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Freelance Editorial Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Editor in Chief

Arlington, VA · On-site

$200 - $300/hr

Lead, mentor, and inspire a core editorial team, effectively scaling impact through contractors, freelancers, and agencies. * Partner closely with Communications, Marketing, and executives to align ...

Lead, mentor, and inspire a core editorial team, effectively scaling impact through contractors, freelancers, and agencies. * Partner closely with Communications, Marketing, and executives to align ...

Lead, mentor, and inspire a core editorial team, effectively scaling impact through contractors, freelancers, and agencies. * Partner closely with Communications, Marketing, and executives to align ...

Lead, mentor, and inspire a core editorial team, effectively scaling impact through contractors, freelancers, and agencies. * Partner closely with Communications, Marketing, and executives to align ...

Edit or rewrite freelance manuscripts for style, accuracy, and readability. * Review all copy ... Familiarity with reviewing editorial feedback survey data, online analytics, and audience trends to ...

Partner with internal stakeholders as marketing campaigns take shape, advising on what editorial can bring to the table - and then executing with your team of writers and/or freelancers. * Partner ...

Freelance Editorial information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$47

$131

How much do freelance editorial jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance editorial in Virginia is $47.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $61.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance editorial?

Freelance editorial work involves providing editing, proofreading, or content development services on a contract or project basis, rather than as a full-time staff member. Freelance editors may work with authors, publishers, businesses, or media outlets to improve the clarity, accuracy, and overall quality of written materials. Responsibilities can include developmental editing, copyediting, fact-checking, and sometimes writing original content. Freelancers have the flexibility to choose their projects and clients, but they are also responsible for managing their own schedules and finding work opportunities.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Editorial professional, you need excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or communications. Familiarity with style guides (like AP or Chicago), content management systems (CMS), and editing tools such as Grammarly or Adobe Acrobat is typically required. Strong time management, communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing deadlines and client relationships. These abilities ensure high-quality editorial work, client satisfaction, and ongoing project opportunities in a competitive freelance market.

How do freelance editorial professionals typically manage multiple client projects and deadlines simultaneously?

Freelance editorial professionals often juggle multiple assignments for various clients, which requires strong organizational and time-management skills. They usually rely on digital tools such as project management apps, content calendars, and communication platforms to track deadlines and prioritize tasks. Clear communication with clients about timelines and expectations is essential, as is the ability to adapt to changing project scopes or urgent revisions. Successful freelancers also build in buffer time to accommodate last-minute edits, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality work.

What is the difference between Freelance Editorial vs Freelance Copywriter?

AspectFreelance EditorialFreelance Copywriter
CredentialsWriting, journalism, or related degrees often preferredMarketing, advertising, or communications background common
Work EnvironmentMagazines, newspapers, online publicationsAdvertising agencies, corporate marketing, online content
Industry UsageUsed in media, publishing, journalismUsed in marketing, advertising, branding
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on editing, fact-checking, content accuracyFocus on persuasive writing, brand messaging

Freelance Editorial professionals primarily focus on editing, fact-checking, and ensuring content accuracy for media and publishing outlets. In contrast, Freelance Copywriters craft persuasive content aimed at marketing and branding. While both roles require strong writing skills, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Editorial jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Editorial jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Editorial jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Editorial job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Editorial job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,379 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Specialist, News & Editorial

Alexandria, VA • Hybrid

American Society of Clinical Oncology
Non-Profits • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Are you interested in making a world of difference in cancer care?

Cancer strikes more than 10 million people worldwide each year. As the leading medical society representing doctors who care for people with cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is committed to conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality care.


Who we are:
ASCO is a flexible, high-performance membership organization where employees collaborate to support our mission through evidence, care, and impact. Together with Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, we foster a culture that prioritizes customer-centricity, emphasizes teamwork, and commits to quality. Our culture, ASCO Works - Our Way of Working, has long enabled workplace flexibility and embraced technology to help us achieve balance. To learn what it's like to work at ASCO, click here.


