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Freelance Copy Editor Proofreader Jobs in Washington, DC

ICF

Technical Editor

Washington, DC · Remote

... proofing, copy editing, and/or substantive editing of technical information and publications to include experience with GPO and applying government/agency editorial standards. * 3-10 years of ...

Nashville Public Radio

Reporter/Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

... freelance contributors and stringers in key Arab capitals. The role requires someone who ... Edits, line edits, and copy edits daily English-language reporting filed by regional correspondents ...

New

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 ...

ICF Olson

Technical Writer

Washington, DC · On-site

$61 - $104/hr

... proofing, copy editing, and/or substantive editing of technical information and publications. * 3-10 years of experience and or knowledge of the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual ...

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 ...

WSSC Water

Communications Specialist

Laurel, MD · On-site

$98K - $168K/yr

Serves as lead copy editor and proofreader for communications * Primary editor for other departments' communications functions * Participates in meetings related to strategy and implementation

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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

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$32

$53

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

As of Sep 6, 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.

Technical Editor

ICF

Washington, DC • Remote

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Do you enjoy transforming complex information into clear, accurate, and user-friendly content? Are you passionate about helping diverse audiences understand technical concepts, research findings, and detailed processes?

We're looking for a talented Technical Editor who can bring clarity, structure, and precision to a wide range of technical communications for a transportation-focused client. From research reports and operational procedures to technical brochures and guidance documents, you'll work with subject matter experts to strengthen content, improve readability, and ensure that information is communicated clearly and effectively to its intended audience.

Location: Remote in DC

As aTechnicalEditor,youwill:

  • Provide editorial support on a wide variety of materials, including technical brochures, standard operating procedures, research reports, technical summaries, and other highly technical documents.
  • Distill complex data into content - both in graphics and in the corresponding narrative - that is accurate, clear, professional, and appropriate for the audience.
  • Fact-check content, adapt references to meet client and style standards, and ensure copyright compliance.
  • Demonstrate exceptional editorial skills, including line editing, copy editing, proofreading, and applying plain language.
  • Correct issues with content structure and organization, grammar, spelling, accuracy, style, readability, and consistency.
  • Collaborate with the client and other staff to develop and deliver exceptional work.
  • Ensure that all work is consistent with established guidelines and strategy, and maintain up-to-date editorial guidelines.

As aTechnicalEditor, you will have:

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, or a related scientific or technical field.
  • 3-10 years of professional experience in technical writing, technical documentation, editing, proofing, copy editing, and/or substantive editing of technical information and publications to include experience with GPO and applying government/agency editorial standards.
  • 3-10 years of experience reviewing complex technical material for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and completeness, including substantive and technical editing, copy editing, proofreading, and review of content in layout.
  • Ability to obtain a government security clearance if required by contract.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Excellent command of grammar, syntax, usage, punctuation, style, and editorial conventions, with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accurate, consistent, high-quality publications.
  • Strong editorial judgment and the ability to identify and resolve substantive issues in complex technical content.
  • Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Experience with reference checking, fact checking, copyright compliance, appropriate attribution and use of source materials, and publication quality assurance/quality control.
  • Experience managing documents through the complete editorial and publication lifecycle, from outline and initial drafts through reviews, revisions, final production, and publication.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint, and document-production tools used to review, edit, format, and finalize publications; familiarity with Adobe Acrobat, PDF/document production, accessibility, online publishing, shared workspaces, or collaboration tools used in technical publication workflows.
  • Experience collaborating effectively with engineers, developers, technical subject matter experts, project staff, authors, and reviewers in multidisciplinary team environments.
  • Transportation industry experience, particularly in highway and surface transportation.
  • Experience editing engineering, research, scientific, or other highly technical documentation.
  • Experience supporting government or agency publications.
  • Ability to understand technical concepts quickly and communicate them clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Professional Skills:

  • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Self-directed and resourceful, with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, collaborate effectively, and adapt to changing priorities and project requirements.
  • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

*** Please take note this is a contingent position.

#Indeed


Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contactCandidateaccommodation@icf.comfor assistance.

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:

$61,232.00 - $104,094.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

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