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Manuscript Reader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sourcebooks

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

Lead the editorial production of complex and high-profile publishing projects from manuscript ... Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ...

Sourcebooks LLC

Senior Production Editor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $66K/yr

Lead the editorial production of complex and high-profile publishing projects from manuscript ... Manage Advance Reader Copy (ARC) production to support Marketing and Sales deadlines. * Collaborate ...

Newberry Library

Executive Assistant

Chicago, IL · Remote

... manuscript pages--is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry's reading rooms ...

New

Nourish

Research Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

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 ...

All JobsManuscript Reader JobsManuscript Reader Jobs in Chicago, IL

Manuscript Reader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$33

How much do manuscript reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for manuscript reader in Chicago, IL is $20.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $21.97 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A Manuscript Reader evaluates unpublished manuscripts for literary agents, publishers, or publications.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.

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.

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.

How do you become a manuscript reader?

To become a manuscript reader, typically one needs a strong background in literature or writing, often demonstrated through a degree in English, literature, or a related field. Experience with editing, critical reading skills, and familiarity with publishing processes are also valuable, and some positions may require knowledge of specific genres or styles.

How much do manuscript readers make?

Manuscript readers typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on their experience, the organization, and whether they work freelance or full-time. Some may also be paid per project or word count, especially in freelance roles, with annual salaries ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for full-time positions.

What are popular job titles related to Manuscript Reader jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Manuscript Reader jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manuscript Reader jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Manuscript Reader jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Manuscript Reader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manuscript Reader job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 64% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 77% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,711 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Administrative Assistant (Audio Book Production)

Tyndale House Ministries

Carol Stream, IL • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description:

For more than 60 years, Tyndale has helped readers discover the life-giving truths of God's Word. Today we're one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. Though our business has grown, our mission remains the same: to open God's Word to as many as possible in language they can relate to and understand.


Digital Sales and Production is a small, tight-knit team that brings Tyndale's eBooks and audiobooks to the readers and listeners who find us online. We span both sides of the business — sales and production — which means you'll work alongside people with different strengths, different vantage points, and a shared commitment to getting it right. We're collaborative by design: we share the work, share the credit, and genuinely enjoy building something together. Our audiobook program is still young, and there's real satisfaction in helping shape how it runs.


This is the role that keeps our audio and digital titles moving. You'll take ownership of the production database that tracks every audiobook in progress — manuscript due dates, narrators, release dates — and become the person the rest of the company comes to for a straight answer on where a project stands. Alongside that, you'll support the team across the wider digital business, from eBook pricing to seasonal sales planning. It's a detail-driven support role with visibility across publishing, sales, and production, and a strong starting point for someone building a career in publishing.


What You'll Do

  • Own the audio production database: Take over and maintain the master tracking system for every audiobook in production (currently Asana, alongside Excel), keeping manuscript deadlines, narrator assignments, and release dates accurate so the whole team works from one reliable source of truth.
  • Connect the teams: Serve as the day-to-day link between our team and Tyndale's publishing and product groups, gathering the details, deadlines, and files that keep audio and eBook projects on schedule — primarily by email, with regular Zoom and in-person touchpoints.
  • Keep recordings on schedule: Procure manuscript PDFs and any supplemental files needed for recording sessions, and build the seasonal audio spreadsheet ahead of each new product presentation so nothing gets confirmed at the last minute.
  • Support eBook pricing and promotions: Set up promotions in our internal publishing system, verify promotional pricing at digital retailers, and track repricing data and pricing projects in Excel so every title reaches readers at the right price at the right moment.
  • Support the sales side of the business: Help the team plan and coordinate frontlist priorities, backlist promotions, and seasonal and channel opportunities; participate in select sales presentations to digital accounts; and pitch in on special projects across the team as they come up.
  • Strengthen how we work: Keep title metadata clean, document processes as they take shape, and flag bottlenecks you spot — helping a newer, fast-changing part of the business get sharper over time.

Skills and Qualifications Needed

  • Bachelor's degree in business, communications, publishing, or a related field
  • Solid working knowledge of Excel — comfortable maintaining detailed spreadsheets and using functions like VLOOKUP, or eager to learn them quickly — plus proficiency across the Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience with project management or CRM software (Asana, Monday.com, HubSpot, or similar) is a plus
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Clear, professional communicator who can adapt to different working and communication styles across teams
  • Flexible and comfortable learning as you go — this is a newer role in a newer part of the business, and priorities will evolve
  • Genuine interest in audiobooks, eBooks, or digital publishing is a plus
  • Personal alignment with and adherence to the Bible as God's Word, and agreement with our Statement of Faith 

We want to hear more about you and why you are interested in Tyndale and this role, so we highly recommend including a cover letter.


Tyndale has been repeatedly certified as a Best Christian Workplace. Learn more about us and what we believe at www.tyndale.com/our-mission. 


The hiring range for this position is $21 to $25 hourly. Actual offers will take into consideration the candidate’s education, experience, industry knowledge, technical skills, and other relevant factors. A summary of Tyndale’s comprehensive benefits is: https://www.tyndale.com/careers/. 

Requirements:


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