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Freelance Writer & Editor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Nashville Public Radio

Reporter/Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Reporter/Editor About MBN Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) is the premier ... Assigns, directs, and edits work from per-piece freelance writers, local fixers, and contributors ...

New

NWF

Associate Editor, Ranger Rick Outreach

Reston, VA · On-site +1

The Associate Editor writes, edits, and creates art direction for Ranger Rick Adventures comics ... Find and cultivate freelance writers, assign articles to them, and work closely with authors on ...

Condé Nast

Beauty Editor, Vogue Business

Adelphi, MD · Hybrid

The Beauty Editor will oversee the weekly Beauty Edit newsletter, represent the brand at beauty ... Maintain a growing network of contacts, including C-level executives and freelance writers. * Bring ...

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See Reston, VA salary details

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How much do freelance writer & editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance writer & editor in Reston, VA is $24.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance writer & editor do?

As a Freelance Writer & Editor, your workflow often involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, communicating regularly with clients to clarify assignments, and adhering to varying style guides or brand voices. You might balance tasks like researching topics, drafting content, proofreading, and revising materials based on feedback. Deadlines can vary, so strong organizational and time management skills are crucial. Collaboration may occur through email, project management tools, or virtual meetings, but much of your work is self-directed. This flexibility allows you to build a varied portfolio and set your own schedule while meeting client expectations.

What does a freelance writer/editor do?

As a freelance writer/editor, your duties vary depending on your client, but typically involve the creation and refinement of written prose, journalism, or advertising copy. Most freelance writer/editors work on multiple contracts simultaneously for different clients, offering the ability to focus on either writing or editing as the client requires. As a freelance writer, you may write copy for SEO firms or advertising agencies, or write traditional journalism for a newspaper or magazine. As an editor, you may work for a similar company, such as a marketing firm or a magazine, where you proofread copy, review content, and perform various administrative responsibilities. In either case, the contract is often performed as a remote position.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a freelance writer & editor?

To thrive as a Freelance Writer & Editor, you need outstanding writing, editing, and research skills, usually backed by a degree in English, journalism, communications, or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, content management systems (CMS), and editing platforms like Grammarly or AP Stylebook is commonly required. Strong soft skills include time management, attention to detail, effective communication, and adaptability to shifting client needs. These abilities are vital for consistently producing high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining strong client relationships in a competitive freelance marketplace.

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Freelance Writer Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Writer & Editor job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,365 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Travel Editor (National Geographic)

5319 National Geographic Partners PAY SVC

Washington, DC • On-site

$79.40 - $106.40/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Travel Editor (National Geographic)

The Travel Editor conceives, assigns, edits and prepares for publishing editorial travel content for National Geographic, with a particular focus on service journalism that attracts broad global audiences to NationalGeographic.com. Working with a roster of freelance writers and creators, he/she/they will develop text- and video-based content and play a key role in managing our ongoing Destination Guides program, helping travelers make better and smarter decisions as they decide where to go and what to do. The travel editor will partner with photo editors on visualizing content, and will pitch in on recurring travel series and franchises as needed. This role is a great opportunity to develop and contribute highly visible and valuable content to a trusted travel brand, helping us to continually improve our approach to satisfying travelers as their needs and habits evolve.

Responsibilities
  • Conceive and pitch travel story ideas for NatGeo.com in collaboration with freelance writers / creators, with a particular focus on service journalism.
  • Commission, produce, edit, and prepare stories for publishing, working in collaboration with photo editors and digital producers.
  • Define and shape our creative approach to destination guide coverage, including component and formats, and media types, including video.
  • Track and plan ongoing refreshes of and additions to our destination guides, leveraging performance data to develop strategic approaches, ensuring continual editorial work to optimize utility to travelers and performance.
  • Conceptualize, propose, and execute ideas for additional stories that drive audience development and engagement.
  • Pitch in as needed on larger-scale initiatives like Best of the World and other ongoing series and franchises.
  • Proactively develop and propose ideas for new approaches to travel storytelling, particularly in video form and for third-party platforms like social media.
  • Continually develop and expand our roster of freelance contributors, particularly writers as well as creators in the travel space.
  • Collaborate with newsletter and social media editors on promotional and amplification efforts for travel content.
  • Partner with sales and marketing on developing editorial ideas in response to requests for proposals and active sales.
Basic Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience conceiving, assigning, and editing editorial content for digital publishing in a media (editorial/journalistic) environment.
  • Experience with digital editing and production and its associated needs (e.g., SEO, tagging, headline writing).
  • Experience developing ideas and content containing helpful, actionable information for travelers, based on on-the-ground reporting and expertise.
  • An eye for visual presentation and an understanding of what makes stories work visually for digital and social.
  • Strong knowledge of the travel industry and its facets and experience creating travel content.
  • A roster of creative collaborators, especially freelance writers, and an understanding of what makes quality reporting and writing.
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills and ability to present ideas fluently and with polish.
  • Understanding of the evolving media landscape, including shifting consumer behaviors and preferences, including travel media and the overall competitive set for editorial content in the travel space.
  • Collaborative spirit and the ability to work well across a matrixed environment.
  • Ability to multitask and work effectively under pressure and within budget and deadline parameters.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing and creating video-based content a plus.
  • Knowledge of and experience collaborating with creators helpful but not required.
  • Experience working within a large corporate environment.
Required Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Preferred Education

Concentration in journalism or media helpful but not required.

Compensation

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $79,400 to $106,400 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Contract & Location

Full time

Washington, DC, USA

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