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Substantive Editor Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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Substantive Editor information

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.

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.

Are substantive editors still in demand?

Substantive editors are still in demand in publishing, academic, and corporate sectors, especially as quality control and content accuracy remain priorities. The role often requires strong editing skills, familiarity with style guides, and attention to detail, with opportunities available in both freelance and full-time positions.

What are popular job titles related to Substantive Editor jobs in Kansas?

For Substantive Editor jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substantive Editor jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Substantive Editor jobs in Kansas are:

Substantive Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substantive Editor job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Managing Editor

Kansas City, KS • Hybrid

Archdiocese of Kansas City
Religious Organizations • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Archdiocese of Kansas Cityexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas is the Catholic Church in Northeast Kansas: Growing as Disciples of Jesus; Making Disciples for Jesus, is seeking a Managing Editor for our newspaper, The Leaven. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Managing Editor leads the daily operations and publication of The Leaven by providing hands-on leadership for the timely production of engaging, high-quality content that communicates the faith and mission of the Church and the pastoral vision of the Archbishop. The position is full-time, benefits eligible, with a hybrid work schedule.


Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the planning, development, assignment, and production of print and digital content, ensuring editorial quality, budget compliance, and adherence to publication deadlines.

Direct marketing, promotional, multimedia, podcasting, and special project initiatives, while coordinating coverage with the Chief Communications Officer to support organizational communication goals.

Lead and develop editorial, production, advertising, and freelance personnel through effective supervision, coaching, performance management, and professional development.

Create, maintain and grow a stable group of reliable freelance writers, photographers. and professional contacts to serve as advisors, contributors and sounding boards for the paper and website.

Edit and rewrite, as needed, copy, headlines and captions to clarify meaning and to conform to the newspaper's style and editorial policy. Supervise copy editing of outside submissions and routine proofreading of pages in the production process.

Manage content for The Leaven's website and review design and content annually.

Develop and contribute to the coherent vision for The Leaven by providing input and approving redesigns of the newspaper and/or website. 


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Superior communication and interpersonal skills both one-on-one and in group settings.

Superior judgement regarding sources, stories and topics suitable to an archdiocesan newspaper.

Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to guide, nurture and inspire a team of media professionals.

Excellent writing skills, with an emphasis on copy editing, substantive editing, headline writing and proofreading.

Excellent photography and photo-editing skills.


Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English or a related field required. 

Minimum five (5) years' relevant work experience preferably in a variety of publication environments. 

Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Docs.

Intermediate proficiency working with computer software, including InDesign, Photoshop, iPhoto, and WordPress.

Practicing Catholic in good standing is helpful and preferred.


Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct and Statement of Foundational Principles as they Relate to Employment policies and complete Safe Environment training before hiring. 


The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas offers a comprehensive health and welfare benefits plan including medical, dental and vision, a 401k plan that includes matching contributions, as well as generous paid time off policies such as vacation, sick leave and paid holidays.

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