Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.
Simon Maverick is seeking a strategic, media and digital-savvy, highly collaborative Publicist or Senior Publicist to join our growing audio/hybrid imprint. This role will lead and execute innovative publicity campaigns for a diverse list of authors, with a focus on commercial fiction and weighted towards audiobooks, working closely with authors, agents, media, and internal stakeholders.
The ideal candidate has strong relationships in both traditional and non-traditional media, understands discovery in an ever-changing marketplace, and ideally has a knowledge of the independent author and creator community and where those readers are. They have exceptional campaign instincts and possess the ability to manage multiple titles simultaneously across multiple formats in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive, creative publicity campaigns for a wide range of frontlist and backlist titles, both audio and print, with the ability to create “rapid response” campaigns when the situation calls for it.
- Secure coverage across digital, podcast, traditional media and non-traditional platforms, with an understanding of community-based outlets such as Discord, Reddit, and more.
- Working directly with independent authors, many who have large social media followings, with an understanding of how to harness their existing readerships while also expanding beyond.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with influencers, event coordinators, podcast producers and digital-first outlets
- Draft compelling press materials including releases, pitch letters, author Q&As, media alerts, and talking points.
- Strategically position authors for media appearances, speaking opportunities, cultural moments, and book clubs.
- Manage author media training and prepare authors for interviews, media appearances, festivals, and events, both virtual and in person, in collaboration with our marketing team.
- Work closely with editorial, marketing, and sales, to align campaign strategy with overall publishing goals.
- Ability to secure audiobook-specific coverage as well as for occasional print titles, which are a small yet growing portion of our list
- Oversee and maintain campaign budgets
- Track and report on campaign performance and media results.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience to be considered for Publicist, and 8+ years for Senior Publicist, with experience either in traditional book publishing or in a writer/creator-centric industry.
- Demonstrated success securing both high-level and ground level media coverage across varied outlets.
- Established relationships with media contacts across traditional and non-traditional outlets.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously, both audio-only and multi format.
- Experience working with authors and agents.
- Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset.
- Deep knowledge of the publishing landscape and media ecosystem, with a focus on commercial fiction and appropriate publicity and event opportunities.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Above all: a creative mind who can think outside the box and find ways to innovate and create discovery for our authors and their books.
Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.
Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.
