ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sourcebooks LLC

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

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 ...

New

WFMT

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... copy to maximize engagement. • Strategically create and extend produced content for/to WFMT ... freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT ...

WTTW

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... copy to maximize engagement. • Strategically create and extend produced content for/to WFMT ... freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT ...

Crain

Art Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Collaborate with editorial teams, freelance photographers, designers, and other creative partners ... Basic copy editing skills and strong attention to detail. Preferred qualifications * Experience ...

ThreeKit, Inc.

Marketing Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K/yr

Write and edit email copy and continuously test subject lines, send times, formats, and calls to ... Manage external vendors, agencies, and freelancers for design, video, and overflow work against an ...

ThreeKit

Marketing Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... copy and continuously test subject lines, send times, formats, and calls to action. • Plan and ... and freelancers for design, video, and overflow work against an approved brief, timeline, and ...

ThreeKit

Marketing Manager

Chicago, IL

Write and edit email copy and continuously test subject lines, send times, formats, and calls to ... Manage external vendors, agencies, and freelancers for design, video, and overflow work against an ...

ThreeKit, Inc.

Marketing Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Write and edit email copy and continuously test subject lines, send times, formats, and calls to ... Manage external vendors, agencies, and freelancers for design, video, and overflow work against an ...

Culligan

SEO/GEO & Content Strategist

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Write and develop original content as needed (outlines, briefs, posts, scripts, and supporting copy ... Proven editorial chops: strong writing, editing, and fact-checking; experience directing writers ...

Culligan

SEO/GEO & Content Strategist

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Proven editorial chops: strong writing, editing, and fact-checking; experience directing writers ... Experience managing agency/freelance partners. * Comfort building and running content workflows and ...

previous page

Showing results 21-39

All JobsCopy Editor Proofreader JobsFreelance Copy Editor Proofreader JobsFreelance Copy Editor Proofreader Jobs in Chicago, IL

Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$29

$48

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance copy editor proofreader in Chicago, IL is $29.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $32.93 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.

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 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader job openings:
Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs near you

Senior Production Editor

Sourcebooks LLC

Naperville, IL • On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Help bring extraordinary books to life.
If you're an experienced publishing professional who thrives on managing complex projects, solving challenging production puzzles, and collaborating across departments to deliver exceptional books, we'd love to meet you.
Sourcebooks is seeking a Senior Production Editor to join our Adult Publishing Operations team. This is more than a production role-it's an opportunity to serve as a strategic leader who drives quality, mentors teammates, improves workflows, and helps shape how books move from manuscript to finished product.
You'll manage a diverse list of frontlist and backlist titles for high-profile authors while partnering with Editorial, Design, Managing Editorial, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and freelance editorial partners to ensure every project meets our standards for quality, accuracy, and schedule.
Whether you're navigating a complex production schedule, mentoring newer team members, or identifying smarter ways to work, you'll play an essential role in helping our books-and our people-succeed.
This an exempt, salaried position with a pay range of $62,000-$66,500. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate's qualifications.
The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
What you'll do:
  • Lead the editorial production of complex and high-profile publishing projects from manuscript through final files.
  • Manage production schedules, priorities, and critical milestones to ensure books are delivered on time and at the highest quality.
  • Coordinate copyediting, proofreading, page review, corrections, approvals, and final production readiness.
  • Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while maintaining quality standards.
  • Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines.
  • Collaborate closely with Editorial, Design, Managing Editorial, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and other stakeholders to resolve production challenges and keep projects moving forward.
  • Perform final quality assurance reviews before files are released to manufacturing and digital distribution.
  • Identify opportunities to improve workflows, streamline processes, and enhance operational efficiency across the department.
  • Mentor Production Editors by sharing best practices, providing guidance, and supporting onboarding and training efforts.
  • Contribute to cross-functional planning discussions and help develop scalable publishing operations.

What you bring:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and publishing experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in publishing operations, production editorial, or a related publishing discipline.
  • Demonstrated success managing multiple complex publishing projects simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines.
  • Deep understanding of editorial production workflows, including copyediting, proofreading, page composition, quality assurance, and manufacturing readiness.
  • Exceptional organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external vendors.
  • Experience mentoring colleagues and contributing to team development.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat; experience with publishing workflow and project management systems is preferred.
  • Familiarity with Smartsheet and Basecamp a plus.
  • A continuous improvement mindset and enthusiasm for learning new technologies, workflows, and publishing best practices.
Why Sourcebooks?
Sourcebooks is a thriving entrepreneurial publisher driven by our mission to change lives through books. The fifth-largest publisher in the U.S. by print units sold, we bring extraordinary authors to readers in dynamic, data-driven ways, leading to hundreds of national and international bestsellers. Our insight-driven approach has earned us recognition from Fast Company as a Most Innovative Company, a Best Workplace for Innovators, a Most Loved Workplace by Newsweek, a Best Workplace by Inc., and Publishers Weekly's nod as "the most successful self-made publisher operating in the 21st century." Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives. Join us as we change 300 million more!
Ready to Apply:
Please submit your resume, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Show us your passion and creativity - we're looking for someone who's as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are!
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription Drug Insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care, Dependent Care, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, 401(k), Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, and generous paid time off.
Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Apply