JOB OPPORTUNITY: First reader position available

Are you interested in breaking into book editing, learning about small press publishing, or developing your own writing? Reading and evaluating manuscripts submitted for publication provides a great learning opportunity. The behind-the-scenes vantage point offers a valuable perspective on the variety and quantity of submissions. If you’re a writer, reading submissions can improve your understanding of how a publisher might read your own manuscripts.

Because WTAW Press receives a large volume of submissions, a committed corps of preliminary readers is essential to helping the editor select manuscripts. First readers have the responsibility of reading submitted material and providing thoughtful feedback as to the merit and potential of the submissions. WTAW provides guidance, with a framework for evaluating manuscripts.

For this position, we look for readers who care deeply about literature and books. Writers who are serious about their own craft are good candidates, as are those who interested in learning what goes into publishing a strong catalog of books. Reliability and a commitment to reading for the entire submission period is essential.

To learn more visit our website. You may apply there, or you may email a brief cover letter, detailing your experience and your reasons for wanting the position. Provide links to online publications you may have of your own criticism and/or creative writing, if any. Email wtaw at wtawpress dot org with “First Reader Application” in the subject line. Deadline for this current opportunity is September 25, 2023. However, we maintain an ongoing list of potential candidates.