Literary Scout & Manuscript Reviewer

Contract Type: Independent Contractor
Compensation: 7% of net royalties for any title you are assigned or formally recommend in writing, and that we publish
Location: Remote
Reports To: Editor-in-Chief
Company: Open Kimono Publishing, LLC

About the Role:

We’re looking for a sharp, entrepreneurial Literary Scout & Manuscript Reviewer to join Open Kimono Publishing on a freelance, royalty-share basis. Your primary role will be to scout new literary talent—to discover compelling books, overlooked authors, and raw potential that deserves a platform.

You’ll also occasionally receive manuscripts directly from our Editor-in-Chief to evaluate. Whether you find the next great voice or help us decide on a promising submission already in the pipeline, your taste and instincts will directly shape what we publish.

This is a remote, project-based contract role. We don’t pay by the hour—we share in the upside. For every title you recommend that we publish, you’ll earn 7% of the net royalties for the life of that title. Some contracts are limited term, but most are in perpetuity, meaning you’ll continue to earn royalties as long as the book sells.

This is an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurial literary minds, tastemakers, and sharp readers who want a real stake in the books they help discover.

Key Responsibilities:

Scout promising books, authors, or proposals that align with Open Kimono Publishing’s mission and catalog
Submit clear, timely recommendation reports for any scouted titles
Review assigned manuscripts when requested by the Editor-in-Chief and provide concise coverage reports
Evaluate literary quality, originality, market potential, and publishing fit
Flag potential legal or editorial concerns (e.g., copyrighted lyrics, libel risk, or plagiarized content)
Maintain professional discretion and confidentiality regarding all unpublished materials and internal communications

Compensation Terms:

You’ll receive 7% of net royalties for any book that meets the following conditions:

You either:
- Formally find, review, read and recommend the manuscript in writing; or
- Were assigned the manuscript for review by the Editor-in-Chief and submitted a written recommendation
The manuscript was accepted and published by Open Kimono Publishing in any format, including print, ebook, audiobook, or other licensed editions

Net royalties are defined as total income received by Open Kimono Publishing from sales of the title, minus applicable third-party costs such as printing, distribution fees, retailer cuts, and transaction/platform charges.

Royalty payments will be issued quarterly, based on actual sales revenue received during that period. You’ll receive a sales and royalty report for each applicable title.

No compensation is provided for manuscripts that are not selected for publication, regardless of time spent reviewing.

This is a royalty-share contract position. You will not receive salary, hourly wages, benefits, or reimbursement for any expenses.

Qualifications & Attributes:

Strong familiarity with contemporary literature, publishing trends, and reader psychology
Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to make sound literary judgments
Ability to meet review deadlines and respond promptly to assignments
Entrepreneurial mindset; passionate about discovering and championing new voices
Professional discretion and respect for sensitive materials
A deep love for reading and an instinct for quality storytelling

Legal & Contractual Terms:

This position is structured as an independent contractor role, not an employee relationship
You are responsible for your own taxes, insurance, and business expenses
If selected, you’ll be required to sign an Independent Contractor Agreement, including provisions related to intellectual property assignment, confidentiality, non-disclosure agreement, and compensation rights
We reserve the right to accept or reject any recommendation at our sole discretion
Royalty shares apply only to books that are either assigned to you by the Editor-in-Chief or independently scouted by you, and that are both recommended by you in writing and accepted for publication by Open Kimono Publishing
This is a freelance, project-based contract. Either party may terminate the engagement at any time, with or without cause, by providing written notice. Open Kimono Publishing reserves the right to end the contract or stop assigning work at its sole discretion

Eligibility Requirement:

By submitting this application, I confirm that I am at least 18 years of age and a legal U.S. citizen. I understand that this opportunity is open only to individuals who meet both of these requirements.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

Open Kimono Publishing values diverse voices and perspectives at every level. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. The stories we publish—and the people we work with—reflect the wide world we live in.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Phone Number*

Email*

example@example.com

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Are you currently legally entitled to work in the United States?*

YesNo

If selected for employment are you willing to submit a background check?*

YesNo

What genres do you read most often?(Check all that apply.)*

Have you ever worked in publishing, editing, or reviewing? If so, please detail your experience.*

What’s one book you believe should never have been published—and why?*

What’s one book you think was overlooked—and why should more people read it?*

Have you ever reviewed or evaluated a manuscript before? If so, what was your approach?*

Are you comfortable identifying potential legal issues in text (e.g., song lyrics, plagiarism, libel)?*

If selected, how many manuscripts (approx. 40k–80k words) could you reasonably review per month?*

1-23-44-56+

This is a contract-based position with no hourly pay or salary. Compensation is provided exclusively through a royalty share model. Literary Scouts & Reviewers receive 7% of net royalties for any title they are assigned or formally recommend in writing, provided the manuscript is accepted and published by Open Kimono Publishing.*

Would you be willing to bring in your own recommendations (books/authors we haven’t seen)? Do you have the capacity and any contacts that can help you find the best manuscripts that are not yet published but should be?*

Are you actively involved in any literary communities, online platforms (e.g. BookTok, Substack), or forums where you might discover emerging talent?*

Why do you want this role?*

If we asked you to read a manuscript this week, could you get us a recommendation within 7 days?*

What is your available start date?*

Date

Degree Completed?*

YesNoStill in attendance

Degree Completed or Pursuing (If still attending college.)*

Associate degreeBachelor’s degreeMaster’s degreeDoctorate

Google Suite

Ability to work independently without much supervision?

Communication Skills

Understanding of the Publishing Industry

Timeline Prioritization

Please upload your CV here.*

Please upload your Cover Letter here.*

At Open Kimono Publishing, we believe in bold storytelling, literary risk-taking, and giving a platform to voices that challenge the status quo. We’re indie by design—intentional about every book we publish. How do your personal values or creative philosophy align with what we do at Open Kimono Publishing?*

By submitting this application, I confirm that I am at least 18 years of age and a legal U.S. citizen. I understand that this opportunity is open only to individuals who meet both of these requirements.*

YesNo

I acknowledge and agree to the Terms & Conditions outlined at https://www.openkimonopublishing.com/terms-conditions, and consent to receive emails related to this application and potential opportunities with Open Kimono Publishing.*

Yes

I’d like to receive updates, book release news, and occasional newsletters from Open Kimono Publishing (You can unsubscribe at any time.).

Yes, sign me upNo, thanks

Date*

Date

I affirm that all information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand this is a freelance, contract-based role with no guarantee of publication or payment unless a recommended title is formally accepted and published by Open Kimono Publishing. I understand that this is a contract-based role, and any false or misleading information may result in disqualification or termination of contract.*

I confirm that this serves as my digital signature.*

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