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Manuscript Reader Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Manuscript Reader information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$19

$32

How much do manuscript reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for manuscript reader in Minnesota is $19.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $21.20 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A Manuscript Reader evaluates unpublished manuscripts for literary agents, publishers, or publications.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.
What are popular job titles related to Manuscript Reader jobs in Minnesota? For Manuscript Reader jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manuscript Reader jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Manuscript Reader jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Manuscript Reader job openings in Minnesota as of July 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 $40,231 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Adjunct Professor, low-residency MFA in Writing for Young Readers

University of San Francisco

Hilltop, MN

$2.2K/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Title:

Adjunct Professor, low-residency MFA in Writing for Young Readers

Job Summary:

The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private, urban University with a global perspective that educates leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world. USF draws from the cultural, intellectual, and economic resources of the San Francisco Bay Area and its location on the Pacific Rim to enrich its educational programs.
The MFA in Writing for Young Readers (MFAY) is a low-residency graduate program. We offer immersive, in-person residencies followed by intensive one-to-one mentorship. Part-time adjunct professors mentor individual students in reading like a writer, craft-based critical writing, and students' creative projects. Adjunct professors must be expert at working with students through all forms of instruction and at the manuscript level as students engage deeply with questions of audience, craft, process, and literary practices.
All MFAY adjunct faculty are expected to have deep familiarity with the field of writing for young readers and must be willing to teach across genres during residency and through individual mentorship. These genres include picture books, early readers and chapter books, middle-grade and young adult novels, nonfiction, poetry and novels in verse, short stories, and graphic literature. Candidates are not required to be published in every category.
Positions are part-time, non-tenure track, renewable based on need, funding, and performance.

Full Job Description:

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have graduate-level higher education teaching experience as well as significant publications in the field of literature for young readers.

Adjuncts must participate in the program's on-campus residencies at the university's main campus in San Francisco, held twice annually in January and June.

Responsibilities during residency may include leading workshops, seminars, and lectures; faculty readings, and graduation events; meeting with both continuing and newly assigned mentees; and contributing to the intellectual and creative life of the program. During the rest of the semester, adjunct faculty respond to student work promptly and thoroughly, hold mid-semester calls, and attend to other work in support of students.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BA in a relevant field

  • Significant publishing track record-note awards, bestsellers, and groundbreaking titles

  • College-level teaching experience or equivalent

  • Knowledge of critical and inclusive pedagogies

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong record of publication in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and/or short stories.

  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in the teaching of creative writing, preferably at the graduate level.

  • Evidence of strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Ability to work independently and to collaborate with others.

  • Adept at student-centered learning.

  • Community-building orientation, with a willingness to do service and commit to program goals

To apply, please submit:

A cover letter describing your work as a writer and a teacher

A CV or resume

A Teaching Statement of no more than 2 pages that shares your teaching philosophy

Those whose initial application materials are approved by the hiring committee will be asked to evaluate a sample packet of student work-both creative and critical. Strong candidates will then be invited to the interview stage. We hire on a rolling basis and applications submitted after 5/31/26 will be processed for consideration at a later date.

We invite candidates to learn more about the MFAY program located in the heart of San Francisco https://www.usfca.edu/MFAY

The academic calendar, including dates for our teaching semesters, are here. Part time faculty at USF are unionized and benefits are listed on the USF Part Time Faculty Association's website here.

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Part time

Pay Rate:

Salary

Salary Range :

$2256 per credit