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Substantive Editor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tech Writer/Editor Prin

Springfield, VA · On-site

$101K - $172K/yr

Perform structural, substantive, and copy edits of analytical manuscripts for organization ... Attend regularly scheduled editor and tasking support meetings and stay current with ongoing action ...

Tech Writer/Editor Sr

Springfield, VA · On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

Perform structural, substantive, and copy edits of analytical manuscripts for organization ... Attend regularly scheduled editor and tasking support meetings and stay current with ongoing action ...

Publications Specialist 2

Mclean, VA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Advanced proficiency in substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading. * Deep understanding of Section 508 compliance and federal publishing standards. * Ability to manage complex approval ...

Provide substantive editing across all production stages, correcting grammar, spelling, and format errors * Verify technical accuracy through interviews, conference attendance, and review of source ...

Provide substantive editing across all production stages, correcting grammar, spelling, and format errors * Verify technical accuracy through interviews, conference attendance, and review of source ...

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.

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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Substantive Editor jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Substantive Editor job openings:

Senior Editor/Enhancement Specialist (51867)

GAP Solutions, Inc

Springfield, VA • On-site

$148K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Objective: Provide services as a Senior Editor/Enhancement Specialist in support of the overall functions of an Intelligence Agency supporting GAP Solutions, Inc.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Review, analyze, and correct draft material for clarity, consistency, style, format, logic, and organization, as well as grammar, word usage, spelling, and punctuation.
• Review correspondence products and provide guidance to subject matter experts, tasking coordinators, and other editors regarding logic, clarity, comprehensiveness, relevance, and brevity.
• Work on multiple projects with simultaneous deadlines under fast-paced conditions; must be available to perform duties in a high-pressure environment, as necessary.
• Perform structural, substantive, and copy edits of analytical manuscripts for organization, completeness, logic, accuracy, and compliance with language, style, formatting.
• Produce, process, and disseminate documents in different hardcopy, softcopy, and web formats and ensure compatibility with a variety of computer systems and telecommunications networks.
• Provide quality control in accordance with customer policy and standards for correspondence.
• Attend regularly scheduled editor and tasking support meetings and stay current with ongoing action items and Front Office Support Packets (FOSPs).
• Review tasking and FOSP metadata for completeness and correctness.
• Demonstrate customer service excellence by clearly and concisely communicating work status, methods, instructions, problems, requirements, options, and concerns with team members, managers, and customers.
• Support the division in accomplishing its overall mission, including expediting crisis work, special assignments, and ad hoc tasking on variously scheduled arrangements.
• Provide oversight & direction to lower-level contractor employees on this task order.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance checks on lower-level contractor employees work on this task order.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Active TS/SCI with CI Poly
  • US Citzenship
  • At least ten years of relevant professional-editing experience. Relevant education may count towards meeting this requirement but not preferred.
  • A bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. Journalism or English) to the support services may count for up to four years of this experience.

• A master's degree in a field related to the support services may count for up to two additional years of this experience.
• Superior and demonstrable proficiency in English language mechanics and vocabulary.
• Knowledge of government-mandated plain language principles.
• Strong computer skills and demonstrated proficiency on PC platforms.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Working knowledge of electronic publishing software such as Adobe lnDesign and Adobe FrameMaker.
• Achieve 80 percent or higher on a diagnostic assessment, which will be administered by the customer. Should a lower score be achieved, the government may consider waiving the requirement, at the request of the contractor.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • At least 10 years of professional relevant editing experience along with an undergraduate or graduate degree in Journalism or English OR at least 15 years of professional editing experience without the specified degree.
  • Strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent writing skills.
  • Familiarity with the US Intelligence Community--specifically, imagery collection and exploitation.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.