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Freelance Development Editor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Life Time

Senior Editor-Fitness

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$107K/yr

Manages freelance talent through various stages of concepting, development, writing, editing, fact checking, and layout * Reviews, edits, and copy-fits articles in Word and InDesign and reviews PDFs ...

Arizona State University

Executive Editor

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Strong editing background with demonstrated excellence in story development and copy editing * Experience managing reporters, editors, freelancers or cross‑functional teams * Strong understanding ...

New

American

Managing Editor, IRW

Campus, IL · On-site

Interview and hire freelance reporters and editors as needed, as well as design and web development contractors. * Manage relationships with external professional partners in other newsrooms through ...

Asuep

Executive Editor - NEWSWELL Chicago

Oak Park, IL · On-site

Strong editing background with demonstrated excellence in story development and copy editing * Experience managing reporters, editors, freelancers or cross-functional teams * Strong understanding of ...

Sourcebooks

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while ... Experience mentoring colleagues and contributing to team development. * Strong attention to detail ...

Sourcebooks

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62 - $67/hr

Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while ... Experience mentoring colleagues and contributing to team development. * Strong attention to detail ...

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 ... Experience mentoring colleagues and contributing to team development. * Strong attention to detail ...

WFMT

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT ... basic web development concepts • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Audition;

WTTW

WFMT Digital Writer/Editor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

... freelance contributors to ensure high editorial standards, accuracy, and alignment with WFMT ... basic web development concepts • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Audition;

Socket.dev

Director, Production - Chicago/Virtual

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Development of Scalable Department and High-performing Team. * Lead, maintain and grow a high ... Build and oversee a diverse bench of freelance talent, understanding their strengths and weaknesses ...

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Freelance Development Editor information

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 Illinois?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Freelance Development Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Development Editor job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Editor-Fitness

Life Time

Highland Park, IL • On-site

$107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Research, plan, assign, edit, and write articles for the magazine's features, departments, and digital content.

  • Develop and maintain relationships with freelance writers, review submissions, and ensure content meets quality standards and deadlines.

  • Contribute ideas and develop content for digital initiatives in collaboration with the digital team.

Life Time rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 394 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Editor's primary responsibilities consists of researching, planning, assigning, editing and writing articles for the magazine's features, regular departments, and other content areas, including digital. The Senior Editor contributes to the editorial calendar and creative-planning process, and works closely with the managing editor, deputy editors, and editor in chief to supply content that meets the creative and quality standards outlined in the creative blueprint. It is the Senior Editor's responsibility to develop and maintain good working relationships with a stable of talented freelance writers, and to ensure that their work comes in on time, meets quality standards, and adheres to the content and article outlines provided. Central tasks include Web and print research, writing, editing, and maintaining clear, consistent communication with freelancers and editorial staff.    

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Maintains in-depth working knowledge of health, fitness, quality-of-life, and related topics sources and trends  
  • Works with editorial team to develop per-issue content outlines             
  • Researches, plans, and assigns features and departments to coincide with production calendar
  • Seeks out and reviews submissions from freelance talent and selects and evaluates writers on an ongoing basis     
  • Submits assignments and contract information to the  managing editor and project manager     
  • Manages freelance talent through various stages of concepting, development, writing, editing, fact checking, and layout      
  • Reviews, edits, and copy-fits articles in Word and InDesign and reviews PDFs of completed layouts         
  • Completes fact-check, revisions, source, and other requests from editorial and proofing staff   
  • Contributes ideas to digital content process, develops content, and executes on initiatives in collaboration with the digital team     
  • Assists in training, developing and accessing junior staff to ensure continuous growth through orientations, direction, or feedback                                                                                                                                  

Position Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism related field
  • 4 or more years of experience of prior editorial or related experience
  • Ability to write and edit copy for clarity, accuracy and style
  • Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and InDesign
  • Knowledge of health, wellness, fitness, quality-of-life content areas
  • Limited required travel for meetings and industry events
PayThis is a salaried position starting at $78,000.00(or applicable minimum salary, if higher) and pays up to $107,000.00, based on experience and qualifications.Benefits

All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:

  • A fully subsidized membership

  • Discounts on Life Time products and services

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older)

  • Training and professional development

  • Paid sick leave where required by law

Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage

  • Short term and long term disability insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans

  • Parental leave and adoption assistance

  • Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave

  • Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold

Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.

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