Total Rewards:

At ASCO, we offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. Our compensation philosophy and structure ensure that payremainsmarket-based, tied to performance,and aligned with our core values. The hiring salary range displayed accounts for a broad spectrum of factors, and the final offer will depend on an evaluation of the selected candidate's experience, training, and specialized skill sets.


In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for our robust total rewards package, which includes health, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) with generous contribution, health and wellness benefits, family forming benefits, education support program, generous leave, and much more!


Who we are looking for:

ASCO is in search of a high-performing Specialist, News & Editorial to join our Integrated Communications and Marketing (ICM) department. The successful hire will research, write, edit, and serve as content manager for patient-facing and scientific content and materials, including summaries of research presented at ASCO Meetings. The Specialist will also successfully manage the development and review of content in support of the collaboration between ASCO and the American Cancer Society (ACS).
This position is hybrid with a primary location at our headquarters in Alexandria, VA. The hire must reside within 75 miles of our headquarters.

Responsibilities

  • Research, write, edit, and update patient-facing content, as assigned, working with team leaders and organizational partners and volunteers.
  • Manage the content review process for their portfolio, which includes identifying potential expert reviewers from ASCO's volunteer advisory committee, reaching out to reviewers and following up, and monitoring, tracking, and reporting on the status of all portfolio content.
  • Support development of press releases and patient-facing summaries for scientific abstracts from ASCO Meetings to highlight cancer advances to a variety of audiences.
  • Comply with contemporary journalistic standards, including accuracy, timeliness, readability, and search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, while also meeting internal deadlines and quality expectations.
  • Identify news stories that support content partnership needs and expectations, including with ACS, and stay aligned with external partners' objectives and editorial calendars.
  • Demonstrate strong client service skills when working with external partners.
  • Support the management of ASCO's volunteer advisory committee, including but not limited to developing and delivering communications, responding to questions, planning and participating in engagement sessions, and conducting surveys to gather input.
  • Participate in time-sensitive responses involving crisis communications or other fast-paced content management, such as patient-facing content related to pandemics, environmental disasters, international affairs, and ASCO Guidelines.
  • Contribute to ongoing team effort to maintain and enhance readability to ensure all of ASCO's patient-facing resources and content are accessible to a broad audience.
  • Manage and engage with freelance writers and other vendors as needed.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in communications, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent years of experience
  • At least 4 to 5 years of experience writing in a healthcare, medical, or patient care/education environment
  • Strong command of plain-language and patient-friendly styles of medical/science writing
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications required, including Word, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive

Preferred Education and Experience

  • Experience working with project and content management systems
  • Experience in the nonprofit sector, a professional medical society, oncology, or other healthcare organizations
  • Experience with using AI tools related to content development or operational efficiency

Competencies

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly convey and receive information with all professional levels and diverse groups
  • Ability to understand and simplify complex scientific content for general audiences
  • Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building skills
  • Self-starter with a commitment to work within a fast-paced editorial team
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, and multitask
  • Strong content management skills, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, and the ability to monitor, track, and report on status of content reviews
  • Flexible with the ability to adapt to changing conditions

ADA/Physical Requirements

Must lift up to 25 lbs.

Extended periods seated or standing at a desk

High use of computer and other office technology equipment

Travel

1 to 5 days/year

Compensation

This is an exempt position. The hiring salary range for this position is $93,300-$113,800 annualized.

The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum annualized salary ASCO expects to provide for a new hire for the position across the U.S. We thoughtfully determine and design offers based on the selected candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Generous Benefits Package:

  • Hybrid Work Environment
  • Open Leave Policy
  • Paid Family Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays per Calendar Year
  • Staff Appreciation Days
  • 401(k): 7.5% Employer Contribution
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Fertility and Family Forming
  • Healthcare Concierge
  • Flexible Spending Account(s)
  • Healthcare Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The job posting will remain active throughout the candidate application evaluation process.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, and religion.