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Manuscript Reader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

You can read more about our approach here. About the Role As our first Research Associate, you will ... Manuscript writing experience is a plus. * You're self-directed and fast-orienting -- You get up to ...

You can read more about our approach here. About the Role As our first Research Associate, you will ... Manuscript writing experience is a plus. * You're self-directed and fast-orienting -- You get up to ...

Showing results 21-27

Manuscript Reader information

See California salary details

$11

$19

$32

How much do manuscript reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for manuscript 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 is a manuscript reader?

A Manuscript Reader evaluates unpublished manuscripts for literary agents, publishers, or publications.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 manuscript reading 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manuscript reader?

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.

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.
What cities in California are hiring for Manuscript Reader jobs? Cities in California with the most Manuscript Reader job openings:
Infographic showing various Manuscript Reader job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,539 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

$103K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Doctors Company is currently seeking a Senior Underwriter to join our team. This is a hybrid opportunity based at any of our offices across the country. 

Position Mission

Reporting to the Director of Underwriting, you will act within underwriting guideline and authority granted, appropriately apply underwriting principals and demonstrate sound judgment in the production, selection, pricing, control and servicing of assigned business.  You will have the opportunity to assist management in training of other underwriting staff.  You will interact with employees, company managers, policyholders, agents, patient safety, claims and legal professionals, and members of the general public. Ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

  • INS, RPLU or CPCU designation, or progress in obtaining such designation, is preferred.
  • Associate’s degree (2 years college) or equivalent, is preferred.
  • Five (5) years Medical Professional or commercial insurance; financial services or mathematical analysis experience may be considered.
  • Three (3) years use of Microsoft products, including Word and Excel.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of set variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent knowledge of underwriting guidelines and rating rules, policy forms, procedures and supporting administrative functions.
  • Proficiency in using both objective and subjective thought processes in performing job duties.
  • Proficiency in managing own workflow, prioritizing multiple work assignments and resolving questions and problems with management and peers.
  • Ability to work with diverse personalities.
  • Ability to create letters, memos and spreadsheets using Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Ability to run and interpret reports from various software platforms.
  • Ability to travel and adapt to a flexible work schedule.

 Responsibilities

Revenue Growth and Profitability Management

  • Collaborates with manager and colleagues in other departments to achieve growth goals and retention targets.

  • Collaborates with Business Development to build, strengthen and manage relationships with agents/brokers.

  • Participates in virtual or in-person agent/broker meetings related to specific accounts or overall underwriting discussions.

  • Manages assigned book in accordance with the company's profitability goals.

 Underwriting Discipline

  • Adheres to established underwriting guidelines, authority and filed rules and rates.

  • Seeks approval for underwriting decisions that fall outside assigned authority and timely documents outcome in OnBase.

  • Requests Manager approval for any deductible aggregate on a Custom account that holds a retention.

  • Maintains policy documentation in appropriate systems in accordance with storage guidelines.

  • Understands and complies with state statutory requirements including policy language changes, notice requirements, Patient Compensation Fund (PCF) rules and unique policy requirements.

  • Follows published guidelines regarding the request and approval for manuscript endorsements.

  • Requests cancellation reason on any requests to cancel a policy or risk and selects appropriate cancellation code.

  • Works with manager to ensure Rate Monitoring accounts are reviewed timely each month.

 Customer Satisfaction

  • Responds within company standards to inquiries from agents, members, and team members.

  • Maintains relationships with assigned brokers/agents in collaboration with Business Development.

  • Maintains organized ways to track incoming requests and follow-ups - including policies in the Core Change Request Log and the Core Issues Log.

  • Immediately alerts manager if additional support is needed to uphold service standards on assigned book, taking responsibility for seeking assistance if unable to respond to inquiries timely.

  • Alerts manager to any incoming member or agent complaints or concerns so that they can be escalated and triaged.

 New Business

  • Fully Supports the use of the Predictive Model on 100% of new business submissions in support of the national requirement and the NBPI.

  • Supports the use of Advanced Risk Assessment (ARA) on 100% of new business submissions and renewals.

  • Asks about competition pricing and then provide competitive terms in a matter that is consistent with our servicing guidelines.

  • Uses strategy in pricing, consider use of program/RPG discounts.

  • Suggests alternative structures when agent is unclear on how to structure.

  • Provides information about TDC value proposition.

  • Reviews agency book of business code added to policies to ensure correct code is used.

  • Manages assigned book in accordance with the company's profitability goals.

Underwriting Process, Polices & Procedures Development & Improvement

  • Adheres to established underwritings guidelines.

  • Provides analysis and recommendations on pricing in support of the company pricing strategy.

  • Books premium in policy system in a manner consistent with directives from management.

  • Learns LARS policy management, including Tribute uploads.

  • Monitors monthly policy booking deadlines

  • Update open submissions to correct status and close out on a timely basis.

  • Recommends process improvement by seeking automated ways to perform manual tasks.

  • Seeks input from Data Specialist to improve processes and avoid manual manipulation of data.

Learning, Development & Compliance

  • Maintain full compliance with all organizational policies, procedures, and established standards (e.g. accurately recording time worked, Submitting PTO, mandatory corporate training)

  • Keep technical knowledge and skills current to effectively support department priorities.

  • Complete all performance and development activities including the performance review process in a timely manner.

  • Fulfill all required training and development obligations to maintain essential skills and credentials.

  • Complete all mandatory compliance courses on time, meeting corporate training standards.

  • Pursue additional learning opportunities that strengthen professional capabilities and contribute to team and organizational performance, with prior manager approval.

  • Technology Assisted Underwriting (TAU) Training and Deployment: Completes each assigned training by the due date, attends TAU update meetings or review recordings timely, suggests TAU process enhancements and be proactive to communicate other concerns, and supports team members and maintains positive attitude about TAU project.

 Other Duties As Assigned

  • Support enterprise and departmental objectives by taking on assigned projects and delegated tasks with accountability, attention to detail, and timely execution.

  • Identify and implement process improvements that enhance business efficiency and strengthen organizational effectiveness.

  • Proactively provide regular updates to leadership on project status, deliverables, and outcomes.

  • Maintain flexibility and agility to take on additional responsibilities as organizational needs evolve.

Salary Range: $93,378 - $122,559. Compensation varies based on skills, knowledge, and education. We consider factors such as specialized skills, depth of knowledge in the field, and educational background to ensure fair and competitive pay.  

Benefits 

We offer competitive compensation, an incentive bonus plan, outstanding career opportunities, an exceptional work environment, and an impressive benefits package, which starts with medical, family and bereavement leave; same-sex domestic partner benefits; short- and long-term disability programs; and an employee assistance program. There's more:   

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health care tax-free spending accounts with a company match
  • 401(k) and Roth IRA with company match, as well as catch-up plans for both
  • Vacation days, sick days, and paid personal days each calendar year (with vacation increases based on length of service)
  • Paid holidays each calendar year
  • Life and travel insurance
  • Tax-free commuter benefits
  • In-person and online learning opportunities
  • Cross-function career opportunities
  • Business casual work environment
  • Time off to volunteer
  • Matching donations to qualifying nonprofit organizations
  • Company-sponsored participation at non-profit events

 About The Doctors Company

The Doctors Company is the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer. Founded and led by physicians, we are committed to advancing, protecting, and rewarding the practice of good medicine.

The Doctors Company is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place to Work®.