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Substantive Editor Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Standardize billing language and formatting across matters while preserving the substantive ... Track recurring editing issues and recommend solutions to improve overall billing quality ...

Business Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$240K - $285K/yr

It reports to Carolyn Ryan, managing editor Responsibilities * Lead the Business report of The New ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an engineering ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 New York?

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

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 Technical Editor

Manhattan Strategy Group

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Manhattan Strategy Group is seeking a Senior Technical Editor to oversee the editorial process for high-stakes technical documentation supporting the customer's research and technology program. This role sets and enforces stylistic and quality standards across a large volume of publications and mentors junior editorial staff.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee the entire editorial process for technical documentation, ensuring stylistic consistency across all programs
  • Transform raw data and technical/engineering content into authoritative, publication-ready documents
  • Perform reference checking, fact-checking, and copyright compliance review
  • Focus on substantive editing and verification of technical accuracy across reports, manuals, and other products
  • Ensure compliance with the GPO Style Manual, Chicago Manual of Style, and agency-specific style guidance
  • Manage the full lifecycle of documents from outline through final web and print publication
  • Mentor and provide quality oversight for junior editorial and writing staff
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in English, Journalism, or a technical field
  • 10+ years of technical editing experience, including supervisory and project management experience
  • Expert-level command of the GPO Style Manual and strong attention to detail for quality control
  • Transportation sector experience, especially highway and surface transportation, preferred
  • Ability to obtain a USDOT Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential
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