Job Description

Publishing Manager (Books)

Santa Monica

We are seeking an experienced Publishing Manager to help build and lead the overall strategy and performance of our books publishing imprint, Absurd Ventures Press. 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 Absurd 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

The base pay range for this position is $80,000 to $105,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

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