Publicist, Broadleaf Books

Augsburg Fortress Publishers is a multimedia company composed of five vital, creative imprints: Beaming Books, Fortress Press, Broadleaf Books, Augsburg Fortress, and Sparkhouse. We create resources for spiritual growth and development, for Christian worship and faith formation, and for academic study and professional development. Augsburg Fortress Publishers strives to create an environment of inclusiveness, equity, and respect for all regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, nation of origin, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Individuals who are committed to contributing meaningfully to diversity and inclusion in publishing are encouraged to apply, including members of groups historically underrepresented in publishing (which is – according to industry research – a traditionally white, straight, cisgender, and nondisabled field).

The book publishing imprints of Augsburg Fortress Publishers include:

Broadleaf Books, publisher of books on religion, culture, social justice, spirituality, and personal growth that inspire transformation in readers and their communities to foster a more open, just, and compassionate world.

Beaming Books, publisher of high-quality children’s books that help kids thrive emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Fortress Press, publisher of scholarship that matters for the academy, for the classroom, and for the church across the categories of theology, biblical studies, history, religion, and ministry.

Publicist (Remote or Hybrid Work Model)

The Publicist assists in developing and executing strategic publicity campaigns for Broadleaf Books. This position oversees all aspects of executing those campaigns to achieve exposure for our books and authors through print, broadcast, and digital media channels, ultimately driving sales. The Publicist reports to the Publicity Director for Augsburg Fortress Publishers and is a member of the dynamic and highly collaborative marketing and sales team.

This position is open to remote employees residing outside of the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. For individuals located in the Twin Cities region, this can be a hybrid position with time spent working remotely and in our Minneapolis office.

The Publicist holds key responsibilities in the following areas:

Execute dynamic publicity campaigns for Broadleaf Books titles
• Work with the Publicity Director to devise and implement strategic publicity campaigns that leverage author and organizational relationships to generate buzz and drive book sales
• Drive the effective placement of our brands, programs, books and authors with key media and influencers
• Manage the experience and expectations of assigned authors, guiding them in executing promotional tactics that drive sales and leverage their contacts in securing publicity for their book
• Write and assemble press kits
• Writes briefs and manages the creation of individual title marketing tactics (bookmarks, flyers, award submissions, ARCs, ad to support regional event, etc.)
• Guides authors in event strategy and set-up, collaborating with sales team to ensure book orders are placed
• Serve as exemplary representatives of our business and brands with internal and external stakeholders
• Secure national, regional, and niche media—target media outlets serving each title’s intended audiences
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts. Meet with key media regularly, in person and remotely. Research new media outlets for title-specific coverage
• Collaborate on annual awards strategy, in addition to promotional plans for award-winners
• Occasionally attend and represent Broadleaf Books at key conferences and events

Develops relationships with contacts at influential bookstores, books author events, and offers tour support
• Pitch authors for events at bookstores and other venues
• Guide authors orchestrating their own events
• Work with sales department to ensure books are available at event venues
• Determine books to display at key conferences and submit proposals for panelists and presenters

Develop and implements influencer strategy
• Engage with influencers for our books, authors, and brands
• Develop and execute influencer communications and mailings

Maintain reporting and communicates team successes
• Help to assemble weekly PR report
• Update authors and editors on significant media hits
• Track media and event bookings on campaign details reports

Other duties
• As the number of Broadleaf Books titles published each season varies, the Publicist may be assigned other duties

Ethical standards
• Actively uphold the ethical standards and behaviors expected by Augsburg Fortress Publishers

Desired education and experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field
• 3–5 years working in book publicity
• Experience in book trade and/or consumer publishing or related media fields is critical

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced highly collaborative environment
• Ability to manage simultaneous projects with demonstrated attention to detail
• Ability to formulate compelling value propositions and pitches for books
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information and formulate impactful pitches
• Strong presentation skills and experience pitching media
• Strong relationships with key media and events contacts
• Passion for books
• Familiarity with religion and religious life