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Substantive Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PCI Productions LLC

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The technical editors focus on substantive editing, verifying technical accuracy, and ensuring compliance with agency style guides for all documents, reports, and manuals. This position requires an ...

ICF International, Inc.

Technical Editor

Reston, VA · On-site

Perform substantive and technical editing to improve organization, clarity, readability, accuracy, consistency, and usability. * Transform raw data, engineering terminology, and highly technical ...

ICF

Technical Editor

Reston, VA · On-site

Perform substantive and technical editing to improve organization, clarity, readability, accuracy, consistency, and usability. * Transform raw data, engineering terminology, and highly technical ...

New

Yes& Agency

Senior Technical Editor

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Perform substantive editing and verify technical accuracy, references, facts, copyright permissions, and alignment with agency standards. * Turn engineering methods, datasets, analyses, schematics ...

PCI Productions LLC

Technical Writer-Editor II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Substantive Editing amp; Quality Assurance: Provide comprehensive editorial support across all production stages for both print and electronic formats. This includes substantive editing, rephrasing ...

BLN24

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

Manage the complete editorial lifecycle from manuscript development through final publication, including substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, fact checking, reference verification ...

BLN24

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

Manage the complete editorial lifecycle from manuscript development through final publication, including substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, fact checking, reference verification ...

Yes& Agency

Technical Writer-Editor

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Perform substantive editing, rewriting, fact-checking, reference checking, data verification, and version control. * Apply the GPO Style Manual and Chicago Manual of Style; meet Section 508 ...

BLN24

Senior Technical Editor/Writer

Mclean, VA · On-site

The role provides advanced writing, substantive editing, copyediting, quality assurance, and editorial oversight for executive correspondence, memoranda, briefings, reports, policy documents ...

BLN24

Senior Technical Editor/Writer

Mclean, VA · On-site

The role provides advanced writing, substantive editing, copyediting, quality assurance, and editorial oversight for executive correspondence, memoranda, briefings, reports, policy documents ...

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Substantive Editor information

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How much do substantive editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for substantive editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substantive editor?

Substantive editors are professionals who review and refine written content at a deep structural level. Their role involves evaluating the organization, clarity, flow, and overall coherence of a manuscript, rather than just correcting grammar or spelling. They often suggest significant changes to improve the content’s effectiveness, such as reorganizing sections, clarifying arguments, or ensuring consistency in tone and style. Substantive editors work closely with authors to enhance the quality and impact of the writing, making it more suitable for its intended audience and purpose.

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

Substantive Editors work closely with authors to clarify content, improve structure, and ensure the manuscript meets publication standards. They often provide detailed feedback, suggest reorganizations, and may hold meetings or correspond regularly to discuss revisions. Collaboration with copy editors and proofreaders is common to maintain consistency and address any language or formatting issues that arise after structural edits. This team-oriented approach helps ensure the final product is polished, coherent, and ready for publication.

Are substantive editors still in demand?

Substantive editors are still in demand as organizations seek to improve the clarity, coherence, and quality of their content, especially in publishing, academic, and corporate sectors. The role often requires strong editing skills, familiarity with style guides, and attention to detail, with demand remaining steady due to ongoing content creation needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substantive editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substantive Editor, you need advanced language proficiency, a deep understanding of narrative structure, and a degree in English, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with editing software like Microsoft Word’s Track Changes, content management systems, and relevant editorial style guides is typically required. Strong collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you work closely with writers and provide constructive feedback. These competencies ensure that manuscripts are clear, coherent, and well-organized, ultimately improving the quality and impact of published content.

What is the difference between Substantive Editor vs Copy Editor?

AspectSubstantive EditorCopy Editor
Primary FocusContent structure, clarity, and overall coherenceGrammar, punctuation, and style correctness
CredentialsOften requires editing certifications or related degreesTypically requires editing or language proficiency certifications
Work EnvironmentPublishing houses, academic journals, or content agenciesPublishing, media, or corporate editing roles
Common TasksRevising content flow, ensuring logical structureCorrecting language errors, consistency in style

Substantive Editors focus on the overall content structure and clarity, ensuring the material is logically organized and coherent. Copy Editors primarily concentrate on language accuracy, grammar, and style. While both roles require strong editing skills and related certifications, Substantive Editors often work on larger content revisions, whereas Copy Editors refine language details. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

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Substantive Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substantive Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Technical Editor

Patriot Enterprises LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:The FHA Senior Technical Editor oversees the entire editorial process for high-stakes technical documentation, ensuring stylistic consistency across large-scale programs and mentoring junior staffLeads a team responsible for transforming raw data and engineering jargon into authoritative documents that meet the stringent requirements of the agency, including reference checking, fact checking, and ensuring copyright complianceDuties and Responsibilities:Focus on substantive editing, verifying technical accuracy, and ensuring compliance with agency style guides for all documents, reports, and manualsLead an independently working team, managing the full lifecycle of a document from outline to final publication including online and web publishingCollaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs), project managers, technical staff, leadership, and stakeholders to translate complex technical, scientific, regulatory, or policy information into clear, concise, and audience-appropriate communications Establish, maintain, and enforce editorial standards, writing conventions, branding requirements, and document formatting guidelines to ensure consistency across all organizational publications Provide substantive editing, copy editing, line editing, and developmental editing to improve document quality, logical flow, readability, and usability while preserving technical accuracy and author intentReview documents for compliance with applicable organizational policies, contractual requirements, regulatory guidance, publication standards, and accessibility requirements   Education:Master's Degree (Senior) in English, Journalism, or a technical field Experience:10+ years of supervisory and project management experience; FHA transportation experience, especially in highway and surface transportation is preferredThis position requires an expert-level command of the US Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual and an eye for detail when ensuring quality control for all publications and documents