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Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader Jobs in Washington, DC

Psychiatry

Senior Editor, Books

Washington, DC · On-site

$76 - $87/hr

Manages, reviews, and oversees the work of freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers ... Evaluates author and proofreader corrections for accuracy and sense and incorporates corrections ...

NWF

Associate Editor, Ranger Rick Outreach

Reston, VA · On-site +1

The Associate Editor writes, edits, and creates art direction for Ranger Rick Adventures comics ... Edit or rewrite freelance manuscripts for style, accuracy, and readability. * Review all 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 ... Coordinate with other teams, including art, copy, fact‑check, and audience. Qualifications * 5+ ...

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 ... Coordinate with other teams, including art, copy, fact-check, and audience Skills and ...

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.

Pewtrusts

Video Producer and Editor

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$75K/yr

Work with freelance editors and vendors as needed * Provide guidance to other staff on fundamentals ... Whenrequested, please upload a copy of your resume/CV, as well as a copy of your cover letter in ...

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All JobsCopy Editor Proofreader JobsFreelance Copy Editor Proofreader JobsFreelance Copy Editor Proofreader Jobs in Washington, DC

Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

$32

$53

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance copy editor proofreader in Washington, DC is $32.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.05 and $36.20 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs in Washington, DC are:

Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 73% In-person, 16% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,739 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

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 7 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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