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Click here for Publicity Associate
Please review this entire page. Your
application will NOT be considered unless you submit both requested
documents.
About Terra Communications
Terra Communications is the premier book marketing firm in the West. We specialize in arranging book tours, media, and promotions for many of the most talented new and emerging authors of quality fiction and narrative non-fiction in the country. Our current roster of clients includes award-winning and bestselling authors, several of whom we’ve helped become international successes and New York Times bestsellers.
Although we do big jobs for our clients, we are a small company with only three full-time consultants. Dawn G. Stuart is the owner and marketing director of Terra Communications, and the author of Book Marketing For New And Emerging Authors (February, 2010). We all work flexible hours, mostly from our own offices. We created this independent, telecommuting structure in order to support interesting, fulfilling lifestyles; a concept of living that we believe in. About 80% of our work is performed via the Internet, 15% on the telephone, and 5% in person. Therefore, candidates interested in this position must have a well equipped office, including a newer computer and software.
Just about any job in the book industry is a coveted position as there are so few, especially outside of New York. For those who love literature, a chance to work in the industry is like a dream come true. Therefore, we are only looking for applicants who are passionate about books and have a desire to be a part of this community, not just find a job. You will not find material wealth in this position, though you can earn a decent living wage. However, the fulfillment generated from being part of promoting quality literature in an age of mass-market pap, is enrichment enough for many.
The various publicity positions with Terra Communications include contacting booksellers (book stores) and libraries to schedule author presentations, as well as working with the media and doing supplementary promotions to publicize these events. Our goal is to launch and nourish the literary careers of the finest emerging novelists and narrative non-fiction writers in the country. Although our clients are talented, and have some level of success in the industry, Terra Com focuses on developing the careers of new and emerging writers of note. You won’t find Tom Clancy or Nora Roberts on our client roster, even if they wanted to hire us. The competition for doing a bookstore presentation is intense so setting up an engagement isn’t just about scheduling; it may require some convincing (a.k.a. selling); and this applies to working with the media and paying venues as well.
If you think you have what it takes to do this job please fill out the following questionnaire and return it via email. Since this is a highly specialized position we realize it is unlikely we will find someone with actual experience in this field. We are looking for a set of skills and personality traits, and will teach the selected candidate how to be a literary publicist. Thank you for considering work with Terra Communications, Inc.
Dawn Stuart
Literary Publicist Job Description
Media Specialist and Events Scheduler
We are looking for a publicist to work 20 to 40 hours per week in the literary field. How much you work depends on your availability and our current task load, which fluctuates depending on how many of our authors are actively promoting new books. This publicity position focuses on generating media (reviews, articles, interviews, event announcements) for our authors to support their book tours and events, as well as non-event specific national and regional media. At least some experience with the media is encouraged. Additionally this position includes arranging book tours and speaking engagements for our clients with bookstores, libraries, colleges, book festivals, writer’s conferences, and such. A strong sales background, or negotiating skills, along with a strong sense of logistics for efficient scheduling, is recommended.
This publicity position requires general time management, scheduling, communications, sales, and media skills and/or experience. It includes a myriad of task demands, most related directly to the literary and media industry. There will be extensive training involved, so for this reason we are hoping to hire someone who will stay with us for the long run. Very little of this job requires writing (articles, press releases, etc) as they are already provided by the publisher.
Terra Communications maintains a small office in Bend, Oregon. The first 60-days of working with us will be considered a training period. We pay an hourly wage of $10 to $15 per hour, depending on your experience. For event scheduling activities we pay a commission for confirmed events. We have an extensive training manual and expect to put more time into training you than what we get in return. There will be weekly and monthly job performance dialogue sessions between all personnel. After the initial two months there will be a performance review. If you are doing well you will get a raise and move into a 60-day probation phase. The hourly pay will increase and you will be expected to handle all aspects of the job without much supervision. Training will of course be ongoing. If your performance is exemplary after this 60-day probation period you will become a publicity associate with Terra Communications, Inc. and get another increase if compensation. Within six months you will either be earning $20 to $25 per hour, or you won’t be with us any more.
Presently, Terra Com works with all staff on a consulting basis. You will not be an employee of the company. Instead, you would work as an independent contractor. You would work from home or your own office, manage your own time, and assume all the responsibilities of a publicity consultant. Experience working from home or running your own business is an asset. As the company grows there will be significant opportunities for your own growth. If you apply for this job make sure you can become absolutely committed to a literary life, and this company.
Tasks include:
- Developing relationships with booksellers, libraries, publishers, and agents. Terra Com provides a database of contacts.
- Scheduling book tours and other engagements for our clients.
- Supporting events with media, pr, and other promotions
- Networking with broadcast (TV & radio) and print media.
- Submitting press releases.
- Generating media on a regional and national level.
- Attending industry tradeshows. Usually 2 times a year.
- Submitting regular administrative reports to Terra Com.
- Reading the books of our clients and prospective clients.
Please check out our website before responding then send a resume, via email, and fill out the questionnaire below. Do not mail information. Do not call us. You will not be considered for this job if you do not illustrate you can follow directions well by applying for this position as requested.
We realize that careers on the West Coast in the literary business are extremely rare and we are looking for an extraordinary person. However, if you are passionate about literature, honest, hard working, and possess general skill sets that can support you in this work, please apply. Seldom does anyone have any job experience specific to literary publicity--unless they’ve lived and worked in New York--so we do not expect to find someone with this specific background but we are willing to train you. We are a growing and progressive company. The more creative your submission, the more likely you are to be considered for this position. Thank you for taking the time to review this material thoroughly. We look forward to hearing from you.
Employment Questionnaire
Answer these questions as thoroughly as you deem necessary
- Why are you applying for this particular position?
- In your opinion, what are some of the most important personality traits needed for this job?
- What skills do you have that qualify you for this position?
- What jobs have you had in the past that will support your work as a book publicist?
- Who are some of your favorite authors, and why?
- List some of your favorite books.
- What are you currently reading?
- What are your writing skills, and writing aspirations?
- Tell me about your work ethic.
- What do you know about Terra Communications?
- What is your present work situation?
- Describe your office situation and equipment, along with computer and software details.
- Write a brief story about your life—who are you, where have you been, where do you want to go—be creative.
- What else do you want to tell me?
Click on one of the links below to download the job description and application. The two documents are the same. You only need one copy.
Word Document: Publicity Associate Job Overview.doc
PDF: Publicity Associate Job Overview.pdf
Email your application materials to the following address: dawns"at"terracommunications"dot"biz.
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