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Substantive Editor Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Freeman Mathis & Gary

Paralegal Manager

Boston, MA

$100K - $135K/yr

Candidates must have substantive familiarity with the litigation process (i.e., case management ... PDF editor * Ability to work independently and as part of a team * Ability to organize and ...

Freeman Mathis and Gary LLP

Paralegal Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$48.08 - $64.90/hr

Candidates must have substantive familiarity with the litigation process (i.e., case management ... PDF editor * Ability to work independently and as part of a team * Ability to organize and ...

Dlapiper

Pursuits & Directories Sr Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

Leads team and instills substantive practice or sector knowledge into approach. * Ensures projects ... Superior writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Strong PowerPoint skills. Flexibility to adjust ...

All JobsSubstantive Editor JobsSubstantive Editor Jobs in Massachusetts

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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Substantive Editor jobs in Massachusetts? For Substantive Editor jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substantive Editor jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Substantive Editor jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Substantive Editor jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Substantive Editor job openings:
Substantive Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substantive Editor job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution.

Project Editor

Center for Responsive Schools

Turners Falls, MA • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Project Editor provides editorial support for publications and educational programs, including teacher materials, ancillaries, licensed trade books, digital products, catalogs, and marketing collateral. The project editor is responsible for managing projects, often multiple projects simultaneously and usually for the lifetime of the project. Projects may be multi-year and multi-component, or small-scale (for example, new books, reprints, workshop products, articles, new or replacement lessons, lesson components and products, small guides, research reports, and marketing collateral). Finished products will be published in both print and digital formats.
The ideal candidate is a team player, a self-starter, and a lifelong learner. They will have developmental-level editing skills, excellent command of editorial processes and styles, and show evidence of ability to project manage in multiphase projects with multiple components.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning, coordinating and managing a variety of publications projections
  • Project manages a variety of titles from a range of publishing areas from proposal or receipt of manuscript through to print-ready files, including the preparation of digital assets while keeping to schedule and deliverable timeline specifications.
  • Manages timelines to ensure that projects stay on schedule.
  • Coordinates production review processes (all stages of page proof review).
  • Ensures smooth running of projects from manuscript to final print and digital files, in conjunction with the Chief Publications Officer.
  • Establishes excellent relations with authors, illustrators and other external clients, keeping them fully informed of progress, ensuring project expectations are adhered to as the project develops.
  • Develops and maintains good relationships with all in-house staff, knowing where each project is in the system at any given time, ensuring that work is placed appropriately in-house, completing all handover to production forms fully and accurately.
  • Liaises with Programs and production staff regarding completion dates for project deliverables,
  • Collaborates with Chief Publications Officer as requested to develop schedules for projects, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and keeps the Chief and/or Senior Editor informed of any schedule changes.

Editing and Writing
  • Performs manuscript editing tasks, from substantive developmental editing of content to copy editing for consistency and style, and ensures that all materials developed adhere to the style guides/sheets.
  • Partners with copy editors, proofreaders, translators, fact checkers, and other freelance/contract staff as needed.
  • Quality checks all in-house work before it is sent out for internal or external review, checks all outsourced work to ensure that it adheres to the guidelines given and meets the expected standards; gives each project a final check to ensure that CPM standards have been maintained.
  • Undertakes in-house writing, copy-editing, and proofreading on projects as required; organizing clients', authors and proofreaders' mark-ups.
  • Familiar with the purpose of a variety of style guides and able to edit work following the publications department's chosen style guide.

General administration
  • Ensures all correspondence files are up to date and complete.
  • Archives and keeps full proof records until a project is completed and closed.
  • Collaborates with Production Coordinator to record all details relevant to the history of a project.
  • Prepares text of completed projects for website, marketing sales or other as required.
  • Assists with general publications tasks as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in communication, English or journalism or closely related field, background in education a plus.
  • At least 3 years of experience in writing and editing, preferably in book publishing and preferably in an office setting.
  • Strong organizational skills and file management abilities.
  • Receptive to direction, feedback, and editing from people with varying roles and backgrounds.
  • Deadline-oriented with the ability to prioritize work to meet project due dates.
  • Ability to juggle multiple projects at one time.
  • Highly organized, excellent attention to detail, strong oral and written communication.
  • High accountability for performance, able to receive and apply feedback.
  • Disposition is consistently professional, cooperative, and collegial as evidenced by workplace maturity, composure, perspective, transparency, reliability, integrity, and trustworthiness.
  • Caring for and, committed to the vision, mission, and welfare of CRS.
  • Respects and values diversity; represents CRS positively and professionally in interactions with clients, vendors, and the community at large in both real and virtual interactions.
  • Able to work and thrive in an open-suite, highly collaborative environment.
  • Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Able to use a computer or phone for up to 8 hours per day, with breaks and lunch.
  • Able to lift 30 lbs. on occasion.
  • Must be able to show proof of COVID-19 primary vaccinations or submit a medical or religious exemption.

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job. Other duties, as assigned by the jobholder's supervisor, may also be required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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