Marketing and Publicity Assistant -Poisoned Pen Press

 Your Next Chapter Starts Here: Marketing & Publicity Assistant at Sourcebooks

Bring unforgettable stories to life. Join Poisoned Pen Press, Sourcebooks’ acclaimed mystery, thriller, horror, and fantasy imprint as our Marketing & Publicity Assistant to help craft campaigns for books readers can’t put down. This is your chance to work alongside some of the most innovative marketers in publishing, gaining hands-on experience and shaping the conversations around tomorrow’s must-read titles.
 
If you’ve been a bookseller, teacher, librarian, content creator, book influencer, event coordinator, or have other experience championing books and ideas — and you’re ready to turn that passion into a career — this could be your moment.
 
This is a fully in-office position based at our Naperville, Illinois headquarters, Monday through Friday. The pay for this role is $21.16 hourly. We determine starting pay based on a thorough evaluation of job-related factors, including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education. This process ensures a fair and competitive salary that aligns with both the company and the candidate’s qualifications.  

What You’ll Do
In this role, you’ll be a vital part of our marketing and publicity team — supporting campaigns that connect authors and readers in creative, impactful ways:

• Drive Creative Campaigns: Assist in developing and executing marketing and publicity strategies across digital, social media, influencer, and traditional channels.
• Create Content That Pops: Design eye-catching graphics and print materials, draft compelling copy, and help produce on-trend, shareable content.
• Engage Influencers & Communities: Coordinate outreach, assemble and ship buzzworthy mailings, maintain contact databases, and grow our network of passionate genre advocates.
• Bring Events to Life: Support author appearances, book festivals, and industry conferences — from logistics to on-site execution.
• Support Media Efforts: Submit titles to the trades, help craft seasonal pitches, and track coverage.
• Keep Us Moving: Manage promotional inventory, track campaign performance, and collaborate across teams.

What You Bring

• A genuine love for mystery, thriller, horror, and fantasy fiction.
• Strong written and visual communication skills, with a sense for what makes content stand out.
• Comfort using design tools like Canva (bonus: HTML or graphic design skills) and platforms like MailChimp.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive, creative, and curious mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Why You’ll Love Working Here
At Sourcebooks, books change lives isn’t just a mission — it’s who we are. We’ve reached more than 500 million readers, and our innovative approach to publishing has earned recognition as:

• Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace
• Best Workplace by Inc.
• Fast Company’s Innovation Leader (twice)
• Publishers Weekly’s “Most Successful Self-Made Publisher of the 21st Century”
• BISG Industry Award 2025 for redefining what it means to be a publisher today.

Here, you’ll do more than “assist” — you’ll contribute ideas, help shape campaigns and see the direct impact of your work in the hands of readers.

Ready to Apply
Submit your resume, salary requirements, and a cover letter that shows your passion for both the role and the genres we publish. Creativity counts — we want to see what makes you stand out. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care, Dependent Care, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.
  
Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.