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Substantive Editor Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

The New York Times

Night Editor, Politics

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $135K/yr

The New York Times Politics desk is seeking a Senior Staff Editor to anchor our evening operation ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

The New York Times

Assistant Fashion Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

This editor will be responsible for identifying, assigning and editing stories that range from fast ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

The New York Times

Senior Community Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

You will be collaborating with editors and reporters to identify opportunities for them to ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

The New York Times

Editor at Large, Opinion

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

This role is designed for an editor with a deep background in intellectual history, policy and ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

The New York Times

Staff Photo Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$113K - $115K/yr

The New York Times Magazine is looking for a photo editor to conceptualize, assign and produce ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

The New York Times

Story Editor, NYT Magazine

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $135K/yr

The editor will generate ideas quickly, make smart assignments for reported features and essays at ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

The New York Times

Editing Resident

New York, NY · On-site

$98K/yr

In your cover letter, discuss your prior experience and why you want to grow as an editor. These ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

The New York Times

Global News Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$180K - $195K/yr

The New York Times is seeking an innovative senior Global News editor who will assign, edit and ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

Msk

Editor/Grant Writer, Department of Surgery

New York, NY · On-site +1

$77K - $119K/yr

Provide substantive, stylistic, and copy editing support to faculty across a broad range of research initiatives * Identify peer-reviewed funding opportunities and collaborate with investigators to ...

The New York Times

Audience Editor, Shows

New York, NY · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

The New York Times Audience department is hiring an Audience Editor, Shows to lead the rollout and ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

The New York Times

Editor at Large, Opinion

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

This role is designed for a sophisticated editor with a proven track record of shaping world-class ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an Engineering ...

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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.

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 New York? For Substantive Editor jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substantive Editor jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Substantive Editor jobs in New York are:
Substantive Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substantive Editor job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Senior Medical Editor

Fingerpaint Marketing

Cedar Knolls, NJ • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Reset your expectations of a health and wellness agency. From our inception, Fingerpaint has been driven by an unstoppable collective spirit of possibility. It's that curiosity that's at the heart of everything we do. From our legendary people-first culture to the hundreds of Fingerpainters who define us, we've reimagined what it means to be a healthcare and wellness advertising agency. Here, creativity happens naturally-we attract top talent and give them a space to grow and collaborate.

The Opportunity: Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Senior Medical Editor to join our dynamic team. The Senior Medical Editor is a champion of high-quality work within a fast-paced environment and uses their experience and sharp eyes to ensure top-notch work on brand assignments. This individual will be instrumental in performing daily editorial responsibilities on 3 to 5 brands, including proofreading, initial reads, cold reads, fact-checking, correction checks, and double reads according to project stage and agency process.

Key Responsibilities

Core Function:

  • Edits/proofreads print and digital materials to ensure consistency with established grammar, punctuation, spelling, and adherence to AMA, client, and house style guidelines.
  • Fact-checks referenced information before jobs are sent to client/regulatory for approval.
  • Ensures relevant standards (eg, client/brand, AMA, FDA) are met.
  • Maintains style sheets and master reference lists for assigned brands and stays current with standards for co-editors' accounts-able to cover other brands when needed.
  • Collaborates with other departments to maintain high content quality, clarity, accuracy, and consistency, ensuring adherence to timelines.
  • Supports senior management in departmental and company initiatives, contributing to the creation or revision of departmental resources and processes.
  • Trains and mentors interns and associate editors if pursuing a management path.

What You'll Bring: Required Qualifications

  • Education:
    • Bachelor's degree (minimum), preferably in English, communications, journalism, or health sciences field.
  • Experience:
    • 3-5 years of professional medical editing experience, including fact-checking.

Specialized Knowledge:

  • Strong medical editing skills, including copyediting, substantive editing, and fact-checking; knowledge of AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition; and familiarity with FDA guidelines.
  • Is knowledgeable of and remains current on FDA guidelines.
  • General understanding of both print and digital projects, and how their unique needs affect editorial reviews.

Skills:

  • Strong skills in time management, prioritizing, organizing, and problem-solving, with attention to detail and ability to adhere to deadlines.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
  • General proficiency in digital/remote work communication tools.
  • Proficiency with standard software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook; Adobe Acrobat.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

  • Pharmaceutical advertising agency experience is preferred.
  • Experience using Ziflow or similar online review platform preferred but not required.

Fingerpaint Group provides equal employment [and affirmative action] opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

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