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Intern Developmental Editing Jobs in Chicago, IL

You'll work with veteran editors who provide oneonone coaching, smart edits and thoughtful ... Professional development plans * Opportunity to network with ASUEP leaders and other ASU students

Social Media Intern

Warrenville, IL

$15.50 - $20/hr

Photo and video editing experience * Strong written communication skills * Experience with ... We believe that investing in the wellness and professional development of our people should be at ...

The position leads the development and execution of comprehensive communication strategies ... Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling abilities ...

Showing results 21-40

Intern Developmental Editing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do intern developmental editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern developmental editing in Chicago, IL is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an intern developmental editor?

Intern developmental editors are entry-level professionals or students who assist experienced editors by helping to shape and improve the structure, content, and clarity of manuscripts or other written materials. They focus on big-picture elements such as organization, flow, and consistency, rather than grammar or minor details. As interns, they often work under supervision, learning the fundamentals of developmental editing while supporting projects in publishing houses, media companies, or academic institutions.

What types of projects and manuscripts does an intern developmental editor typically work on?

As an Intern in Developmental Editing, you can expect to work on a diverse range of manuscripts, including fiction, nonfiction, academic, or technical writing, depending on the publishing house or organization. Your primary responsibilities will involve reading drafts, providing structured feedback on narrative flow, clarity, and organization, and collaborating closely with authors and senior editors to shape content. Interns often help prepare editorial reports, participate in team meetings, and may even contribute suggestions for plot development or argument structure. This hands-on experience gives you insight into the editing process and an opportunity to develop your editorial judgment in a supportive, learning-focused environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern developmental editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern in Developmental Editing, you need a strong grasp of grammar, narrative structure, and critical reading, often supported by coursework in English, writing, or publishing. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word (track changes), Google Docs, and optionally project management tools is commonly required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure clear collaboration with writers and editors, resulting in improved manuscripts and efficient workflow.

What is the difference between Intern Developmental Editing vs Intern Copy Editing?

AspectIntern Developmental EditingIntern Copy Editing
FocusBig-picture content, structure, and flowGrammar, punctuation, and style
SkillsDevelopmental skills, critical thinkingAttention to detail, language accuracy
Work EnvironmentEditorial teams, publishing housesPublishing, media, or editing firms
CredentialsBasic editing knowledge, writing backgroundLanguage proficiency, editing experience

Intern Developmental Editing involves working on the overall structure and content of a manuscript, focusing on story development and coherence. In contrast, Intern Copy Editing emphasizes correcting language, grammar, and style issues. Both roles are essential in publishing but serve different stages of the editing process, with Developmental Editing being more strategic and Copy Editing more technical.

What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Intern Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Intern Developmental Editing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Intern Developmental Editing jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Intern Developmental Editing job openings:

Fall intern, NEWSWELL Chicago

Asuep

Oak Park, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Fall intern, NEWSWELL Chicago

NEWSWELL Chicago - the new home of four iconic West Side Chicago publications - is looking for bold, curious student journalists to join our internship program.

The network includes Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. These four publications have deep roots and big energy, covering some of the most creative, culturally rich, futureshaping neighborhoods on Chicago's West Side and nearwest suburbs.

This paid internship puts you right in the middle of real, communitydriven reporting. You'll get handson experience with stories that matter: neighborhood issues, politics, arts and culture, sports, features and enterprise reporting.
You'll work with veteran editors who provide oneonone coaching, smart edits and thoughtful mentorship. You'll attend workshops conducted by award-winning editors.

In February 2026, NEWSWELL acquired the assets of Growing Community Media, the former publisher of the four Chicago-area titles, to ensure these historic community outlets have longterm stability and the resources they need to thrive.

If you're ready to learn, hustle, create and make a real impact in communities full of personality, complexity and possibility, this internship is for you.

NEWSWELL helps newsrooms become nonprofit and for-community. It provides strategic guidance, innovative solutions and wrap-around operations so local journalists can focus on local news, and newsrooms can best serve their communities.

NEWSWELL partners with Arizona State University, the nation's most innovative 11 years in a row, to offer game-changing ideas, tools and research. NEWSWELL transforms local news to help communities and democracy thrive.

This is a 13-week, part-time internship (up to 16 hours per week) that begins Sept. 8 and ends in early December.

The pay rate for this role is $20 per hour.

Submission Requirements

Please submit a single document file (PDF) that includes the following in this order:

  • Your resume (one to two pages)

  • A cover letter that highlights your strengths and explains why you are a strong candidate for the position

  • Links to three to five online samples of your work, each with a one- to two-sentence description detailing what you did and how you did it


Please assemble these materials into one PDF and upload as instructed.

What you'll do:
  • Cover community news and events that matter to local audiences

  • Seek out unique, audience-driven story ideas and build a beat on a relevant topic

  • Aggregate breaking news from multiple sources and verify accuracy

  • Edit, crop and size photos for online publication

  • Create compelling, SEO-friendly headlines

  • Produce and share engaging multimedia content, including video, audio and social media posts

  • Meet with local public officials, community leaders and residents to build sources and strengthen reader engagement

  • Analyze public data and contribute to data-driven reporting

  • Collaborate with editors and reporters to support newsroom operations and editorial planning

What you'll need:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proper grammar, spelling and punctuation

  • Strong news writing and editing skills, with familiarity in Associated Press style

  • Understanding of basic journalism concepts, including libel law and news judgment

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

  • Proven professionalism, dependability and punctuality

  • Knowledge of journalism tools such as WordPress, Photoshop and popular social media platforms

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle responsibility

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy

Relevant qualifications:

Candidates must meet one of the following conditions:

  • A degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a journalism or communications-related program at a college or university who has completed the equivalent of at least one year of college.

  • A degree-seeking graduate student enrolled in a journalism or communications-related program at a college or university.

  • A recent graduate from a journalism or communications-related program at a college or university.

Preference will be given to more advanced students.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Spanish fluency is a plus

Benefits:

  • $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement

  • Hands-on experience in a professional environment

  • Professional development plans

  • Opportunity to network with ASUEP leaders and other ASU students

  • Access to LinkedIn Learning and their 8,000+ courses

  • Professional skills workshops

NEWSWELL is an Equal Opportunity Employer