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Manuscript Reader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Goodheart-Willcox Publisher

Senior Editor K-12

$72K - $85K/yr

Edit with exceptional accuracy to correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors; achieve targeted reading level; and produce clean manuscript for production. * Research and verify accuracy of ...

Tennessee Secretary of State

Archivist 2

Nashville, TN · On-site

$51K/yr

Draft and edit finding aids for manuscript collections and state agency record groups. * Perform ... Ability to read cursive and decipher 18th and 19th century handwriting. * Ability to lift and carry ...

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 ...

WSU -

Archives Assistant (Revised)

Dayton, OH · On-site

$4/hr

... manuscript materials, referring complex research questions to professional archivists as appropriate. * Monitor reading room activity to ensure proper handling, security, and care of collections. 30 ...

DIY Media Group Inc

Book Designer 1

Pennsauken, NJ · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

... reader experience. This is a dynamic, detail-driven position where creative thinking and strong ... the manuscript content. * Transition seamlessly between a vast variety of genres day to day ...

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Goodheart-Willcox Publisher

Editor K-12

$61K - $73K/yr

Edit with exceptional accuracy to correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors; achieve targeted reading level; and produce clean manuscript for production. * Research and verify accuracy of ...

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How much do manuscript reader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 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A Manuscript Reader evaluates unpublished manuscripts for literary agents, publishers, or publications.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.

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 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.
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Senior Editor K-12

Senior Editor K-12

Goodheart-Willcox Publisher

Remote

$72K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Senior Editor – K-12
Goodheart‑Willcox Publisher is an employee‑owned company and a recognized leader in Career and Technical Education. Join our team as a Senior Editor and take the lead in shaping high‑quality K–12 instructional content. In this role, you’ll manage complex editorial projects from concept through completion. The ideal candidate will have K–12 market expertise ideally in health education, science or closely related markets. We welcome candidates from anywhere in the U.S. to apply. Those located in the Chicagoland area will follow a hybrid schedule, working onsite two to four days per month at our Tinley Park, Illinois office.
Our compensation is market based and takes into account a variety of factors including the candidate’s skill set, experience level, internal equity, and location. For this position, we anticipate the starting salary falling between $72,000 and $85,000 per year. In addition, the company makes a 10% contribution to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and a 4% matching contribution to the 401(k).
What you’ll do:
  • Design and implement grade-appropriate development plans for core text and supplemental products delivered in print and digital formats.
  • Developmentally edit or restructure content to improve flow and clarity.
  • Edit with exceptional accuracy to correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors; achieve targeted reading level; and produce clean manuscript for production.
  • Research and verify accuracy of content and write manuscript, as needed, for print and digital texts and supplements.
  • Facilitate and guide programmatic instructional designs and pedagogical systems that are grade appropriate with particular emphasis on scaffolding across grade levels.
  • Take the lead with reviewing, establishing, and executing product development plans and market development plans for new or revised titles in synchronization with the overall goals and editorial investment strategy for a given edition of the work.
  • Establish publishing and author schedules and manage progress of development milestones to ensure timely editorial delivery as planned.
  • Provide direction, guidance, and feedback to authors/outside developers throughout the manuscript development process with respect to text narrative, illustrations, pedagogy, and supplements.
  • Facilitate and execute all stages of development, editing, and production preparation.
  • Find and choose qualified reviewers. Work with reviewers to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of program materials for target audience.
What you’ll bring:
  • Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in English, Education, Publishing Studies, or Journalism is a plus.
  • Minimum five years of experience editing, working with educational content development, or instructional design.
  • Teaching experience or college coursework in educational instruction or design is a plus.
  • Understanding of state, national, or certification-based educational standards as well as experience correlating and editing educational materials to those standards.
  • Interest, experience, or aptitude in K-12 health and health sciences is a plus.
  • Excellent knowledge of basic English language skills needed to perform editing tasks, specifically, sufficient grammar and usage skills to edit manuscript and create text copy at a level acceptable to Goodheart-Willcox publishing standards.
  • Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word Track Changes, and Windows.
  • Ability to conduct training sessions, deliver reports or presentations off-site, if necessary.
What we offer:
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher is an employee-owned company driven by our mission, “We Build Careers.” G-W has spent over a century building a culture that we are proud of and is centered around our Core Values of Do the Right Thing, Can-do Attitude, Roll Up Your Sleeves, Always Improving, and Collaborative Spirit. When you join our team, you will experience an environment of collaboration, empowerment, and respect.
G-W prioritizes the health and well-being of our employees by offering carefully selected benefits and retirement options. Check out some of our generous benefits highlighted below:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan – a retirement plan that is 100% company funded
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • 3 Medical plan options
  • 2 Dental plan options
  • Vision plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Wellbeing Programs
  • Cariloop – a Caregiver Concierge
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Social Activities and Events
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, ancestry and marital status, and other protected classes, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
In addition, Goodheart-Willcox Publisher complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination of employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US. We do not sponsor applicants for work visas.

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