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Manuscript Reader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL

The ideal candidate will have strong skills in conducting literature reviews, manuscript planning ... to proof reading and quality control of all components of grant application submissions ...

University of Utah

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL

The ideal candidate will have strong skills in conducting literature reviews, manuscript planning ... to proof reading and quality control of all components of grant application submissions ...

University of Utah

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL

The ideal candidate will have strong skills in conducting literature reviews, manuscript planning ... to proof reading and quality control of all components of grant application submissions ...

Springer Nature

Assistant Editor

New York, NY · On-site

Conduct manuscript assessments to review submissions for completeness, policy adherence, and ... Handle communications among Authors, Reviewers, Editors, Guest Editors, Readers, and other ...

Concordia Publishing House

Read developed commentary manuscripts for (a) conformity to Scripture and LCMS doctrine; (b) House ... Put edited manuscript into electronic layout files. * Review page sets to ensure everything is in ...

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How much do manuscript reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 Manuscript Reader job?

A Manuscript Reader evaluates unpublished manuscripts for literary agents, publishers, or publications. They assess writing quality, marketability, and overall storytelling, providing feedback or recommendations. Their insights help determine whether a manuscript should be pursued for publication or revision. Readers usually work freelance or as part of a publishing team, requiring strong analytical and literary skills.

How do you become a manuscript reader?

To become a manuscript reader, typically one needs a strong background in literature, writing, or editing, often demonstrated through a relevant degree or experience. Developing skills in critical analysis, familiarity with publishing standards, and attention to detail are important, and some positions may require knowledge of specific genres or tools like style guides. Gaining experience through internships or freelance editing can also help qualify for such roles.

What are some typical challenges a Manuscript Reader faces in their day-to-day work?

Manuscript Readers often handle a large volume of submissions, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills to meet tight deadlines. Distinguishing high-potential work from less promising manuscripts can be challenging, especially when evaluating pieces across diverse genres or formats. Collaborating closely with editors and authors is also common, and the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback is crucial. Staying objective and consistent in evaluations, despite personal preferences, is key to maintaining fairness and editorial standards in the publication process.

What jobs pay you to read books?

Manuscript reader positions, often found in publishing houses or literary agencies, pay individuals to read and evaluate books or manuscripts. These roles typically require strong reading skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of literary trends, and may be part-time or full-time jobs with flexible schedules.

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

A Manuscript Reader thrives with strong analytical reading abilities, excellent written communication skills, and a keen eye for detail, usually with a background in literature, publishing, or a related field. Familiarity with manuscript tracking systems and editorial software like Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat is often expected. Soft skills such as time management, professional discretion, and openness to diverse genres make a candidate stand out. These qualities ensure precise, constructive feedback and efficient processing of high manuscript volumes, critical for supporting the editorial decision-making process.

What is the job called when you read manuscripts?

A manuscript reader is a person who reviews and evaluates manuscripts, often for publishers, literary agencies, or academic institutions. The role requires strong reading skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of the publishing or academic process.

How much do manuscript readers make?

Manuscript readers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on their experience, the organization they work for, and whether they are freelance or employed full-time. Some may also be paid per project or manuscript, with rates varying accordingly.
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Manuscript Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manuscript Reader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,077 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Trade Manuscript Editorial Internship, Fall 2026

Trade Manuscript Editorial Internship, Fall 2026

W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

New York, NY • On-site, Remote

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description


Who we are
Founded in 1923, W. W. Norton is the oldest and largest independent and employee-owned publishing house, publishing works of Nobel laureates, master teachers, and Pulitzer Prize winners. For over a century, Norton has been dedicated to achieving a common goal: to bring to readers and students enduring fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as high-quality textbooks and digital learning tools.
About the internship
W. W. Norton is looking for interns to participate in our twelve-week internship program. Our internship program provides participants with an engaging, supportive, and hands-on learning experience in publishing that includes educational lunch sessions and networking within the intern class. Your work if you become a Norton intern with the Trade Manuscript Editorial team may include the following:
  • Learning the basics of copyediting and proofreading.
  • Working one-on-one with the managing editor and individual project editors to learn about specific tasks in our production process.
  • Formatting and coding manuscripts to prepare for copyediting and design.
  • Reviewing typeset first pass (1pp) markup vs. clean 2pp (and then 2pp markup vs. clean 3pp).
  • Proofreading indexes and other text that arrives after the 1pp proofreading is complete.
  • Tracking offset 1pp vs. the originating publisher's final printer files.
  • Checking PDFs of blues (printer's proofs).

Experience and Skills
Why you'll be a great fit
We are excited to add interns who bring diverse perspectives to Norton. The ideal candidate is curious, hardworking, and eager to learn more about the different facets of publishing. Here are some skills and qualities we look for in candidates:
  • You are a college junior, senior, recent graduate, or someone looking to make a career change.
  • You are eager to improve your verbal and written communication skills.
  • You enjoy collaborating and working in a group to solve challenges.
  • You have a passion for learning and ideas.
  • You have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
  • You have an eye for errors: misspellings, grammar snafus, formatting/design inconsistencies.

Internship details
  • Interns are paid $17 per hour, subject to applicable law, and work a maximum of 20 hours weekly.
  • Internship period is twelve weeks from 9/14/2026-12/4/2026
  • Our workday is 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time; specific work hours are flexible to accommodate an intern's schedule.
  • For interns who reside within commuting distance of the office, this internship will be in-person in our Manhattan offices; those in other locations will work remotely.
  • Eligibility to work with W.W. Norton & Company in the US is required.

If you are interested in applying, please submit your resume and cover letter* to Rebecca Homiski (rhomiski@wwnorton.com) no later than August 14, 2026. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and if enough applications are received, this listing may close early. Once you have submitted your application, please refrain from sending additional follow-up emails, as these will only delay the hiring manager's ability to read the applications received. Final hiring decisions will be made by 9/1/2026, so if you do not hear from us by then, you can assume the internship has been filled by a different applicant. You must follow these submission instructions in order to be considered for the internship.
* Your cover letter should be original and not AI-generated; we are interested in your authentic voice!

Apply