GUTTER GUEST READER

APPLICATIONS INVITED

The role

Gutter seeks one enthusiastic Guest Reader to help us select work for our forthcoming issue. The Reader will be appointed for Issue #33 (published February 2026). At this time, we invite invitations only from candidates who identify as POC.

The role of Guest Reader involves the following core tasks:

·      Reading up to 500 unsolicited submissions (either poetry or prose) by an agreed deadline

·      Email communication with the editors to agree timelines and dates.

·      Meeting with editors who have read the same submissions to agree upon a final selection

The fee (£200 per issue) will cover all of the above, with the option to take on additional paid responsibilities, as set out below. Additional work (paid at £12.60 per hour) is not essential, but is encouraged to allow you to gain the most from the experience. It can include:

·      Proof-reading

·      Inclusion in emails regarding design and typesetting changes up until print production

·      Involvement with any follow up events such as launches for the issue

About you

The ideal candidate will be familiar with Gutter and have an understanding of the content we publish.

Ideally you will have an interest or some background in writing or editing. However, previous editorial experience is not essential.

Applicants should be based in Scotland. The role can be carried out entirely online, but Guest Readers will be invited to take part in live events and in-person meetings, if they wish.

Placement Information

The Guest Reader roles will commence in September 2025.

Our aims

The aim of the Guest Reader programme is to make space for new voices, different perspectives and lived experiences within the team. We hope that by expanding our network to POC Readers in particular, the selection of work will better reflect the literary landscape of Scottish and international writing.

Additionally, we view this role as a training opportunity for those with an interest in editing to further their skill set and learn from the experience of the current Gutter editors. For this reason, we hope Guest Readers will want to take on additional responsibilities to maximise this experience.

Lastly, we hope to learn from you and we value the insight and contributions that a Guest Reader can bring to the table. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you both personally and professionally.

What we hope you will take from it

The placement will be different for everyone, but it will give the opportunity to see first-hand how the magazine is put together. Working with Gutter is good editorial experience, and it should help build connections both with the team at Gutter and the Scottish literary sector more widely.

To apply for the role, please email a covering letter to contactguttermagazine@gmail.com detailing your interest and telling us why you’d be a great fit for the position. If you have a preference for selecting poetry or prose, please do let us know.

Applications close on July 25th.