Job Description

HSRC Press, a unit of the Human Sciences Research Council, requires the services of freelancers in various functions. The names of successful applicants will be placed on a database, which signifies that the freelancer has been approved by People and Culture in terms of the criteria required for the particular function and is therefore employable.
It does not, however, signal the existence of a contract or even a guarantee of work. Work will be assigned directly to freelancers by the relevant Editorial Project Managers on a project-by-project basis, depending on the project requirements and freelancer availability, and will include a project specific brief.
The successful applicants will be placed on a database that will be valid till 5 February 2027. Time frames and remuneration will be project specific.
Freelancers who are currently on our database need not apply.
Book reviewer/reader (Non-Fiction)
Freelancer
Ref No:09/2025
HSRC Press, a unit of the Human Sciences Research Council, seeks to appoint freelance non-fiction book reviewers for its scholarly publications to its freelance database. In addition to the responsibilities and requirements set out below, there may be a project-specific brief.
Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience in reviewing a minimum of THREE non-fiction trade book manuscripts
• In your CV, include a list of relevant projects, including publication date and publisher, but do not exceed twenty items
• Include two to three examples of book reviews you have done
• A major in English language/literature/linguistics or a tertiary qualification in any of the social- or health sciences would be an advantage but is not essential

Duties & Responsibilities

• Using the manuscript supplied, submit a report (one to two pages) on the quality and publishing viability of the manuscript under consideration.
• Assess, among other issues, the tone, style, content, structure and clarity of the argument.
• Suggest remedies for identified shortcomings.

Skills Required