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Freelance Reader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VML

Freelance Strategy Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information ...

Torrid

Freelance Fitting Model (Bras)

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$26.10 - $50/hr

Please read entire job post before applying. We swear by the fit! We are looking for a Freelance Fitting Model for Bras (human mannequin) who will voice how the product fits and wears. You will work ...

Blue Danube Productions

$30 - $60/hr

Description Freelance A/V Technician - Los Angeles In this role you will be responsible for ... Ability to read & edit audio visual design documents * Ability to meet tight deadlines and work ...

Glamsquad

Freelance Hair Stylist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Make your application after reading the following skill and qualification requirements for this position. Glamsquad is an app that connects independent Beauty Professionals (Pros) with clients ...

Glamsquad

Freelance Hair Stylist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

Make your application after reading the following skill and qualification requirements for this position. Glamsquad is an app that connects independent Beauty Professionals (Pros) with clients ...

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Freelance Reader information

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$11

$19

$32

How much do freelance reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance reader in California is $19.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the freelance reader position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Reader, you need excellent reading comprehension, critical analysis, and writing skills, often supported by a background in English, literature, or publishing. Experience with manuscript-tracking systems, editorial markup tools, or e-reading software can be valuable, though formal certification is less common. Strong time management, attention to detail, and clear communication help you stand out when providing feedback to authors, agents, or publishers. These skills are essential to deliver thorough, actionable evaluations and meet deadlines while working independently.

What is a freelance reader?

A Freelance Reader evaluates manuscripts, screenplays, or other written content for publishers, literary agencies, production companies, or writers. Their role is to provide feedback, offer critiques, and sometimes write coverage reports or summaries. They typically work on a per-project basis and must have strong reading comprehension, analytical skills, and knowledge of storytelling techniques. Freelance Readers often help determine whether a piece of writing is suitable for publication or production.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a freelance reader?

As a Freelance Reader, your primary responsibility is to review manuscripts, scripts, or other texts and provide detailed written reports or coverage on their strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for publication or production. You may work directly with literary agents, publishing houses, or production companies, evaluating submissions as part of their selection process. Tasks often include reading large volumes of material under tight deadlines, composing objective feedback, and occasionally discussing your assessments in meetings or via email. Most Freelance Readers work independently, but collaboration with other editorial professionals or participation in review panels may also be required.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reader jobs in California?

The most popular types of Reader jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Reader jobs in California?

For Freelance Reader jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Reader jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Reader jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Reader jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Reader job openings:

Freelance Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Reader job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Full Time, 56% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,539 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Freelance food writer

Embarcadero Media Foundation

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$250/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description:

Opening: Embarcadero Media Freelance Reporter – Food
Department: Editorial, Foodist – appears in Palo Alto Weekly, The Almanac, Mountain View Voice, Redwood City Pulse
Reports To: Adrienne Mitchel / Food Editor
Location: Remote
Date: 3/3/25

About Us

Embarcadero Media Foundation is a nonprofit journalism group with three printed weekly newspapers, seven hyperlocal news websites and six email newsletters that serve a population of more than 500,000 people on the MidPeninsula and the East Bay’s Tri-Valley. We are looking for a motivated and passionate freelance reporter to join our food branch, The Peninsula Foodist, to inform, inspire and entertain our readers and the foodies of the Peninsula.

Articles for Peninsula Foodist appear on four websites – Palo Alto Online, The Almanac, Mountain View Voice and Redwood City Pulse – and may also appear in two print newspapers – Palo Alto Weekly and The Almanac. Peninsula Foodist has its own Instagram account, @peninsulafoodist, and weekly newsletter.

Job Summary

The Food Freelancer will be responsible for producing food features (generally 800-1,200 words) and food blogs (generally 300-600 words). The ideal candidate will possess excellent interviewing, writing and storytelling skills and have a passion for food. The Food Freelancer will be working closely with the Food Editor and the Features Editor at Embarcadero Media.

Key Responsibilities

  • Produce food features, roundups, enterprise stories, profiles and Q&As. Deadlines are flexible as long as you communicate your timeline with the Food Editor.
  • Produce food blogs, such as restaurant openings and closings. Deadlines are flexible as long as you communicate your timeline with the Food Editor.
  • Keep an eye out for food stories while in the field and pitch relevant stories to the Food Editor
  • While the Food Freelancer is not responsible for taking photos on the scene, they are responsible for communicating with the source about a time for a photographer to come by and/or to request courtesy images from the source

Required Qualifications

  • Degree in journalism or related field
  • 1 year of experience reporting professionally
  • Knowledge of the Peninsula’s food scene (San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, excluding San Jose)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience reporting on food and/or working in the food industry
  • Being a foodie!

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong communication and written skills
  • Ability to interview, craft a story and write in AP style

Working Conditions

  • Flexible hours – produce at least 1 feature or 1 set of three blogs per month
  • Remote
  • May have to drive to meet sources and conduct interviews

Compensation

  • $200 for a feature
  • $250 for three blogs

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and three clips via the application form. Freelance reporter applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. For details, contact amitchel@embarcaderopublishing.com.

Requirements: