Publishing Manager (Books)

Core Responsibilities

• Help develop imprint strategy, ensuring year-over-year growth in topline revenue and profitability.
• Work with our publishing partners to oversee the critical path for the imprint program.
• This includes providing oversight to internal and external teams in Editorial, Managing Editorial, Production, and Art, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and financial discipline.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, publicity, subrights, and distribution to deliver profitable titles to market while maintaining strong margins.
• In conjunction with external publishing partners and the Absurd finance team, help manage financial goals of the program, including budgeting, P&L evaluation, and overall profitability.
• Represent the publishing program internally and externally, cultivating strong relationships with authors, agents, and industry partners.
• Manage all stages of each title's print/digital lifecycle, including review of all passes; coordination with production, design, and freelancers; drafting of copy and metadata; and maintenance of reprints/backlist.
• Work with our external publishing partners to develop relationships with literary agents, authors, illustrators, and other partners.
• Attend conferences and trade shows as needed and lead internal/external presentations.

Core Qualifications

• 5 to 8 years of publishing experience, including progressive leadership responsibility within a publishing house
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth and profitability
• Deep understanding of the book publishing market and strong editorial judgment
• Highly connected network of contacts in publishing ecosystem (agents, retail, media, influencer networks, etc.)
• Experience working with stakeholders across internal teams and managing external partnerships
• Demonstrated success in acquisitions and author/agent relations
• Strong financial and strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities
• A taste for the absurd

Pay

The base pay range for this position is $80,000 to $105,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Vacation time
• Sick time
• Company holidays
• Parental leave
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) matching