Publicist / Sr. Publicist, Simon Maverick

Simon & Schuster•New York, NY

21h

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
A creative mind who can think outside the box and find ways to innovate and create discovery for our authors and their books.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the independent author and creator community and where those readers are.

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.