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Substantive Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

PCI Productions LLC

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The technical editors focus on substantive editing, verifying technical accuracy, and ensuring compliance with agency style guides for all documents, reports, and manuals. This position requires an ...

ICF International, Inc.

Technical Editor

Reston, VA · On-site

Perform substantive and technical editing to improve organization, clarity, readability, accuracy, consistency, and usability. * Transform raw data, engineering terminology, and highly technical ...

ICF

Technical Editor

Reston, VA

Perform substantive and technical editing to improve organization, clarity, readability, accuracy, consistency, and usability. * Transform raw data, engineering terminology, and highly technical ...

PCI Productions LLC

Technical Writer-Editor II

Mclean, VA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Substantive Editing amp; Quality Assurance: Provide comprehensive editorial support across all production stages for both print and electronic formats. This includes substantive editing, rephrasing ...

BLN24

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

Manage the complete editorial lifecycle from manuscript development through final publication, including substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, fact checking, reference verification ...

BLN24

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

Manage the complete editorial lifecycle from manuscript development through final publication, including substantive editing, copyediting, proofreading, fact checking, reference verification ...

BLN24

Senior Technical Editor/Writer

Mclean, VA · On-site

The role provides advanced writing, substantive editing, copyediting, quality assurance, and editorial oversight for executive correspondence, memoranda, briefings, reports, policy documents ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

Perform substantive editing, technical editing, copy editing, and proofreading * Coordinate with action officers, analysts, and senior leaders to improve clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness of ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

Perform substantive editing, technical editing, copy editing, and proofreading * Coordinate with action officers, analysts, and senior leaders to improve clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness of ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA

Perform substantive editing, technical editing, copy editing, and proofreading * Coordinate with action officers, analysts, and senior leaders to improve clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness of ...

Red Carrot

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

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 ...

Red Carrot

Senior Technical Editor

Mclean, VA · On-site

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 ...

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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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Substantive Editor jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Substantive Editor job openings:

Substantive Editor jobs near you

Senior Technical Editor

PCI Productions LLC

Mclean, VA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Description- this role is for a proposal and is pending funding/award
The Senior Technical Writer oversees the entire editorial process for high-stakes technical documentation, ensuring stylistic consistency across large-scale programs and mentoring junior staff. You and your team are responsible for transforming raw data and engineering jargon into authoritative documents that meet the stringent requirements of the agency, including reference checking, fact checking, and ensuring copyright compliance.
The technical editors focus on substantive editing, verifying technical accuracy, and ensuring compliance with agency style guides for all documents, reports, and manuals. This position requires an expert-level command of the GPO Style Manual and an eye for detail when ensuring quality control for all publications and documents.
You and your team are expected to work independently, managing the full lifecycle of a document from outline to final publication including online and web publishing.
Qualifications
  • Education: Master’s Degree in English, Journalism, or a technical field.
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in technical writing with supervisory and project management experience.
  • Transportation experience, especially in highway and surface transportation, is preferred.
  • Expert-level command of the GPO Style Manual.
  • Strong skills in substantive editing, fact checking, reference checking, and copyright compliance.
  • Ability to manage the full document lifecycle including online and web publishing.
  • Excellent mentoring and leadership skills to guide junior staff.
PCI Federal (PCIF) and its subsidiaries are an equal-opportunity employer. PCIF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status.
Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law.

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