1

Freelance Development Editor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assists with the training and development of junior staff in the department and of the freelance ... text editing to transmittal of manuscript and illustration program to design and production team.

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

Assists with the training and development of junior staff in the department and of the freelance ... text editing to transmittal of manuscript and illustration program to design and production team.

... with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support successful project development ... Experience editing fiction and/or narrative nonfiction, with strong developmental editing and line ...

... with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support successful project development ... Experience editing fiction and/or narrative nonfiction, with strong developmental editing and line ...

... with authors, freelancers, and creative partners to support successful project development ... Experience editing fiction and/or narrative nonfiction, with strong developmental editing and line ...

... freelance editors. * Supervise and mentor on-call Video Editors, providing creative direction, editorial feedback, technical guidance, and professional development. * Ensure productions meet ...

Senior Video Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $137K/yr

... freelance editors. * Supervise and mentor on-call Video Editors, providing creative direction, editorial feedback, technical guidance, and professional development. * Ensure productions meet ...

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

... development. You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and ... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ...

... development. You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and ... freelance contributors, and more. * Proactively seek out interesting, diverse voices who can help ...

Maintain relationships with trusted freelance editors, motion designers, colorists, sound mixers ... Highly developed instincts for narrative structure, interview-driven storytelling, pacing, use of b ...

Maintain relationships with trusted freelance editors, motion designers, colorists, sound mixers ... Highly developed instincts for narrative structure, interview-driven storytelling, pacing, use of b ...

Youtube Host - Freelance

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$1.0K - $2.5K/wk

Work closely with the videographer/editor to: Structure the episodes / Ensure strong pacing and ... CA 90278) for filming Channel Development * Bring ideas for YouTube series and formats

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freelance Development Editor information

See California salary details

$48.9K

$81.3K

$96.7K

How much do freelance development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance development editor in California is $81,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $95,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance development editor do?

A Freelance Development Editor helps authors refine their manuscripts by focusing on structure, clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness. They provide feedback on elements like plot, pacing, character development, and argument strength, depending on the type of writing. Unlike copy editors, they concentrate on big-picture issues rather than grammar and syntax. Working independently, they collaborate with writers, publishers, or businesses on a project basis to improve content. Their goal is to enhance the manuscript’s impact and readability before it moves to the next stage of editing.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a freelance development editor?

To thrive as a Freelance Development Editor, you need expertise in substantive editing, a keen eye for story structure, and a firm grasp of grammar and style, usually supported by a background in English, journalism, or publishing. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word (track changes), Google Docs, and project management platforms is common, while certification from organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association can be beneficial. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring manuscript quality, meeting client expectations, and managing multiple projects efficiently in a freelance environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by freelance development editors?

Freelance Development Editors often juggle multiple projects and clients simultaneously, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Challenges may include navigating differing author expectations, tight deadlines, and the need for clear communication while working remotely. Since you may work with clients around the world, adapting your approach to fit diverse genres, styles, and publishing standards is important. Overcoming these challenges helps you build a solid reputation and maintain steady workflow in the competitive freelancing market.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Editor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Development Editor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Development Editor jobs in California?

For Freelance Development Editor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Development Editor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Development Editor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Development Editor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Development Editor job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Development Editor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,273 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Senior Editor

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.Job Summary

Getty Publications is seeking a full-time Senior Editor to join the staff of its Editorial Department. Reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Senior Editor will work closely with authors, designers, production coordinators, and other Getty staff and freelancers to develop, pitch, and produce a wide range of high-quality illustrated art books with an initial focus on general-audience titles that complement the collections and expertise of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Senior Editor may also edit exhibition catalogues, collections-based titles, academic monographs, trade titles, and children's books, for both print and digital formats.

Getty Publications produces award-winning books that result from or complement the work of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Research Institute, and the Getty Foundation. The approximately 30 titles published each year cover the fields of art, photography, archaeology, architecture, conservation, and the humanities for both the general public and specialists.

Getty Publications offers a collegial and collaborative environment where work-life balance is prioritized. We support a hybrid work schedule, with some days at our Getty Center offices and some days at home. Staff members can choose to participate in community service and serve on committees on accessibility; mentorship and community building; and sustainability.

The Role

Under broad direction from the Editor in Chief and Managing Editor, the Senior Editor assumes full project management responsibility, performing all editorial functions-including proposal pitches and acquisitions, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading-for publications on a variety of topics and with different levels of complexity, from concept through transmittal. The Senior Editor works as part of a book team, project managing alongside staff from Rights, Design, and Production, and overseeing freelance contractors. Assists with the training and development of junior staff in the department and of the freelance pool. Performs numerous tasks related to editorial development of publication content from strategic idea development and acquisition, peer review, project approval, manuscript development, and text editing to transmittal of manuscript and illustration program to design and production team.

Major Job Responsibilities
  • Identifies, generates, and recommends to leadership new book publishing opportunities based on organizational priorities, working with potential authors to develop viable project proposals and prepare sample materials
  • Under broad direction from supervisor, negotiates contracts with authors, agents, packagers, and freelance consultants
  • Provides editorial project management for print and digital publications for a wide range of audiences and of various levels of complexity
  • Collaborates closely with colleagues in Design and Production as well as Rights to establish schedule and track progress against schedule and budget
  • Ensures high quality of work performed by all consultants, including peer reviewers, translators, project editors, copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers
  • Maintains project records and regularly reports on project status
  • With minimal supervision from manager, supervises peer review process: solicits and contracts reviewers, evaluates reviews, and works with authors to address concerns
  • Works closely with Rights Coordinators to ensure that illustrations can be acquired and transmitted according to schedule
  • May serve as a resource for development of budget and publications specifications in book project approval process
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in the humanities (preferably in English or Art History); Master's degree preferred
  • At least 7 years of relevant publishing experience, preferably including 4 years in either an art publishing or museum environment

Note: Los Angeles residency is required. This position is NOT fully remote and operates on a hybrid in-office and work-from-home schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Proven copyediting and proofreading skills; excellent knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style
  • Proficient in Microsoft products (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive) and collaboration tools such as Zoom and Docusign
  • Reading knowledge or familiarity with one or more European languages preferred
  • Substantial knowledge of art history and visual culture
  • Demonstrated excellence in project management
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills; capable of interacting professionally with various stakeholders
  • Proven ability to work independently
  • Able to adapt to changes and shifting priorities while maintaining a positive attitude
Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME