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Substantive Editor Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

BYU Pathway

Editor

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Strong substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading abilities * Ability to organize work on many projects simultaneously and meet editorial deadlines under pressure * Ability to give scrupulous ...

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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 Utah?

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

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

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

Substantive Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substantive Editor job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Editor

Salt Lake City, UT • Hybrid

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Religious Organizations • 10K+ employees
Learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsexternal

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The purpose of this job is to assist the Church History Department in producing materials and messages that invite God's children to follow Jesus Christ and help them make and keep sacred covenants-specifically by helping prepare Church history materials for publication.


Our team helps produce publications such as The Joseph Smith Papers, Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, and Rise Up and Speak: Selected Discourses of Eliza R. Snow, among others. We're looking for an experienced editor to join that work in the Church History Department.


This is a benefited, full-time position. The position is located at the Church History Library in Salt Lake City and may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
 

Church employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord's work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings- giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances-our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom.
Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law.
Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in English or related field, plus 8 years of editing experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Strong substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading abilities
  • Ability to organize work on many projects simultaneously and meet editorial deadlines under pressure
  • Ability to give scrupulous attention to detail and sustain concentration for long periods of time with the highest level of accuracy
  • Ability to work as part of a team in harmony with a wide variety of people
  • Ability to work autonomously but provide regular updates to manager and other stakeholders
  • Expertise in reviewing the work of colleagues and providing feedback
  • Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing
  • Strong initiative and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to research in original sources
  • Familiarity with text markup (such as XML or HTML)
  • Expertise in the latest edition of The Chicago Manual of Style and proven ability to learn and apply in-house style
  • Ability to quickly learn new technologies and processes

Preferred:

  • College-level coursework in editing
  • Experience with electronic publishing and page-layout software
  • Knowledge of early Church history
     

With no supervision or in a supervisory role, the editor oversees all that is required to take lengthy, complex manuscripts from the writing stage to finished publication, either print or electronic. This includes the following:

  • Creating and managing project schedules
  • Editing the manuscript for style, substance, and readability
  • Understanding the sources referenced in the manuscript, being able to do in-depth research when necessary, and being able to resolve questions raised by reference editors (source checkers) 
  • Working with other editorial staff, writers, and reviewers to resolve concerns with the manuscript
  • Preparing the manuscript to be typeset
  • Proofreading typeset text and resolving problems at that stage 
  • Editing the index for publication
  • Assisting with publicity efforts.


The editor must be able to work well in complex, high-pressure situations to resolve problems with a variety of people. The editor is responsible for managing editorial work on individual manuscripts in a highly collaborative environment and therefore must have strong project management skills. 

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