... Collections reading room. This is an excellent opportunity to gain reference and special ... and manuscript collections Work with student assistants and staff to locate, retrieve, and re ...
... Collections reading room. This is an excellent opportunity to gain reference and special ... and manuscript collections Work with student assistants and staff to locate, retrieve, and re ...
Manuscript Reader information
See Virginia salary details
$11.20 - $13.19
6% of jobs
$13.19 - $15.19
15% of jobs
$15.46 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$15.19 - $17.18
28% of jobs
The median wage is $17.29 / hr.
$17.18 - $19.17
19% of jobs
$20.47 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.17 - $21.17
11% of jobs
$21.17 - $23.16
7% of jobs
$23.16 - $25.15
4% of jobs
$25.15 - $27.15
4% of jobs
$27.15 - $29.14
2% of jobs
$29.14 - $31.13
2% of jobs
$31.13 - $33.13
1% of jobs
$11
$19
$33
How much do manuscript reader jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for manuscript reader in Virginia is $19.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $21.44 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A Manuscript Reader evaluates unpublished manuscripts for literary agents, publishers, or publications.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 the most commonly searched types of Manuscript Reader jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Manuscript Reader jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Manuscript Reader jobs in Virginia? For Manuscript Reader jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manuscript Reader jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Manuscript Reader jobs in Virginia are:
$20.87 - $22/hr
Part-time
Posted 4 days ago
Amherst College rating
8.3
Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
123rd of 611 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.
Job Description:
Amherst College invites applications for the Archives and Special Collections Public Services Fellow position. The Archives and Special Collections Public Services Fellow is a part-time (20 hours per week), one-year term position. The expected range for this position is $20.87-22.00 per hour.
The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.
The Amherst College Library is seeking a part-time Public Services Fellow to support researchers and librarians in the Archives & Special Collections reading room. This is an excellent opportunity to gain reference and special collections experience for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in archives, library science, or other knowledge communities.
Reporting to the College Archivist and working closely with the Archives & Special Collections team, the individual in this position will manage the reading room and provide support for specific special collections projects and tasks as assigned. The Public Services Fellow will work with special collections librarians in providing public services to on-site researchers and in monitoring the operations of the special collections reference desk.
This is a 20-hour per week, year-round, in-person, benefitted position. Hours will be scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:45-4:15; four-hour shifts of 8:45-12:45 and 12:15-4:15. This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work. This is a one-year term-limited position with the possibility of renewal for an additional year.
Summary of Responsibilities
Work with the ASC team to oversee Archives & Special Collections reading room operations
Open and/or close the reading room
Monitor researchers working in the reading room
Provide reference and public services to researchers in the reading room
Assist researchers in navigating public-facing library systems (including ArchivesSpace, Amherst College Digital Collections, Discovery, Aeon, and FOLIO)
Provide guidance in the handling of rare books, archival, and manuscript collections
Work with student assistants and staff to locate, retrieve, and re-shelve collection materials from closed stacks and from off-site storage
May assist librarians and archivists in special collections instruction (setting up collection materials, facilitating use, etc.)
Support projects related to rare books, archives, and manuscripts (including outreach, digitization, cataloging, and archival processing)
*Note - this position requires regular lifting of up to 45 lbs.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree with coursework in relevant fields such as history, English, or a related area (in lieu of degree - 5-6 years of directly related experience)
- Proven library experience and/or customer service experience
- Excellent communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail
- Experience juggling multiple tasks and working towards deadlines
- Sensitivity to the proper care and security of collection materials, including confidentiality of patron and institutional records
- Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and lift test
- Successful completion of required reference and background checks
Preferred:
- Demonstrated experience working in archives and/or special collections
- Experience supporting researchers or knowledge of the research process
- Enrolled in an ALA-accredited graduate degree program in library science or related field
Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted.
(Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen)
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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About Amherst College
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Amherst, MA, US
Year founded
1821