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Line Editing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Local Editor, The Stockton Record

Stockton, CA · On-site

Primary assigning, story vetting, line editing. Managingworkflowto meet deadlines. * Coaching and directly supervising front-line journalists, including regular 1:1s. * Ensuring steady productivity ...

gannett

Local Editor, The Stockton Record

Stockton, CA · On-site

Primary assigning, story vetting, line editing. Managingworkflowto meet deadlines. * Coaching and directly supervising front-line journalists, including regular 1:1s. * Ensuring steady productivity ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news ... You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and eliminating jargon. You ...

Condé Nast

Staff Editor

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

In this role, you'll be responsible for editing a variety of stories, anything from breaking news ... You should also be a sharp line editor, good at structuring an argument and eliminating jargon. You ...

Politico

Temporary News Editor (6 months)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

You'rea strong line editor who can improve copy while preserving reporters' voices * You have excellent news judgment and know how to prioritize competing stories * You'recollaborative, calm ...

B Capital

Senior Editor

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Move fluidly from high-level editorial vision to developmental editing to line-level copy editing. Deliver feedback that makes the writing and the writer better. * Mentor, elevate, and attract ...

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Line Editing information

See California salary details

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$43

How much do line editing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for line editing in California is $19.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is line editing?

Line editing is a stage in the editing process that focuses on improving the style, flow, clarity, and readability of a manuscript at the sentence and paragraph level. Unlike copyediting, which checks for grammar and punctuation, line editing looks at word choice, sentence structure, tone, and overall impact to ensure the writing is engaging and clear. Line editors help writers refine their voice and make sure the story or message comes through effectively.

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

To thrive as a Line Editor, you need a strong command of grammar, syntax, and style, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with word processing software like Microsoft Word, track changes features, and sometimes editorial style guides (such as AP or Chicago Manual of Style) is essential. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to collaborate with authors are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure polished, consistent, and engaging written content that meets publication standards and enhances the reader's experience.

How does a line editor typically collaborate with authors and other editorial team members during the editing process?

Line editors work closely with authors to refine language, improve clarity, and ensure consistency throughout the manuscript. Communication is often ongoing, with editors providing detailed feedback and suggestions, and authors responding to queries or clarifying intent. Line editors may also coordinate with copy editors, developmental editors, and sometimes designers to maintain stylistic coherence and meet deadlines. This collaborative process ensures the final manuscript is polished and ready for publication.

What is the difference between Line Editing vs Copy Editing?

AspectLine EditingCopy Editing
FocusEnhances style, clarity, and flow at the sentence and paragraph levelChecks grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency
CredentialsWriting, editing, or journalism background often requiredSimilar credentials, often with editing certifications
Work EnvironmentFreelance, publishing houses, media companiesPublishing, media, corporate communications

While both roles involve editing written content, line editing focuses on improving style, tone, and readability, whereas copy editing emphasizes correcting technical errors and ensuring consistency. Understanding these differences helps writers and publishers choose the right editing service for their needs.

What are popular job titles related to Line Editing jobs in California?

For Line Editing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Line Editing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Line Editing jobs in California are:

Line Editing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Line Editing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,528 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Assistant Editor, Entertainment News

nantmedia

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Los Angeles Times is looking for an experienced, energetic and creative journalist who can help lead our breaking entertainment and sports news coverage on the Fast Break Desk as an assistant editor and occasional writer.

This journalist will work with a team of reporters and the Entertainment and Sports Fast Break deputy editor to cover the day’s most important pop culture, celebrity and entertainment stories, as well as produce subscriber-exclusive enterprise stories. They will also jump in and help write obituaries and other breaking news items when necessary, and should be experienced with obtaining and reporting from court documents and coroner and police reports.

We are looking for a journalist who not only can publish breaking news quickly but also find fresh takes on the news, working with reporters to find unique angles and posts that set The Times apart from the competition. 

This editor will be a partner in our approach to breaking news, including strategy, story formats, standards and workflow. Coaching skills are a must, as is an ability to collaborate across departments. This is the perfect position for an editor who can confidently handle different aspects of the multifaceted job, deftly moving between reporting, editing and monitoring story ideas throughout the day, and staying in tune with stories that interest our readers.

In addition to working on breaking coverage, this editor may work closely with partners on the larger Entertainment team to help lend their expertise to subject matter and develop deeper storytelling, following up on the news of the day.

The role also requires a deep understanding of SEO and the ability to craft enticing headlines while packaging a story to optimize our audience experience.

Responsibilities:

  • Assign, edit and occasionally write breaking news and trending stories across a variety of entertainment, including notable deaths, pop culture and celebrity news
  • Identify unique angles and fresh takes that advance stories beyond the news of the day and what other outlets have already reported
  • Write engaging headlines and SEO components with a digital, diverse audience in mind
  • Respect and meet tight deadlines that will include brisk turnarounds on edits for multiple news posts each day
  • Collaborate with editorial staff, including reporters, editors, photo, social media and audience engagement teams, to produce stories on all platforms 
  • Use designated tools, such as an authorized CMS or messaging system, to clearly communicate editorial coverage plans in a clear and timely manner
  • Offer guidance to staff on conceptualizing, reporting and writing content to ensure quality, accuracy and fairness
  • Provide timely verbal feedback and coaching to staff

Requirements:

  • A minimum of 10 years of journalism experience; editing experience is mandatory
  • Excellent skills in line editing, combining strong news judgment, fluency in style and deep knowledge of taste and legal considerations and an understanding of the importance of speed, accuracy and precision in publishing
  • Experience locating and reporting from public records, such as civil and criminal court filings and coroner and police reports
  • An aptitude for navigating digital platforms and staying on top of current events
  • Proven ability to work well in a team setting and juggle multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment
  • Effective communication skills with peers, supervisors and the broader newsroom
  • An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes collaboration
  • Versatility and adaptability, working not just across production platforms but also across entertainment subject areas
  • An excellent team player and effective communicator who’s able to work comfortably with a variety of personalities and skill levels and across departments
  • A nuanced understanding of audience data and analytics and a track record of using data to make informed decisions on coverage

This role is listed as Assistant Editor in the Los Angeles Times Guild and will be based in El Segundo, Calif. Occasional night and weekend work is expected.  

Qualified candidates should upload a resume, cover letter and applicable clips to Deputy Editor Dawn Burkes at the Apply link.

Apply