Publishing Manager (Books)

In conjunction with an external team of publishing domain experts, this role helps oversee the imprint with direct responsibility for revenue growth, profitability, and the long-term success of the publishing program. The Publishing Manager drives both creative and financial success ensuring that production, design, marketing, and managing editorial teams work effectively toward shared goals. The role requires a blend of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and creative leadership to shape the list’s direction.  

 Core Responsibilities: 

Help develop imprint strategy, ensuring year-over-year growth in topline revenue and profitability. 

Work with our publishing partners to oversee the critical path for the imprint program. This includes providing oversight to internal and external teams in Editorial, Managing Editorial, Production, and Art, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and financial discipline. 

Collaborate with sales, marketing, publicity, subrights, and distribution to deliver profitable titles to market while maintaining strong margins. 

In conjunction with external publishing partners and the Heart of the Dawn finance team, help manage financial goals of the program, including budgeting, P&L evaluation, and overall profitability. 

Represent the publishing program internally and externally, cultivating strong relationships with authors, agents, and industry partners. 

Manage all stages of each title’s print/digital lifecycle, including review of all passes; coordination with production, design, and freelancers; drafting of copy and metadata; and maintenance of reprints/backlist.  

Work with our external publishing partners to develop relationships with literary agents, authors, illustrators, and other partners. 

Attend conferences and trade shows as needed and lead internal/external presentations.   

Core Qualifications: 

5 to 8 years of publishing experience, including progressive leadership responsibility within a publishing house 

Proven track record of driving revenue growth and profitability 

Deep understanding of the book publishing market and strong editorial judgment 

Highly connected network of contacts in publishing ecosystem (agents, retail, media, influencer networks, etc.)  

Experience working with stakeholders across internal teams and managing external partnerships  

Demonstrated success in acquisitions and author/agent relations 

Strong financial and strategic planning skills 

Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities 

A taste for the absurd