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Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader Jobs in Illinois

Copy Editor

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$53K - $79K/yr

Learn more at Overview Mars United Commerce is currently seeking a Copy Editor. This individual ... We also offer medical and voluntary benefits to our freelancers and temporary employees. Voluntary ...

Copy Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53K - $79K/yr

Learn more at Overview Mars United Commerce is currently seeking a Copy Editor. This individual ... We also offer medical and voluntary benefits to our freelancers and temporary employees. Voluntary ...

Manages freelance talent through various stages of concepting, development, writing, editing, fact ... Reviews, edits, and copy-fits articles in Word and InDesign and reviews PDFs of completed layouts

New

Editor, Academic Books

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Book Department Editor Reports to : Vice President of Editorial and Director of Editorial, Book ... Engaging and reviewing the work of freelance proofreaders and indexers * Working through projects ...

Executive Editor

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Strong editing background with demonstrated excellence in story development and copy editing * Experience managing reporters, editors, freelancers or cross‑functional teams * Strong understanding ...

New

Strong editing background with demonstrated excellence in story development and copy editing * Experience managing reporters, editors, freelancers or cross-functional teams * Strong understanding of ...

Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while ... Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ...

Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while ... Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ...

Critiquing headlines, body copy,social mediacontent,presentation decks, concept statements, ads ... Participate in edits and proofing of content delivered to clients * Identify opportunities for ...

Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while ... Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ...

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Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$27

$45

How much do freelance copy editor proofreader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance copy editor proofreader in Illinois is $27.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $30.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance copy editor proofreader?

Freelance copy editor proofreaders are independent professionals who review written content for accuracy, clarity, grammar, punctuation, and consistency. They work with a variety of clients, such as authors, businesses, and publishers, to ensure that documents are error-free and well-polished before publication. Unlike in-house editors, freelance copy editor proofreaders typically work remotely and may take on multiple projects from different clients at once. Their work helps enhance the professionalism and readability of written materials.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader, you need exceptional grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills, along with a strong command of style guides such as AP or Chicago Manual of Style. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word (Track Changes), Google Docs, and proofreading tools such as Grammarly is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and effective client collaboration. These qualities are vital for delivering error-free, polished content and building a reputation for reliability in a competitive freelance market.

How does a freelance copy editor proofreader typically manage communication and feedback with clients throughout a project?

As a freelance copy editor proofreader, effective communication with clients is crucial for ensuring that project expectations are met. Most professionals use email, project management tools, or direct messaging platforms to clarify guidelines, address queries, and provide progress updates. It's common to schedule checkpoints for feedback, especially on longer documents, and to remain flexible to accommodate client revisions. Strong organization and clear, timely communication help build trust and lead to repeat business.

What is the difference between Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader vs Freelance Content Writer?

AspectFreelance Copy Editor ProofreaderFreelance Content Writer
Primary FocusEditing and proofreading existing content for grammar, style, and accuracyCreating original content, articles, and marketing materials
Skills & CredentialsStrong language skills, attention to detail, editing certifications (optional)Research, writing, SEO knowledge, creativity
Work EnvironmentRemote, freelance, client-based projectsRemote, freelance, client-based projects
Industry UsagePublishing, editing, media, marketingMarketing, blogging, journalism, advertising

While both roles are freelance and often involve remote work, a Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader primarily focuses on refining existing content for clarity and correctness. In contrast, a Freelance Content Writer creates original content from scratch. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right professional for their project needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Illinois?

For Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,956 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

$53K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Publicis Groupe rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 52 rated marketing agency


Job description

Company Description

Mars United Commerce is a global commerce marketing practice that aligns people, technology, and intelligence to make the business of our clients better today than it was yesterday. Our worldwide capabilities coalesce into four key disciplines - Strategy & Analytics, Content & Experiences, Digital Commerce, and Retail Consultancy - that individually deliver unmatched results for clients and collectively give them an unparalleled network of seamlessly integrated functions across the entire commerce marketing ecosystem. These disciplines are powered by our industry-leading technology platform, Marilyn, which helps marketers understand the total business impact of their commerce marketing activation, enabling them to make better decisions, create connected experiences, and drive stronger, measurable results. Learn more at https://www.marsunited.com/.

Overview

Mars United Commerce is currently seeking a Copy Editor. This individual will be responsible for reviewing agency documents for grammar, spelling, consistency, and accuracy, checking against house style, client style, retailer style, and/or AP or Chicago style. Candidates must reside within a commutable distance from our Chicago, New York, Detroit, Minneapolis or Rogers, AR office for a hybrid work schedule. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Copy edit documents of varying length and complexity, from digital banners to presentation decks

Address issues without losing the writer's voice

Compare source documents in Spanish or French to final creative to ensure a match

Collaborate with other copy editors

Perform simple fact-checking

SKILL SETS REQUIRED:

Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field

5+ years of copy editing and/or proofreading experience; advertising/marketing background a plus

Proficient in AP style and Chicago Manual of Style

Comfortable working in Microsfot Office as well as Adobe Acrobat 

Expert-level command of English

Strong attention to detail

Strict adherence to deadlines

Ability to shift focus based on changing priorities

Understanding of marketing (style)

Comfortable working independently

Comfortable taking criticism

Comfortable working in and/or learning project management platforms

Additional Information

The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources. Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include:

Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or moreMonetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and FertilityMonetary assistance and support for pet adoptionEmployee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balanceTuition AssistancePaid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and moreMatching Gifts programsFlexible working arrangements'Work Your World' Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

The benefits offerings listed are available to eligible U.S. Based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.

We also offer medical and voluntary benefits to our freelancers and temporary employees. Voluntary benefit options include supplemental medical insurance, transportation, and parking benefits, legal benefits, pet insurance, and auto and home insurance. You must be actively employed for 90 consecutive calendar days in order to be eligible for Publicis medical and voluntary benefits. 

Mars United Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact usmttacompliance@publicis.com.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

 Compensation Range: USD $53,960.00 - USD $79,794.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 9/25/2026.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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