Long-Form YouTube Editor Needed — Documentary-Style, Emotionally-Driven Visuals (Ongoing)

I'm building a long-form YouTube channel (15-17 min videos, documentary/essay style) and I'm looking for an editor who treats footage selection and music as seriously as pacing itself, not just someone who cuts to the script. Before applying, please watch these three reference videos and study what makes each one work: how visuals stay tightly connected to the audio/narration, moment to moment. This is closest to what I'm after overall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mRbDEtDoyA how motion graphics are used to build emotion and retention. I want this style, used sparingly, not as the main tool, but as an accent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RJpIqD8MGg this one isn't about audio-visual sync, it's about the overall look and feel I consider "clean." Study the vibe, grading, and pacing here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0UC7c0bxlA What matters most to me: hooking the viewer emotionally through visuals, not just through the script and voiceover tone. That means I need someone willing to actually search for the right footage to match a moment — not grab the first generic stock clip that technically fits the keyword. If you're the kind of editor who enjoys hunting for that one perfect clip, this is for you. The workflow: I deliver a script and a raw, unedited audio recording (I'll flag which takes to use). You cut it, source and place footage/clips that reinforce what's being said and land emotionally, and build the visual pacing. Light motion graphics/animated text where it earns its place (as in reference video 2) — this is a supporting tool, not the focus. Clean, documentary-style finish: SFX, color grading, and a strong sense of when to cut versus when to let a moment breathe in silence. Music matters a lot to me, please read this part carefully. Music is one of the main tools I want used to carry emotional weight, not just a background bed. I'm looking for someone who actively selects tracks (and shifts between them) to match the emotional arc of each section — building tension where the script builds tension, pulling back for quieter or more reflective moments, and knowing when a swell or a drop in the music should land on a specific line. If you have a good ear for this and enjoy that part of editing, mention it in your application — it's genuinely one of the things I care about most. What I'm looking for in you: A genuine interest in documentary-style editing — this should be something you enjoy, not just execute. A strong eye for footage curation, and a strong ear for music selection and emotional pacing. Comfortable with SFX and basic color grading. Proficient in DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere. Reliable, consistent delivery — this is an ongoing, recurring role, not a one-off gig. Turnaround: Videos should be delivered within 8-9 days of being assigned. Heads up on process: I'll likely be working with a couple of different editors at the start on a trial basis, and will move forward long-term with whoever delivers the best and most consistent results — so this is an open opportunity, not a single-hire decision from day one. Once I settle on one editor, the plan is a weekly posting schedule, though we'll work out the exact cadence together once we're there. If shortlisted: you'll be asked to edit a 1-minute test segment. Rate: Fixed $100 per video to start. This will increase as the channel grows and as we establish a working rhythm together. To apply, please include: A short intro — who you are, your experience with DaVinci Resolve or Premiere, and why you think you're the right fit for this specific style (not a generic cover letter). A portfolio, ideally with long-form/documentary-style work.