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Substantive Editor Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Graphics Multimedia Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

To keep our hiring process as fair and authentic as possible, we ask that you submit your own work and not use GenAI tools to generate substantive content during the application and interview process.

Director of Insights

New York, NY · On-site

$155K - $194K/yr

A substantive published body of work, including original studies, category perspectives, or ... Excellent writing, editing, presentation, and citation-verification skills. * A willingness to ...

Video Producer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$80K - $90K/yr

... writers, editors, and the production team. The Video Producer is a video journalist and visual ... Write and edit scripts, interview questions, and substantive outlines. * Produce, direct, and ...

Art Director

New York, NY · On-site

$124K - $141K/yr

Partner with a desk's editors and photo editors and act as both a creative lead and a project ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an engineering ...

News Assistant

New York, NY · On-site

$67K - $68K/yr

Responsibilities : * Assist editors in producing multiple newsletters and other online content ... substantive content during the application and interview process. If you're an engineering ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

US Legal Editor, AI Content Updating

RELX Group plc

Manhattan, NY • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Use AI-enabled editorial tools to support content commissioning, research, drafting, review, and updating.

  • Review and refine AI-generated outputs before publication to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency.

  • Manage author relationships, including recruiting, onboarding, supporting, and maintaining long-term collaborations.


Job description

Ready to bring your legal and editorial expertise into the AI era?
Do you want to play a key role in shaping how AI transforms legal content development?
About the Team
LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,800 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. Our company has been a long-time leader in deploying AI and advanced technologies to the legal market to improve productivity and transform the overall business and practice of law, deploying ethical and powerful generative AI solutions with a flexible, multi-model approach that prioritizes using the best model from today's top model creators for each individual legal use case.
About the Role
We're looking for a highly collaborative and detail-oriented US Legal Editor, AI Content Updating to join the Global Analytical Editorial Operations team. In this role you will curate, enhance, and expand authoritative US legal analysis by partnering with expert authors and leveraging AI-enabled editorial tools to ensure legal commentary and analysis remains accurate, current, and useful.
You'll combine sharp legal insight with strong project and relationship management skills to ensure that our products deliver comprehensive and timely guidance to our customers. A central focus of the role is the thoughtful, day-to-day use of AI tools to support content commissioning, research, drafting, review, and updating at scale. You will apply editorial judgment to review and refine AI-generated outputs before publication, contribute subject-matter insight to the testing and improvement of those tools, and encourage authors and contributors to adopt AI-supported workflows effectively.
Core responsibilities include owning author relationships, content management, and AI-enabled content updating, with a focus on maximizing content currency through real-time updates following legislative, case law, and regulatory developments.
Responsibilities
Author & Contributor Relationships
  • Recruit, onboard, and support top external authors in the field, fostering strong relationships with trusted subject matter experts and positioning LexisNexis as a preferred publishing partner. Set clear expectations for scope, style, quality, and delivery timelines, and provide ongoing guidance and feedback to drive consistent, high-value content aligned to portfolio and customer needs.
  • Maintain productive long-term relationships, intervening early to resolve performance issues or revise author mix as needed; manage contributor contracts within approved budgets.
  • Encourage and support authors' effective use of Lexis+ Protégé and provide guidance on quality standards for AI-assisted content.

Domain Expertise & Content Planning
  • Track legislative, regulatory, and case-law developments to keep content current, understand emerging trends, and identify white-space opportunities for new content.
  • Manage portfolio delivery plans, collaborating with Content Operations to balance quality, speed, and cost.

AI-Enabled Editorial & Content Updating
  • Use Agentic Content Platform as an integral part of everyday editorial workflows, applying editorial judgment to evaluate, refine, and approve outputs before publication.
  • Provide substantive and structural updates and edits, ensuring accuracy, clarity, consistency, and cross-platform functionality.
  • Contribute subject-matter insight to the testing, evaluation, and continuous improvement of AI tools used for content development and updating.
  • Contribute to cross-functional initiatives such as new product pilots, author recruitment, Lexis+ Protégé answer quality analysis.

Product & Market Alignment
  • Partner with Product Managers, Content Strategy, and Segment teams to ensure alignment with market needs; monitor customer feedback and analytics to make improvements.
  • Act as subject matter expert for assigned practice areas, supplying requirements for customer-facing features and workflow improvements.
  • Support Marketing and Sales with subject-matter expertise to enhance marketing collateral and product positioning.

Requirements
  • Education - J.D. required.
  • Experience - 1-5 years of legal practice, legal publishing, or comparable legal content development experience, along with a desire to develop professional depth of understanding in other practice areas.
  • Editorial Excellence - Demonstrated ability to edit complex legal analysis for clarity, consistency, and voice.
  • AI & Tech Fluency - Confidence working with AI-enabled tools for legal research, document summarization, content drafting, and editorial review. Skilled at crafting prompts, evaluating outputs, iterating for optimal results, and contributing to the improvement of AI-supported workflows
  • Commercial Mindset - Ability to interpret market signals, customer feedback, and data to inform content initiatives and drive sustainable growth.
  • Communication & Adaptability - Clear, positive communicator who thrives on collaborating with stakeholders and partners; executes on commitments, pivots quickly as needed, and views setbacks as learning opportunities.

Work in a way that works for you
We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, and study assistance, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.
About the Business
LexisNexis Legal & Professional® provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services.
#AIFluent
Primary Location Base Pay Range: Home based-New York $65,100 - $108,500. U.S. National Base Pay Range: $59,200 - $98,600. Geographic differentials may apply in some locations to better reflect local market rates.Base Pay Range for CO is $59,200 - $98,600. Base Pay Range for IL is $62,100 - $103,500. Base Pay Range for Chicago, IL is $65,100 - $108,500. Base Pay Range for MD is $62,100 - $103,500. Base Pay Range for NY is $65,100 - $108,500. Base Pay Range for New York City is $71,000 - $118,300. Base Pay Range for Rochester, NY is $59,200 - $98,600. Base Pay Range for OH is $56,200 - $93,700. Base Pay Range for NJ is $69,916- $111,684.Application deadline is 09/30/2026.
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