Marketing Associate, Independent Bookstores & Events

Sourcebooks•Naperville, IL

5d•$23 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly organized, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented Marketing Associate, Independent Bookstores & Events to join our Retail Marketing team. This role will be responsible for coordinating independent bookstore trade show logistics, managing author event logistics and travel, supporting indie preorder campaigns, and helping improve the processes that power our growing independent bookstore business. If you thrive on managing projects, enjoy working cross-functionally, love books, and find joy in making complex events and campaigns run smoothly, we'd love to hear from you!

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in publishing, marketing, events, project management, bookselling, or a related field
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Comfortable working with authors, booksellers, and external partners
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset
Experience with project management platforms and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
Willingness to travel to industry events as needed.
Must love books and independent bookstores!

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred
Publishing, bookselling, or event planning experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Coordinate logistics for independent bookstore trade shows and industry events.
Manage all author care related to indie-focused events and trade shows.
Coordinate author travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, ground transportation, and schedules.
Create detailed author and staff itineraries.
Support on-site event execution and assist at trade shows as needed.
Submit authors for panels, keynote opportunities, signings, and other trade show programming.
Coordinate shipping and delivery of books and marketing materials to event locations.
Track author event participation and maintain event records.
Collaborate with Sales and Customer Service teams on bookstore event support and follow-up.
Support the execution of indie pre-order campaigns from planning through fulfillment.
Coordinate timelines, assets, communications, and campaign deliverables.
Track campaign performance and maintain campaign documentation.
Help identify opportunities to improve campaign effectiveness and efficiency.
Ensure campaign details are communicated clearly across internal teams.
Maintain documentation for trade show, events, and preorder campaign workflows.
Develop and improve systems, tools, and processes that support indie marketing initiatives.
Manage project trackers, schedules, and organizational resources.
Help create scalable procedures that improve team efficiency and communication.
Serve as a key point of coordination between Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Publicity, and Operations teams.
Communicate regularly with authors, agents, booksellers, and event partners.
Provide project updates and maintain accurate records and schedules.