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Freelance Manuscript Reader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sourcebooks

Production Editor - Children's

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

At Sourcebooks, we're passionate about creating books that inspire, educate, and entertain readers ... You'll partner with editorial, managing editorial, manufacturing, design, freelancers, and other ...

Hachette Book Group

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work ... readers. Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and ...

Sourcebooks LLC

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while ... Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ...

Concordia Publishing House

Oversee any freelance copyeditor who has been signed up to help with this. * Read developed ... Put edited manuscript into electronic layout files. * Review page sets to ensure everything is in ...

Sourcebooks

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Partner with the Freelance Resource Manager to secure and oversee editorial vendors while ... Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ...

Hachette Book Group

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work ... readers. Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and ...

Hachette Book Group

Production Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Hire and supervise freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work ... readers. Hachette Book Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and ...

Macmillan

Senior Production Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to ... Hiring freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and reviewing their work through all ...

New

Macmillan Learning

Senior Production Editor

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Handling production editorial work for original fiction and nonfiction titles from manuscript to ... Hiring freelance copyeditors, proofreaders, and indexers, and reviewing their work through all ...

New

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Freelance Manuscript Reader information

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How much do freelance manuscript reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance manuscript reader in the United States is $19.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance manuscript reader?

Freelance manuscript readers are professionals who evaluate and provide feedback on unpublished manuscripts for publishers, literary agencies, or independent authors. Their main responsibility is to assess the quality, market potential, and suitability of manuscripts, often by writing detailed reports or summaries. They help editors and agents decide which submissions are worth pursuing for publication. Manuscript readers typically work on a freelance basis, allowing them to read and evaluate manuscripts for multiple clients.

How does a freelance manuscript reader typically interact with authors and editors during the review process?

As a Freelance Manuscript Reader, most communication is conducted remotely, often via email or project management platforms. You may receive manuscripts directly from editors or literary agents, with clear guidelines on what feedback is needed. While direct contact with authors is rare, you will frequently collaborate with editors by providing detailed reader reports or recommendations. Timely and professional communication is essential, ensuring your feedback aligns with editorial goals and deadlines. This collaborative workflow allows you to contribute meaningfully to the selection and development of manuscripts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance manuscript reader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Manuscript Reader, you need excellent analytical reading skills, a strong grasp of literary techniques, and familiarity with genre conventions, often supported by a background in English, literature, or publishing. Familiarity with manuscript management systems, editorial software, and industry-standard style guides is typically required. Attention to detail, effective written communication, and time management are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure insightful feedback, maintain editorial standards, and help manage multiple projects efficiently in a competitive publishing environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Manuscript Reader vs Freelance Literary Agent?

AspectFreelance Manuscript ReaderFreelance Literary Agent
CredentialsExperience in editing, literary knowledgeIndustry experience, networking skills
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-basedRemote or office, client-facing
Employer & IndustryPublishing houses, authors, literary agenciesAuthors, publishers, literary agencies
Search & Comparison IntentAssessing manuscripts, editingRepresenting authors, securing publishing deals

While both roles involve working with manuscripts, a Freelance Manuscript Reader primarily reviews and evaluates submissions for quality, often working independently. A Freelance Literary Agent, on the other hand, actively represents authors, negotiates publishing contracts, and builds industry connections. Understanding these differences helps writers and industry professionals choose the right role for their needs.

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Freelance Manuscript Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Manuscript Reader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,077 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Production Editor - Children's

Sourcebooks

Naperville, IL • On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

At Sourcebooks, we're passionate about creating books that inspire, educate, and entertain readers of all ages. We're looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented Production Editor to support our growing children’s list.
As a Production Editor, you'll manage a diverse list of projects through every stage of editorial production—from copyediting and proofreading to final files for print and digital publication. You'll partner with editorial, managing editorial, manufacturing, design, freelancers, and other cross-functional teams to ensure every title is delivered on time and at the highest quality.
If you thrive on solving problems, managing multiple priorities, and working with talented teams to create exceptional books, we'd love to hear from you.
This an non-exempt, hourly position with a pay range of $26.44 - $30.00/hourly. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.   
The location for this position can be hybrid or remote in New York or Naperville, Illinois or remote based in any of the following states: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
What you’ll do:
  • Own the editorial production process for an assigned list of titles, ensuring projects move smoothly from manuscript through final production.
  • Coordinate copyediting, proofreading, page production, and final file review to deliver books that meet Sourcebooks' quality standards.
  • Build strong partnerships with Editorial, Managing Editorial, Manufacturing, Design, and freelance partners to keep projects moving forward.
  • Assign and manage freelance copyeditors and proofreaders in collaboration with the Freelance Resource Manager.
  • Monitor schedules, anticipate challenges, and proactively resolve production issues before they impact deadlines.
  • Review page proofs and final corrections to ensure accuracy, consistency, and editorial excellence.
  • Prepare and approve final print and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) files, confirming they meet technical and production specifications.
  • Use production metrics and workflow insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a trusted production partner, communicating project status, risks, and solutions to stakeholders throughout the publishing process.
  • Contribute to process improvements that help our teams work smarter and deliver even better books.
What you bring:
  • 3+ years of editorial production experience in a publishing environment.
  • A strong understanding of the publishing production process from manuscript through final print and digital files.
  • Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Excellent copyediting and proofreading skills and meticulous attention to detail.
  • Experience with project management tools and publishing systems, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Smartsheet, or similar platforms.
  • Outstanding organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to build productive relationships with freelancers and cross-functional teams.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
  • Adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning and process improvement.
  • Experience in children’s books and/or highly illustrated full-color projects a plus.
Why Sourcebooks?
Sourcebooks is a thriving entrepreneurial publisher driven by our mission to change lives through books. The fifth-largest publisher in the U.S. by print units sold, we bring extraordinary authors to readers in dynamic, data-driven ways, leading to hundreds of national and international bestsellers. Our insight-driven approach has earned us recognition from Fast Company as a Most Innovative Company, a Best Workplace for Innovators, a Most Loved Workplace by Newsweek, a Best Workplace by Inc., and Publishers Weekly’s nod as “the most successful self-made publisher operating in the 21st century.” Story by story, book by book, we have changed more than 300 million lives.  Join us as we change 300 million more!  
Ready to Apply:
Please submit your resume, salary requirements, and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Show us your passion and creativity — we’re looking for someone who’s as enthusiastic about this opportunity as we are!
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription Drug Insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care, Dependent Care, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, 401(k), Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, and generous paid time off.
Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
 

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