[CLOSED] Freelance Reader Wanted — Paid
The application window for this job has closed.
I am looking for a new freelance reader to help me with my incoming submissions! I will be opening to unsolicited submissions very soon!
Reading submissions is an important job. I am very hungry for new clients, and my reader will help me with reviewing my requested submissions, recommending manuscripts to me, and overall facilitating the process of finding and signing new clients. Readers will be asked to submit 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, enjoy both literary and commercial styles, and ideally also keep up with the adult market. 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. Pay is biweekly and work will average 1-2 manuscripts per week. Ideal start time would be early March.
The reader will receive a 1099 at the end of the year. Unfortunately, this position does not offer any benefits. This is a remote position. Must be 18+.
F.A.Q.
Can writers apply?
Yes, writers may apply! But please note that I am most 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 daily schedule I have to adhere to?
Scheduling is completely up to you! This sort of job can be done on your own time. I just ask that you are sure you have the bandwidth for this job and feel confident that you are able to carve out the time to read and complete reports for 1-2 manuscripts per week.
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 Feb 20). 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.
Authors and illustrators are the backbone of Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency and we pride ourselves on treating their work and our partnership with respect and care. The literary agents who represent those creatives are supported by an incredible team of sub rights specialists, marketing mavens, dedicated subagents, and a diligent back-office support system. The magnificent books we champion are the result of this passionate collaboration. Together, we aim to create life-long book enthusiasts and entertain readers of all ages throughout the world.
About Beth Phelan.
Beth has been working in literary agencies since 2010, and has been with Gallt & Zacker since 2017. A lifelong reader, she’s been caught reading by flashlight in hotel closets while on family 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.