Experienced Editor Needed for Environmental Guidebook

ABOUT GGI:

The Go Green Initiative (GGI) is dedicated to improving life-long outcomes for children living in our nation’s highest poverty and pollution areas. By actively addressing the environmental factors that impact their daily lives and well-being, we strive to create healthier and more sustainable communities. Our mission is to tackle these critical issues in partnership with schools and students through comprehensive programs and services that assess and enhance indoor environmental quality and surrounding environmental conditions.

At GGI, we believe that environmental justice is one of the most pressing social challenges of our time. Our work is driven by the conviction that every child deserves a safe and healthy environment in which to learn and grow. By prioritizing environmental improvements in and around schools, we aim to empower the next generation and foster a culture of sustainability and stewardship.

POSITION SUMMARY:

GGI is developing a multi-unit Indoor Air Quality Guidebook for self-publication and potential traditional publishing. The guidebook has been written collaboratively across multiple contributors and is now ready for a skilled editorial hand. We are seeking a freelance editor to unify the voice, ensure consistency, and polish the manuscript — and to support us in preparing it for publication, including managing internal document linking and navigation. We are looking for someone to grow with us as we continue to develop additional content.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Continuity & Cohesion Editing

Unify voice, tone, and terminology across sections written by multiple contributors

Identify and resolve inconsistencies in how concepts, organizations, and processes are described

Flag structural or logical flow issues across chapters and units

Ensure formatting consistency (headings, lists, captions, callouts) throughout

Copy Editing & Accuracy

Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors throughout the manuscript

Improve sentence clarity and readability without changing the author’s intended meaning

Deliver edits via tracked changes with clear, actionable inline comments

Substantive & Structural Feedback

Provide editorial notes on content that is unclear, redundant, or confusing to the reader

Balance prescriptive edits with respect for the author’s voice and subject expertise

Bring curiosity and genuine engagement to the subject matter

Collaboration & Accountability

Take full ownership of the editorial process from kickoff to final delivery

Come to the team with solutions and recommendations, not just questions

Proactively communicate progress, flagging issues early with a proposed path forward

Maintain open, professional communication with the GGI team while working autonomously between check-ins

Self-Publishing Support

Assist in preparing the manuscript for self-publication in digital format

Manage internal links, cross-references, and document navigation to ensure a seamless reader experience

Research and recommend self-publishing platforms and collaborate with GGI staff to determine the best format and distribution approach

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Required

Demonstrated experience editing nonfiction/technical content

Strong continuity editing skills, including experience with multi-author or collaboratively written documents

Proficiency with tracked changes and editorial commenting (Google Docs and/or Microsoft Word)

Ability to manage a large project independently, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Clear, professional written communication and a proactive working style

Preferred

Background in indoor air quality, environmental health, or sustainability

Familiarity with public health, health & wellness, or related subject matter

Skilled in editing educational, instructional, or curriculum-based content

Familiarity with Chicago style

Experience preparing documents for digital self-publication (e.g., Amazon KDP, InDesign, Canva, or similar)

Familiarity with internal document navigation, hyperlinking, and formatting for digital readability

Interest in environmental justice, sustainability, or mission-driven work

ENGAGEMENT & OPPORTUNITIES:

To be determined based on experience freelance rate

Support ongoing content development

Fully remote and flexible scheduling

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a sample edit

Apply tot his job