Job Description

Job Title: Copy Editor

Type: Contract (W2)

Start Date: March 2025

End Date: 6/17/2025 (with potential for extension)

Location: Washington, D.C. (Onsite Mondays-Thursdays & Remote on Fridays)

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM-5:30 PM (w/ some flexibility)

Compensation: $36 to $41.38 per hour

Job Overview: Our client is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Copy Editor to join their editorial team on a contract basis. The Copy Editor will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and clarity of editorial content across various print and digital platforms. The ideal candidate will have exceptional grammar and language skills, experience with house style guides, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the copyediting process for assigned articles, ensuring adherence to editorial deadlines and workflow.
• Apply house style as defined by client.
• Edit feature stories, department pages, captions, and notes accompanying original art and maps.
• Conduct final proofreading of assigned magazine articles and their online versions.
• Evaluate and refine editorial procedures for consistency across products.
• Work collaboratively with print and online editorial teams to maintain editorial quality.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in magazine or newspaper copyediting.
• 1+ year of copyediting experience in an online publishing environment.
• Strong knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and English usage.
• Familiarity with print publishing platforms such as K4 or similar workflow systems, and proficiency in InDesign/InCopy.
• Some experience with online content management systems is a plus.
• Ability to work efficiently and meet tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Comfortable using MAC operating systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Merriam-Webster style guide (not AP or Chicago Manual of Style).
• Experience working in a structured editorial environment with strict adherence to style guides.

Work Environment & Additional Information:

• Work location is an open office space with individual desks, though the department is windowless due to ongoing construction.
• Business casual dress code (jeans permitted).
• Interview process includes two rounds: first via Zoom, second in-person.

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