop and expand our roster of freelance contributors, particularly writers as well as creators in the travel space
  • Collaborate with newsletter and social media editors on promotional and amplification efforts for travel content
  • Partner with sales and marketing on developing editorial ideas in response to requests for proposals and active sales
Basic Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience conceiving, assigning, and editing editorial content for digital publishing in a media (editorial/journalistic) environment
  • Experience with digital editing and production and its associated needs (e.g., SEO, tagging, headline writing)
  • Experience developing ideas and content containing helpful, actionable information for travelers, based on on-the-ground reporting and expertise
  • An eye for visual presentation and an understanding of what makes stories work visually for digital and social
  • Strong knowledge of the travel industry and its facets and experience creating travel content
  • A roster of creative collaborators, especially freelance writers, and an understanding of what makes quality reporting and writing
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills and ability to present ideas fluently and with polish
  • Understanding of the evolving media landscape, including shifting consumer behaviors and preferences, including travel media and the overall competitive set for editorial content in the travel space
  • Collaborative spirit and the ability to work well across a matrixed environment
  • Ability to multitask and work effectively under pressure and within budget and deadline parameters
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing and creating video-based content a plus
  • Knowledge of and experience collaborating with creators helpful but not required
  • Experience working within a large corporate environment
Required Education
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Preferred Education
  • Concentration in journalism or media helpful but not required

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $79,400 to $106,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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