About Penguin
We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.
Head of Publicity, Century (Cornerstone)
Do you love working on commercial fiction and non-fiction? Can you create stand-out campaigns to capture attention and drive sales? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior publicist to join the award-winning, dynamic and collaborative team to work on our Century imprint. This role will report into the Cornerstone Director of Publicity & Media Relations.
About the department
Cornerstone is home to seven imprints: Century, Del Rey, Inklore, Hutchinson Heinemann, #Merky Books, Cornerstone Press and Evermore and has an enviable track record of bestsellers, prize winners and culture-shaping books, working with many of the world’s most interesting voices, often throughout their entire career. Our books span genres, categories and marketplaces globally. Century is one of the most successful and well-regarded commercial imprints in the UK. Century Non-Fiction publish books from authors who are the very best at what they do. Our authors include online creators such as Simon Squibb, Hayley Morris and Dr Karan Rajan; acclaimed figures including Gareth Southgate, Serena Williams and Tim Peake; and global artists, actors and musicians including Banksy, Al Pacino, Barbra Streisand and Will Smith. On the fiction side, we publish some of the biggest brand authors in the UK, including James Patterson, Lisa Jewell, Harlan Coben, Paige Toon, Diana Gabaldon and Rob Rinder.
The role
We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded book publicist. You will get to work with some of the most creative publishing colleagues in the business, learning from a team of experts in a friendly and inclusive environment that values individuality, champions creativity, and celebrates individual and team successes. You will be involved in every stage of the publishing process from early acquisitions meetings to devising and executing campaign plans and much more. You will represent a strong voice in the division and will need to establish yourself as a trusted expert for colleagues and contacts both within and outside the organisation. You will build strong working relationships with authors and agents to provide the highest level of author care.
Key responsibilities:
- Independently create, plan and drive strategic media and events campaigns for major titles
- Play a key role in the acquisition of new books, providing PR feedback and contributing to and attending pitches to acquire new talent
- Communicate effectively with internal departments, including sales and marketing, editorial, rights and international colleagues
- Work closely with colleagues to strategize and execute the most effective outreach campaigns for booksellers and influencers to build excitement and noise on social media
- Maintain and develop excellent relationships with high-profile and influential stakeholders, such as authors, agents, journalists and global publishing partners
What you’ll bring
Essential criteria:
- A proven track record of planning and delivering well organised and highly impactful promotional campaigns to reach target audiences and drive book sales
- Experience of planning international author visits to include media appearances and public events, liaising with multiple stakeholders, agents and management companies
- A rich bank of established media contacts and relationships
- Have excellent communication skills, both written and in person, and be confident pitching and presenting internally and externally.
- Strong personal organisation and time management skills, the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
- You can work at pace and aren’t phased by changing priorities or unforeseen obstacles, you relish the challenge!
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Sunday 20th July. Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.
Salary
Up to £50,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
Hybrid working
While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will work from the office 3 days a week. Cornerstone’s office days are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Benefits
Income Protection
Health assessment
Gym flex
Life event leave
Dental insurance
Cycle scheme