Publicity & Publishing Assistant, Riverhead (Hybrid)

Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom, and many other regions worldwide. We are committed to publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, with a focus on quality, excellence, and innovation across editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our diverse international community includes nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints.

About the role

Founded in 1994, Riverhead Books is a boutique literary imprint dedicated to publishing urgent, unheard voices worldwide, including award-winning literary fiction and bestselling nonfiction. Riverhead’s authors have won or been finalists for prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Booker Prize, National Book Awards, and many others. Recent bestsellers and critically acclaimed releases include works by Lauren Groff, Katie Kitamura, Miranda July, David Epstein, Sophie Elmhirst, Liz Moore, and James McBride.

This role supports the Deputy Publisher and Director of Publicity, offering exposure to the entire publishing process—from book acquisition and editorial tasks to publicity, marketing, and publication. You will work with distinguished authors such as Brit Bennett, Pico Iyer, James McBride, Patricia Lockwood, Katherine May, Priya Parker, and David Epstein.

Responsibilities

• Provide general administrative support, including mailings, processing invoices, filing, billings, expense reports, and ordering supplies.
• Submit books for awards and prizes.
• Schedule, coordinate, and contribute original content to Riverhead Books’ social media platforms.
• Draft press materials, including press releases, pitch and galley letters, interview alerts, and quote sheets.
• Liaise with bookstores to organize author events.
• Coordinate travel and other arrangements for major author tours, and create detailed tour schedules for campaigns.
• Provide editorial administrative support, including preparing acquisition P&Ls, styling manuscripts, and securing permissions.
• Maintain media clips, press contacts, and detailed logs of book campaigns in an internal database system.
• Attend book events and accompany authors to media interviews.

Requirements

• Strong interest in publicity and book publishing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and superb attention to detail.
• Timely follow-up over email and phone while navigating different communication styles.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Active working knowledge of social media and an interest in following book trends (a plus).
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Canva (a plus but not required; training available).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k) retirement plans.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Commuter Benefits.
• Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Educational Assistance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.

Pay

$55,000 yearly.

Schedule

Hybrid position requiring approximately 4 days per week at our 1745 Broadway, New York City location.