Freelance Developmental Editor

Seeking experienced developmental editor only. Not an entry-level position. This position requires a high level of attention to detail; please read instructions carefully.

Enchanted Ink Publishing is a small company that provides high-end professional manuscript critiques, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, and design services to publishing houses and indie authors. We’re looking for an experienced freelance developmental editor with a strong ability to competently critique fiction across a variety of genres (experience with creative nonfiction preferred but not required). A potential candidate has extensive experience as a freelancer and can be relied upon to complete work in a timely and professional manner and exhibit respect for the company and clients. This is a contract position, and work will be available on an as-needed basis. Our company books out months in advance, and this position has the opportunity for full-time work for the right candidate. We want someone who has the time to complete one to three projects per month. Pay starts at $0.01 per word with an opportunity for growth upon strict review of completed projects. Current pay rate for established editors on our team is $0.014 per word.

Our manuscript critiques include two read-throughs; marginal comments, questions, and suggestions for the author; and a full editorial letter to help guide the author during their next round of revisions. Critiques do not include actual hands-on editing of manuscripts; rather, they are intended to be an assessment of a manuscript and to provide developmental guidance for the author as they continue to revise their story. The turnaround time on each project depends on the word count, but we aim for a four-week turnaround on manuscripts between 80k and 100k words.

Should you be selected as a potential candidate, a partial manuscript critique will be required as part of the evaluation process. Our evaluations are designed to assess both your skill set and your commitment to the craft and the position. Please note that this process will require time and effort from both you and our team for review. As such, only serious candidates will be considered.

It’s our preference to form long-lasting relationships with our contractors, and our current editors have been with us for a number of years. Please don’t apply if you are unable to commit to a long-term contractor position.

We take pride in our work and in taking care of our editors, designers, and clients. We’re looking for outstanding editors who want to be part of a close-knit team and are seeking consistent editing work.

AI Use Policy: Enchanted Ink Publishing strictly prohibits the use of generative AI in any part of the editorial process. All manuscript evaluations, marginal comments, editorial letters, and recommendations must be completed independently by the assigned editor without AI assistance. This policy also applies to sample critiques submitted during the application process. Any applicant found to be using AI during their evaluation will be immediately disqualified from consideration. Any contracted editor found to be violating this policy will be subject to immediate termination of their contract.

Skills

• Strong developmental editing skills
• Advanced knowledge of story structure, genre conventions, writing craft, and reader expectations
• Expertise in Microsoft Word (Track Changes)
• Excellent English skills
• Communication with authors in a compassionate, professional manner
• An eye for detail
• Time management and abiding by strict deadlines

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and critique manuscripts and provide editorial letters
• Perform brief free sample critiques for potential clients
• Comply with contracts and ethical guidelines
• Meet strict deadlines
• Manage and update project management system

Requirements

• Portfolio of edited client work with links to published products; minimum of 50 published works required (this is not an entry-level position)
• Availability for one to three full-length projects per month
• Ability to commit to a long-term contract position with our company
• Experience in freelancing with an understanding of the high demands of freelance work
• Must be based in the United States

How to Apply

If you feel you’re a good fit for our company, we’d love to hear from you. Please provide the following via email:

· Résumé

· Cover letter

· Portfolio with active links to published works (failure to provide a portfolio of work will result in immediate disqualification)

· Personal website, EFA profile, or company website if applicable

· Recommendation letter(s) beneficial but not required

· Answers to the following questions:

o How many years of developmental editing experience do you have?

o How is your editing experience relevant to this role?

o Why are you interested in this job?

o How many full-length (80k–100k) projects would you be available for per month?

o How soon can you start taking on work?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $800.00 - $4,200.00 per month

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Remote