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Virtual Copy Editor Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Virtual Copy Editor information

See Maryland salary details

$12

$27

$45

How much do virtual copy editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual copy editor in Maryland is $27.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Virtual Copy Editor vs Virtual Proofreader?

AspectVirtual Copy EditorVirtual Proofreader
Primary RoleRevises and improves content for clarity, style, and consistencyChecks for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors
Skills & CertificationsEditing, writing, style guides, possibly editing certificationsGrammar, spelling, punctuation knowledge
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with writers and editors, often involved in content developmentReviews final drafts, minimal collaboration
Industry UsageUsed across publishing, marketing, and media industriesCommon in publishing, journalism, and editing services

While both Virtual Copy Editors and Virtual Proofreaders focus on improving written content, Virtual Copy Editors engage in deeper editing for style, clarity, and structure, whereas Virtual Proofreaders primarily focus on correcting grammatical and typographical errors. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right role for your editing needs.

What does a virtual copy editor do?

A Virtual Copy Editor reviews written content for grammar, punctuation, spelling, clarity, and consistency, all while working remotely. They ensure that documents are accurate, well-structured, and adhere to the required style guides. Virtual copy editors may work on articles, books, websites, marketing materials, or other digital content. Their role is crucial in improving the readability and professionalism of written communication before publication.

What are some common challenges faced by virtual copy editors, and how can they be effectively managed?

Virtual Copy Editors often encounter challenges such as managing multiple deadlines across different projects, ensuring consistent communication with remote teams, and adapting to various style guides. To manage these effectively, it's important to use organizational tools to track tasks and deadlines, maintain clear communication with clients and colleagues through email or collaboration platforms, and stay up-to-date with industry standards. Building a disciplined remote work routine and proactively seeking feedback can also help Virtual Copy Editors deliver high-quality work and foster strong professional relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual copy editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual Copy Editor, you need a strong command of grammar, spelling, and style, often supported by a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word's Track Changes, Google Docs, and style guides like APA or Chicago is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and clear communication are vital soft skills for remote collaboration and meeting deadlines. These abilities ensure error-free, consistent content and efficient workflow in a virtual editing environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Copy Editor jobs in Maryland? The most popular types of Copy Editor jobs in Maryland are:
What cities in Maryland are hiring for Virtual Copy Editor jobs? Cities in Maryland with the most Virtual Copy Editor job openings:
Infographic showing various Virtual Copy Editor job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,047 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Copy Editor/Quality Control Specialist On-Call

ICF

Rockville, MD • On-site

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

ICF is seeking an experienced Copyeditor/Proofreader/QC Specialist to support the development, review, and quality control of health-related communications, outreach materials, reports, website content, and meeting deliverables for federal clients. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in copyediting and proofreading, strong command of multiple style guides, and experience ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance across a wide range of written products in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. Candidates should have strong editorial judgment, a commitment to accuracy, and experience supporting high-quality communications in mission-driven environments.

Key Responsibilities
Perform copyediting, proofreading, and quality control review of reports, fact sheets, newsletters, website content, conference materials, and other communications products.

  • Ensure consistency with client, project, and industry style guides, including, APA, AP, and NIH-specific standards.
  • Review and correct content for grammar, punctuation, syntax, formatting, clarity, and accuracy.
  • Support conference and meeting communications by editing correspondence, maintaining speaker biographies and related materials, and reviewing registration information for completeness and accuracy.
  • Review and update web content through content management systems and conduct routine quality control checks to identify and resolve errors or inconsistencies.
  • Maintain reference materials such as acronym lists, editorial guidance, and standardized language resources.
  • Contribute to monthly reports and other project documentation by editing content and verifying completeness and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with project staff to support high-quality deliverables for federal health clients.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in English, communications, education, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in copyediting, proofreading, and quality control review.

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Experience supporting NIH, HHS, FDA, or other federal health agencies.
  • Familiarity with dietary supplements, rare diseases, clinical trials, or other public health subject matter.
  • Background in reviewing technical or scientific documentation for both content quality and formatting consistency.

Other Skills:

  • Demonstrated experience editing health, scientific, technical, or government communications materials.
  • Expert knowledge of editorial conventions, grammar, punctuation, and document formatting standards.
  • Experience applying multiple style guides and adapting to project-specific requirements.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments with accuracy and consistency.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and comfort working in web-based content management systems.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$0.00 - $0.00Maryland Remote Office (MD99)