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Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader Jobs in Washington, DC

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 ...

The Atlantic

Senior Associate Editor

Washington, DC

$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 ...

The Washington Post

Photo Assignment Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

A strong eye for photography and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of freelance ... Ability to write concise, accurate copy for photo presentations. * Comfort working quickly and ...

Cheddar

Freelance Multimedia Journalist

Washington, DC

$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.

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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

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$14

$32

$53

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

As of Aug 11, 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.

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 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.

Copy Editor/Quality Control Specialist On-Call

ICF

Rockville, MD • On-site

Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

ICF is seeking an experienced Copyeditor/Proofreader/QC Specialist to support the development, review, and quality control of health-related communications, outreach materials, reports, website content, and meeting deliverables for federal clients. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in copyediting and proofreading, strong command of multiple style guides, and experience ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance across a wide range of written products in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. Candidates should have strong editorial judgment, a commitment to accuracy, and experience supporting high-quality communications in mission-driven environments.

Key Responsibilities
Perform copyediting, proofreading, and quality control review of reports, fact sheets, newsletters, website content, conference materials, and other communications products.

  • Ensure consistency with client, project, and industry style guides, including, APA, AP, and NIH-specific standards.
  • Review and correct content for grammar, punctuation, syntax, formatting, clarity, and accuracy.
  • Support conference and meeting communications by editing correspondence, maintaining speaker biographies and related materials, and reviewing registration information for completeness and accuracy.
  • Review and update web content through content management systems and conduct routine quality control checks to identify and resolve errors or inconsistencies.
  • Maintain reference materials such as acronym lists, editorial guidance, and standardized language resources.
  • Contribute to monthly reports and other project documentation by editing content and verifying completeness and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with project staff to support high-quality deliverables for federal health clients.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in English, communications, education, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in copyediting, proofreading, and quality control review.

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Experience supporting NIH, HHS, FDA, or other federal health agencies.
  • Familiarity with dietary supplements, rare diseases, clinical trials, or other public health subject matter.
  • Background in reviewing technical or scientific documentation for both content quality and formatting consistency.

Other Skills:

  • Demonstrated experience editing health, scientific, technical, or government communications materials.
  • Expert knowledge of editorial conventions, grammar, punctuation, and document formatting standards.
  • Experience applying multiple style guides and adapting to project-specific requirements.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments with accuracy and consistency.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and comfort working in web-based content management systems.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$0.00 - $0.00Maryland Remote Office (MD99)

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