TouchWood Editions is an independent Canadian book publisher based in Victoria, BC. We produce books of various genres including food & lifestyle titles, mystery novels, and literary fiction.
Position Summary:
We are looking for a Publishing Assistant who has an interest in marketing and promotion. The ideal candidate will be personable, adaptable, motivated, and enthusiastic. This is an entry-level, one-year contract, full-time paid internship position. The position reports to the Associate Publisher and is based out of our Victoria, BC, office.
Responsibilities:
• collect information about our authors and their books for promotional purposes
• implement promotional plans for each new title
• write press releases, sales catalogue copy, and other promotional and sales materials as required
• coordinate press release and advance review copy mailings
• maintain and build all publicity mailing lists
• sett up interviews, readings and tours for authors
• organize, attend, and oversee local book events
• establish and maintain effective and productive relationships with members of the media, as well as our Canadian and US sales force
• act as the main liaison between TouchWood Editions and our media relations firm
• create and distribute weekly electronic media updates
• use social media to promote the books and the publisher
• track and file reviews as well as update our website regularly
• submit titles to the appropriate award competitions and to be aware of all such award programs
• research and identify merchandising and advertising opportunities
• track costs of promotional events and efforts for reporting to granting agencies
• maintain and update contact information
• work on any other promotional and publicity matters as they arise
• prepare and check bibliographic data on various online venues
• work with others to ensure the smooth running of the office space, which would include answering phones, organizing courier pick‐ups, or coordinating group meetings etc.
Required skills and experience:
• previous experience working in an office
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• excellent people skills
• strong time management and project coordination skills
• ability to operate under pressure in a deadline-driven environment
• proficient in MSWord, Excel, Filemaker Pro, MailChimp, and social media platforms
• familiarity with the book or magazine publishing industry is an asset
• experience writing and preparing marketing materials is an asset
• an eagerness to learn, energy and flexibility, creativity and motivation
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to info@touchwoodeditions.com no later than March 5, 2014.