[CLOSED] Freelance Reader Wanted — Paid
The application window for this job has closed.
I am looking for a freelance reader to help me with my incoming submissions!
Reading submissions is an important job. I am very hungry for new clients, and my reader will help me with reading my requested submissions, recommending manuscripts to me, and overall facilitating the process of finding and signing new clients. I love a fast reader who can turnaround multiple manuscripts a week, as I tend to request a lot of great material. Readers will be asked to send a report about the requested material which will include a summary and an evaluation section.
Readers should be well-rounded, but primarily interested in reading kidlit (specifically MG and YA) in the US English language market. Prospective readers should be familiar with my list and/or eager to learn more about my taste! In general, I’m especially looking for applicants who regularly read MG and YA, across all genres, and enjoy both literary and commercial styles. Readers need no specific experience or qualifications — just a love of reading, a mind for the market, and an interest in pursuing a position in the traditional book publishing industry.
I offer a flat rate to readers: $100 for partials/manuscripts under 70k words; $125 for manuscripts 70k-100k words; and $150 for manuscripts that exceed 100k words. Readers will receive a 1099 at the end of the year. Unfortunately, this position does not have any benefits attached.
This is a remote position. Must be 18+.
F.A.Q.
Can writers apply?
Yes, writers may apply! But please note that I am more interested in giving this position to someone who can use it to boost their resume because they are interested in pursuing book publishing as a career. If that’s you, and you also happen to be a writer, then that’s totally fine!
Is there a set schedule I have to adhere to?
Scheduling is completely up to you! This sort of job can be done on your own time.
Is this position open to non-US candidates?
Unfortunately, at this time, we can only consider candidates who can work in the US.
How long before the application window closes?
I will keep this posting open for 1 week (until Oct 29). I may decide to close it sooner, if the volume of applications becomes unmanageable, so apply as soon as you can!
To Apply.
Please send an email to beth@galltzacker.com. The body of your email should be a cover letter. Tell me about yourself, what you like to read, what your interest in the industry is, and why you think you’d be a good reader for me. Please list a few of your favorite recent books and briefly tell me why you loved them. Give me a sense of your taste in kidlit and let me know if you read anything else. If you can, please attach a resume as well.
About the Agency.
The Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency focuses on developing and finding the right home for the work of some of the most talented writers and illustrators in the book industry. Established in 2000 by Nancy Gallt, and later joined by Marietta B. Zacker, we aim to bring to life stories and artwork that help young readers throughout the world become life-long book enthusiasts and to inspire and entertain readers of all ages. We represent authors and illustrators who share and, through their work, exemplify that vision.
About Beth Phelan.
Beth has been working in literary agencies since 2010, but has been with Gallt & Zacker since 2017. A lifelong reader, she’s been caught reading by flashlight in hotel closets while on vacation and finishing stories in lieu of returning friends’ phone calls. She is a winner of the inaugural CBC Diversity Outstanding Achievement Award, a Publisher’s Weekly Notable Person of the Year Reader’s Pick, twice-nominated for The Ignyte Community Award for Outstanding Efforts in Service of Inclusion and Equitable Practice in Genre, and a Publisher’s Weekly Star Watch Honoree. Beth is also the creator of #DVpit, a Twitter pitch event for marginalized creators, and DVcon, a free virtual conference for marginalized book creators. These are programs of DiverseVoices, Inc, a nonprofit which she founded in 2020.