Senior Publicist, Simon & Schuster Books

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

Simon & Schuster is seeking a strategic, media-savvy, and highly collaborative Senior Publicist to join the flagship Simon & Schuster Books imprint. This role will lead and execute innovative publicity campaigns for a diverse list of high-profile and breakout titles across fiction and nonfiction, working closely with authors, agents, media, and internal stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is an experienced book publicist with strong national media relationships, exceptional campaign instincts, and the ability to manage multiple major titles simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive, creative publicity campaigns for a wide range of frontlist titles, including lead and priority books.
• Secure national and regional media coverage across print, digital, broadcast, podcast, and emerging platforms.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, producers, editors, event programmers, and influencers.
• Draft compelling press materials including press releases, pitch letters, author Q&As, media alerts, and talking points.
• Strategically position authors for media appearances, speaking opportunities, and cultural moments.
• Manage author media training and prepare authors for interviews and public events.
• Coordinate national and virtual author tours, media appearances, festivals, and special events in collaboration with the marketing and events teams.
• Work closely with editorial, marketing, sales, and subsidiary rights teams to align campaign strategy with overall publishing goals.
• Oversee campaign budgets and manage outside vendors or freelance publicists when needed.
• Mentor and support junior publicity staff as appropriate.
• Track and report on campaign performance and media results.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of book publicity experience, preferably within a trade publishing environment.
• Demonstrated success securing high-level national media coverage.
• Established relationships with key media contacts across major outlets.
• Strong strategic thinking skills and ability to position books within broader cultural and news conversations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority campaigns simultaneously.
• Experience working with high-profile authors and agents.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Deep knowledge of the publishing landscape and media ecosystem.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both fiction and nonfiction campaigns.
• Established relationships with podcast producers and digital-first outlets such as influencers/creators and book clubs.

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Simon & Schuster US is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York City, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable. Additionally, employees have access to our industry-first, Broad Based Ownership program, which makes all employees partners in our shared success.

Candidates hired for this or any other posted Simon & Schuster role will be employees of Simon & Schuster, LLC, subject to all policies, including the Workplace Privacy Notice, and eligible solely for the benefits plans thereof.