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Freelance Text Editor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Edits text and graphics for publication, including articles, manuscripts, reports, websites ... May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among ...

Freelance Text Editor information

What is a freelance text editor?

Freelance Text Editors are professionals who review, revise, and improve written content for clients on a project or contract basis, rather than as full-time employees. They work with various types of texts, such as articles, books, reports, and marketing materials, ensuring clarity, grammar, consistency, and style according to the client’s requirements. Freelance text editors often collaborate remotely with writers, publishers, or businesses, and may specialize in specific industries or types of content. Their work is crucial for producing polished, error-free documents that effectively communicate the intended message.

What is the difference between Freelance Text Editor vs Freelance Content Writer?

AspectFreelance Text EditorFreelance Content Writer
Primary FocusEditing and refining existing content for clarity, grammar, and styleCreating original content and writing new material
Skills RequiredStrong editing, proofreading, and language skillsResearch, creativity, and writing skills
Work EnvironmentTypically works on existing documents for clients or publishersProduces new articles, blogs, or marketing content from scratch
Common UsageEditing books, articles, or reportsWriting blog posts, website content, or marketing materials

While both freelance text editors and content writers work with written material, editors focus on refining and improving existing content, whereas writers create original content from scratch. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their project needs.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Text Editor, you need excellent command of language, grammar, and style, along with strong attention to detail and usually a background in English, journalism, or communications. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and style guides like AP or Chicago Manual is typically required. Strong time management, communication skills, and the ability to accept and implement feedback help you stand out in this freelance role. These skills ensure high-quality, error-free content, timely delivery, and positive client relationships essential for securing ongoing work.

What are some common challenges freelance text editors face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance text editors often juggle projects from several clients at once, requiring strong time management and organizational skills to meet varying deadlines. Each client may have different style guides, expectations, or feedback processes, so adaptability and clear communication are essential. Additionally, building and maintaining steady client relationships can be challenging, as workload and income may fluctuate. Staying proactive in seeking new opportunities and continually updating one's editing skills helps address these challenges.
What are the most commonly searched types of Text Editor jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Text Editor jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Freelance Text Editor jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Freelance Text Editor job openings:

$73K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Job description

Job Description Summary:
Edits text and graphics for publication, including articles, manuscripts, reports, websites, journals, magazines, and/or brochures. Reads and evaluates reports and/or other materials and documents to determine the extent of editorial problems and shortcomings. Looks for inconsistencies of thought, development, or organization. Confers with authors and recommends treatment of material. Reorganizes, cuts, or rewrites as necessary. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, and format. Works with editorial and production staff and contractors to guide manuscripts through to publication. May contribute original material where appropriate, writing about topics for a variety of audiences in multiple media formats.
Incumbent independently performs complex editing and writing tasks. Under general direction, applies specific professional-level functional knowledge to solve complex problems and has authority to deviate from standard practices, but must advise superiors of such action as well as non-routine matters. May hire, train, supervise, and evaluate support staff or serve in a lead capacity.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production.
  • Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media.
  • Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications.
  • May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work.
  • May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Edits reports, articles, etc. and may help to shape presentation, restructuring and rewriting as needed. Marks up for composition. Ensures material conforms to organization's and unit's standards for style, content, accessibility, and format. Works with designers, graphic artists, layout specialists, web developers, marketing, and production staff on all aspects of production. Negotiates revisions with authors. May network with prospective authors, scientific advisers, and news media. Advises staff and authors on editing and publishing options. Holds meetings to discuss current and future projects. Answers editorial questions. Consults with staff about the progress of reports, articles, or other publications. May have supervisory responsibility for editorial assistants, including hiring, training, and evaluation of work. May coordinate freelance activities in the unit, including finding and coordinating work among freelancers.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
  • Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft Word (including track changes and styles). Practical knowledge of WordPress or other content management system, HTML, and CSS desired. Ability to solve problems of variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of problems and issues. Ability to operate independently and exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment, discretion, and action. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to Director or other higher level editorial position. General supervision is provided. May supervise junior staff.
Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.
Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units
Job Family:
PUBL
Employee Type:
Employee
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
City/State:
Washington, District of Columbia