Sales Specialist

Deseret Book Company

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sales Specialist drives revenue growth through account development, relationship management, and direct selling across trade, wholesale, institutional, consumer and digital channels. This individual takes ownership of day-to-day sales operations, catalog administration, title pitching, event selling, awards management, and digital sales development.

Requirements

1-2 years of experience in sales, retail, customer service, account management, or related field; book publishing, media, or trade industry exposure a plus but not required.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a willingness to learn consultative selling and buyer-facing presentation techniques.
Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines simultaneously.
Comfortable with outbound outreach - cold calls, emails, trade show networking - and motivated by relationship-building and closing.
Basic proficiency with CRM tools, spreadsheets, and project management platforms (Asana or equivalent); willingness to learn publishing-specific platforms (Edelweiss, Firebrand).
Interest in the book industry and eagerness to develop knowledge of the trade ecosystem (distributors, wholesalers, bookstores, library systems, institutional buyers).
Willingness to travel frequently (est. 30-40%, seasonally concentrated around trade shows, conferences, and conventions).

Nice To Haves

book publishing, media, or trade industry exposure a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Perform proactive outreach to identify and open new wholesale, retail, institutional, and specialty accounts.
Maintain and grow relationships with current accounts - monitor orders, send invoices/reminders, and resolve questions.
Utilize and update Edelweiss as a sales tool; support catalog building and maintenance.
Pitch titles and craft presentations for prospective buyers at trade shows, meetings, webinars, and virtual events.
Record and distribute title presentation videos for trade contacts.
Lead digital sales - find and close deals on revenue streams for audiobooks, e-books, digital bundles, and emerging formats.
Own awards management: maintain tracking board, submit entries, manage deadlines/fees, ship books to committees, track and communicate results.
Travel to and sell at events - engage attendees, capture leads, close on-site orders.
Own and manage the sales-related budget (trade shows, awards fees, account development).
Deliver weekly/monthly sales activity reports covering accounts, pipelines, orders, digital sales, and awards.