Senior Publicist, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

About the role

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR) is looking for a highly motivated, energetic, collaborative, and creative Senior Publicist. This team member will be responsible for creating and executing publicity campaigns for titles across LBYR’s all-ages general interest list—including books in the picture book, middle grade, young adult, and new adult categories. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in children’s publishing and is an exceptionally skilled communicator who thrives in a highly collaborative work environment. They should be a consummate team player who is proactive, nimble, innovative, and who brings a positive, problem-solving mindset to the work.

This is a NYC-based role, requiring three days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Publicize approximately 30 titles per year, executing all aspects of each campaign—including developing media and event strategy, writing press materials, pitching and booking trade and consumer press, planning events/tours, and more.
• Work closely and collaboratively with authors and illustrators on all aspects of publicity, including briefing creators for interviews and accompanying authors to publicity engagements.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with members of the press (broadcast, radio, print, digital, trades, podcasts, etc.) and seek out new media outlets and opportunities for LBYR’s titles.
• Develop and maintain relationships with booksellers around the country, as well as off-site and lecture event venues.
• Plan and execute author appearances—from one-off events to full author tours.
• Own department tasks, such as overseeing award submissions and festival strategy or managing the seasonal roundup process.
• Present on campaign work in standing meetings involving Sales and Marketing.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in publicity, ideally within the publishing industry and children’s publishing, specifically.
• A strong interest in working on books for young readers.
• Trade and consumer media fluency, including established relationships across broadcast, print, and online outlets.
• Industry fluency, including an understanding of the marketplace and competition.
• Experience booking and managing author tours.
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to escort authors to publicity engagements, including the ability to travel domestically with authors when needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Familiarity with Muck Rack, Podchaser, NetGalley, and Edelweiss.

Hachette Book Group’s mission & pillars

Hachette Book Group’s mission and pillars should inform the ideal candidate’s work. Past experience should illustrate a commitment to:

• Understanding Consumers (anticipating consumer needs and driving profitability);
• Owner Mentality (taking accountability and getting things done with a problem-solving mindset);
• Changing the Story (valuing different and diverse perspectives, voices, and ideas to support creativity and break new ground);
• Growth Mindset (having a hunger to learn and exhibiting free thinking and innovation).

Pay

The compensation for this position is $70,000 – $75,000. Salary can vary based on a number of factors including skills, experience, and location.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision
• Basic and supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment
• Critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care
• Health and dependent care FSA
• Commuter benefit plan
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Travel assistance
• 401(k) with discretionary bonus program
• PTO (15 vacation days, 3 personal days, 10 holidays and generous sick leave)
• Group discounts on auto and home insurance and legal services

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification, hours worked and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

There may be times that you will be required (or requested) to work overtime/outside of standard work hours due to the nature of your role or exceptional workload issues or special projects.