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Freelance Development Editor Jobs in Massachusetts

Museum of Fine Arts

Editor, Publications

Boston, MA · On-site

The Editor coordinates independently with freelance designers, printers, and other vendors to assist with design and production. Key Responsibilities: * Assume primary responsibility for development ...

Real Chemistry

21GRAMS- Post Producer

Boston, MA · On-site

Contributing positively to the company culture and business development efforts. This position is a ... Great knowledge and relationships of vendors and freelancers * Excellent understanding of editing ...

143 Studios LLC

Lead Video

Boston, MA

... development education for many of the largest companies in the world. Every day, our work reaches ... full‐time and freelance video editors and creatives. Provide clear creative feedback and ...

143 Studios LLC

Lead Video

Boston, MA

... development education for many of the largest companies in the world. Every day, our work reaches ... full‐time and freelance video editors and creatives. Provide clear creative feedback and ...

JVS Boston

Grants Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

The Grants Manager works closely with the Development team, finance department, and programmatic ... Manage and oversee freelance grant writers to assist with funder proposals and reports as needed.

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Freelance Development Editor information

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$54.1K

$89.9K

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How much do freelance development editor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance development editor in Massachusetts is $89,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $105,900.00 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 Massachusetts?

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

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

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Freelance Development Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Development Editor job openings in Massachusetts 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 $89,938 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Editor, Publications

Museum of Fine Arts

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Publisher, the Editor takes primary responsibility for the editing and coordinating of assigned publishing projects of all formats, sizes, and levels of complexity, including exhibition catalogues and books on the permanent collection. The Editor partners with authors to shape and finalize manuscripts, copy edits and proofreads as needed, and ensures that all necessary components (captions, checklist, figure illustrations, etc.) are in place before the manuscript goes into production. The Editor coordinates independently with freelance designers, printers, and other vendors to assist with design and production. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assume primary responsibility for development, scheduling, editing, design and production oversight for assigned publications each year, as directed by the Publisher.
  • Liaise directly with internal and external authors to ensure that text meets the contracted criteria and that deadlines are met. Liase with designers to ensure all publications meet MFA requirements.
  • Ensure that museum publications are produced in an audience appropriate style, and that they reflect the MFA’s editorial and publication policies.
  • Perform developmental editing, manuscript editing, and proofreading, to eliminate typographical and grammatical errors and adhere to house style.
  • Obtain images from internal and external sources, oversee the review and approval process for all photography credits, rights clearance, and donor credit lines, for all assigned projects.
  • Coordinate color proofing and other stages of book production with internal and external parties, as needed.
  • Write cover texts and sales and marketing copy; provide information on publications to distributors and other external parties.
  • Assist the Publisher in maintaining and updating MFA Publications’ house style, and in training others in editorial standards and procedures. Participate in internal forums on questions surrounding accessible and inclusive language. 
  • Maintain awareness and knowledge of trade art publishing and other museum-sector publishing activity. Represent MFA Publications in public forums as appropriate.
  • Where appropriate as determined by Publisher and/or Senior Director of Exhibitions and Publications, represent MFA Publications at external trade shows and conferences such as the BU Art Book Fair and the National Museum Publishing Seminar. 
  • Other duties as assigned by the Publisher or Senior Director for Exhibitions and Publications.


Qualification Requirements and Characteristics:

  • 5-7 years’ publishing experience, independently responsible for editorial functions.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, English or equivalent related knowledge in illustrated book publishing and project planning, preferably in a museum setting.
  • Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style and the editorial functions of Microsoft Word.
  • Proficient in Microsoft programs, Adobe Creative Suite, TMS; e-book platforms, and HTML preferred.
  • Exceptional organizational, planning, time management, and follow-through skills with extreme attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while navigating competing priorities.
  • Outstanding organizational and communication skills.
  • Skilled in handling confidential information with care and discretion.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and travel as needed.

Salary Range: 

Full-time Salary, 35 hours per week. 

Salary: $65K-$70K commensurate with experience

This position is affiliated with the UAW Union.


The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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