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Substantive Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

LMI

Writer/Editor

$75K - $135K/yr

Determine and apply appropriate levels of review (proofreading, copyediting, substantive editing). * Develop executive summaries and briefings from larger documents. * Collaborate with authors and ...

LMI

Writer/Editor

$75K - $135K/yr

Determine and apply appropriate levels of review (proofreading, copyediting, substantive editing). * Develop executive summaries and briefings from larger documents. * Collaborate with authors and ...

Springboard Collaborative

Curriculum Editor

$87K/yr

Apply the appropriate level of editorial review-from developmental and substantive editing to copy editing and proofreading-based on the purpose, audience, and stage of development. * Maintain ...

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How much do substantive editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for substantive editor in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

More about Substantive Editor jobs
What cities are hiring for Substantive Editor jobs? Cities with the most Substantive Editor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substantive Editor jobs? The most popular types of Substantive Editor jobs are:
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Substantive Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substantive Editor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Developmental Editor

Manning Publications Co

Shelter Island, NY • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Manning Publication publishes books for technology professionals including programmers, system administrators, designers, architects, managers and others. We care about the quality of our books, and we think of our authors as the most valuable part of our business. We work with our authors to coax out of them the best writing they can produce. We consult with technical experts on book proposals and manuscripts, and we may use as many as two dozen reviewers in various stages of preparing a manuscript. The abilities of each author are nurtured to encourage him or her to write a first-rate book.
Job Description
Developmental editor
Manning Publications Co. seeks Developmental Editors to work directly with book authors to create high-quality manuscripts on time. Ideal candidates are critical thinkers who skillfully identify and articulate weaknesses in a manuscript's organization and writing, adopt a coaching/mentoring role with authors, firmly but diplomatically communicate with authors, work both independently and in a distributed team environment, and reliably meet deadlines. Candidates must possess passing knowledge of software concepts and technologies (such as mobile application development, responsive design, cloud computing, big data and analytics, and agile and lean development). This is a great position for someone looking for part-time work (15-20 hours a week).
Primary duties
  • Coach authors on techniques for how to teach difficult or important concepts in their manuscript
  • Identify opportunities for authors to improve organization, presentation, clarity, and value to the book's intended audience
  • Continually assess manuscript content at a high level
  • Manage the book-development process so that authors are completing manuscripts by due dates
  • Ensure that manuscripts adhere to Manning's writing guidelines
  • Provide project status and content assessment to publisher, acquisition editor, development manager and other Manning staff
  • Contribute to the ongoing assessment and improvement of editorial procedures and standards
  • Perform occasional tasks related to the marketing of books

Please note: This position does not include copy editing duties
Must have requirements
  • General understanding of technical concepts, software development, and current industry trends
  • 1+ years previous substantive editing experience
  • Must be available for a minimum of 20 hours per week (primarily during U.S. business hours).
  • Strong project- and time-management skills
  • Excellent organization and multitasking skills
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, and other tools required in an online environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable communicating via email, Skype, and phone
  • Must have remote office setup (computer, Internet and email access, reliable phone line)

Preferred qualifications
Previous experience in a book publishing environment
Qualifications
Additional Information
Apply for this position
Email your resume and two references with job DE-2018-8 in the subject line. If selected for an interview, be prepared to complete an editing sample. This is a freelance, telecommute opportunity (no travel).

Apply