1

Freelance Editor Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Manage freelance writers and ensure editorial quality and brand consistency. * Support product and ... Excellent writing, editing, and project management skills. * Basic understanding of content ...

GMP Technical Writer

Madison, WI · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Strong technical writing and editing skills, withthe ability to translate complex technical information into clear,concise, compliant, and audit-ready documentation. * Excellent attention to detail ...

GMP Technical Writer

Madison, WI · On-site

$69 - $96/hr

Strong technical writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise, compliant, and audit-ready documentation. * Excellent attention to detail ...

GMP Technical Writer

Madison, WI · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Strong technical writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise, compliant, and audit-ready documentation. * Excellent attention to detail ...

Freelance Editor information

See Madison, WI salary details

$11

$31

$58

How much do freelance editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance editor in Madison, WI is $31.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $39.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance editor do?

A freelance editor reviews and improves written content for clients, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency. Their tasks can include correcting grammar and spelling, restructuring sentences, providing feedback on style and tone, and sometimes fact-checking or formatting documents. Freelance editors work independently, often taking on projects ranging from books and articles to marketing materials and academic papers. They communicate directly with clients to understand project requirements and deliver polished, publication-ready text.

What does a freelance editor do?

The responsibilities of a freelance editor involve working to write or source copy for a client. Your duties in this career usually include ensuring that the spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct, and that the text meets the style guidelines and quality standards of the client. Depending on the type of work, you may add images or other content and publish the work on a website. As a freelance editor, you may need to publish samples or a portfolio of past work to attract clients. Freelance editors usually work with multiple clients at the same time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance editor?

To thrive as a Freelance Editor, you need excellent language proficiency, strong attention to detail, and experience with editing styles, often backed by a degree in English, journalism, or communications. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and tools such as Grammarly or Adobe Acrobat is typically required. Outstanding communication, time management, and adaptability help editors effectively collaborate with clients and manage multiple projects. These skills and tools are crucial for delivering high-quality, error-free work on deadline in a competitive, client-driven environment.

What are some common challenges freelance editors face when managing multiple clients and projects?

Freelance editors often juggle several projects with different deadlines and editorial standards, which can make time management a significant challenge. Balancing communication with clients, understanding their unique expectations, and handling revisions efficiently are key aspects of the job. Staying organized with project management tools and setting clear boundaries regarding availability and turnaround times can help editors deliver high-quality work without becoming overwhelmed. Building strong relationships through clear communication also helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures repeat business.

What is the difference between Freelance Editor vs Content Writer?

AspectFreelance EditorContent Writer
CredentialsEditing certifications, strong language skillsWriting samples, strong language skills
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, client-specificRemote, freelance or in-house, client or company projects
Industry UsagePublishing, media, marketingMarketing, blogging, media, corporate communication
Search & Comparison IntentEditing skills, proofreading, content refinementWriting skills, content creation, storytelling

While both Freelance Editors and Content Writers work remotely and require strong language skills, editors focus on refining and improving existing content, ensuring accuracy and clarity. Content Writers primarily create 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 Editor jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Editor jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Editor jobs in Madison, WI?

For Freelance Editor jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Editor jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Editor jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Freelance Editor jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Freelance Editor job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Editor job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $66,239 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Are you a seasoned storyteller and editorial professional who thrives on creating meaningful storytelling with broad reach? The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW-Madison, is seeking a Senior Writer / Editor to help shape some of our signature publications. This position, contributing to our WFAA communications team, will serve as coeditor of On Wisconsin, the university's award-winning quarterly alumni magazine that, though its print and digital forms, reaches more than 500,000 alumni worldwide.

The position also serves as editor of WFAA's awards publication, among other storytelling work. In this role, you'll collaborate with colleagues and freelancers to produce compelling stories that celebrate the people, ideas, and impact of UW-Madison. This hybrid position is based in Madison, Wisconsin, with at least two days per week in the office.

Essential Functions

On Wisconsin

  • Collaborate with staff at WFAA and the Office of Strategic Communications (OSC) to produce On Wisconsin, UW-Madison's quarterly alumni magazine.
    • Partner closely with the OSC coeditor and design team to plan and execute each issue.
    • Hire and manage freelance writers and secure photography and other visuals.
  • Lead strategy for On Wisconsin's digital channels.
    • Consider storytelling from concept to completion as a multimedia effort, working with social media and video storytellers to create compelling, break-out content
    • Collaborate on and develop digital content distribution strategies with broader WFAA communications and OSC
    • Use SEO and GEO principles to maximize On Wisconsin's readership online.
  • Serve as key point of contact with magazine printer to ensure high-quality production and timely mailing.
    • Ensure the magazine is produced on time and within budget.
  • Share story ideas and success metrics with leadership at WFAA and OSC.

WFAA Awards Publication

  • Work closely with the alumni awards team to develop stories about award recipients.
  • Coordinate with freelance writers and photographers.
  • Lead production of a publication highlighting award recipients.
  • Support marketing efforts related to the awards program, as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Write for On Wisconsin and other WFAA publications.
  • Maintain 4WARD records for people featured in On Wisconsin and constituents who write to the magazine.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications arts, or of a similar field.  
  • 7 + years of experience in journalism, writing, publishing, communications, or a similar field
  • Knowledge of magazine publishing
  • Knowledge and experience in multimedia and digital publishing and social media content development
  • Experience working with writers and designers
  • Expertise with Word, Teams, Zoom, or similar conferencing software
  • Familiarity with InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Salesforce Marketing Cloud
  • Familiarity with MS Office software and Mac operating systems.

Other Qualifications:

  • Experience working in Higher education.
  • Experience with hiring and managing freelancers.
  • Strong interviewing skills, strong sense of initiative.
  • Understanding of marketing and journalistic concepts, experience creating content about diverse constituencies, and a passion for UW-Madison.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits! 

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is the "doing business as" name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME