Job Reading Manuscripts Novels & Stories

I was one of those ten editors. "Because there weren't enough cubicles?" I asked without confidence. He laughs and points a finger at me. "You're funny Mrs. Reed." He chuckles then stands up. Involuntarily I took a step back then two when he strides over to me. He stops a few feet away from me and outstretched his hands. I looked at it confused. He rolls his eyes in annoyance. "The manuscript." He states bluntly. I hand it to him quickly. He shakes his head and opens the folder. I watch with nerves as his eyes scan over the papers. After what felt like forever he finally lifts his head.

Iris had never met someone as patient as she was. “That’s why I put her in charge of your training. She does well with people. I’m glad you are getting the hang of it.” “Yes, I was worried for nothing. There are so many amazing manuscripts to read too. It’s like a dream job. I don’t know why people aren’t running to publishing houses to apply for jobs like they do in the other industries” She beamed. “Trust me they do but the process is just as strict” “Hmm.” She nodded her head in understanding. She peeked a glance at Luca’s face and wondered if it was a good time to ask the question that was lingering at the back of her mind. Luca didn’t seem cold anymore.

Surely, that wasn’t a good sign. Dear Juliet Kennedy, Thank you for posting for the Associate Staff Writer Position. We have carefully reviewed your qualifications in relation to the job requirements. However, your application will not be moving forward for this position. Juliet did not need to read any further as her stomach dropped. This was the same format she had received in all her rejection emails throughout the week. Only a couple of additional openings had become available, and she had taken a few hours each day to search and apply for them.

Professor Williams calls me, finally pulling me out of this uncomfortable thread of emotions. “Yes sir.” I run down to him, struggling to get my books together, so I can have the walk. “Are you okay?” He asks me when I reach him. “It seems you struggled to focus today.” “It's probably stress sir. I still enjoyed the class regardless.” I reply to him. “That's good. I would like you to consider submitting your paper for the student literacy journal.” He offers. This feels like a dream come true to me, being featured in such a prestigious journal and I do not even think twice about saying “yes!”

The stillness of someone who has received something significant and is taking the measure of it before deciding what to do next. This was the fourth kind, the one I had only seen a handful of times. The stillness of someone who has received something they had worked very hard for and are not quite ready to believe it yet. I put down the file. She was looking at the screen when I came around the counter. The email was open — I could see enough of the layout to know it was from a journal, the header and the formal structure of a publication decision. The subject line visible in the browser tab: Re: Submission LCR-2026-0341: Decision.

My fingers trembled a bit as I opened the email. “Congratulations! We are pleased to say that your writing matches our needs. To proceed, please fill out the attached form with your information. Let’s discuss your manuscript further.” A smile tugged at my lips. This is it. My dream is finally coming true. Without hesitation, I clicked the link, eager to learn more. "What? No. There's no way I'm ignoring this big opportunity. I won’t be able to fill it out tomorrow. I’m not even that wasted... I think." I mumbled to myself, brushing off any lingering doubt.

Dear Ms Hale, We received the manuscript you submitted last month. The Reckoning Tide. We have read it. We are prepared to publish without revision if that remains your wish. However, we respectfully request a meeting to discuss potential minor adjustments for clarity and market positioning. Enclosed is a contract draft and our proposed advance. We await your response. Sincerely, Isabel Cardoso Senior Editor

"Industry-specific stuff is usually better in journal form than book form. Too much gets lost in the translation to general audience." He was quiet for a moment. "You read business journals." "Sometimes." I took a careful sip of wine. "I have a lot of free time." The sentence landed the way I'd intended it to—gently, without accusation, just the plain fact of it. A woman with a lot of free time fills it with something. I had filled mine with research and planning and the construction of a revenge operation. Adriana Chen had filled hers with reading. Both of these things were true.

The manuscript submission belonged to the beyond. On Wednesday morning, Don prepared the manuscript for sending. He had printed it on Tuesday evening — three copies: one for the editor, one for the publisher's office, one for the files. The copies were in manila envelopes, labeled in Don's handwriting. He had written the cover letter on Tuesday night, after the decision had been made, while the clarity of the decision was still fresh.

It could go either way at the moment, and I wasn't keen on either, but what choice did I have? "I'm listening," I said. "I know you won't just accept any handouts, so apply to my publishing company. Edit one of the manuscripts; you were always good at your English classes, weren't you? If you're up to snuff, I'll give you a job, one that'll pay better than all three of the jobs you have now." After a moment, Jaxon chuckled. "And don't worry, I won't pull any strings to get you in. So, work hard."