Publicity Manager
Salary range – £27,000-£30,000, depending on experience
Position: Full time
Saqi Books is a leading independent publisher specialising in the Middle East. Home to critically acclaimed authors from around the globe, Saqi publishes a prestigious mix of non-fiction and international literature. Our authors include Nobel Laureate Naguib Mahfouz, Egyptian feminist icon Nawal El Saadawi and revolutionary poet Adonis, to name a few. Our progressive non-fiction imprint, The Westbourne Press, releases thought-provoking and entertaining works on the leading issues of our time, including recent successes by Reza Aslan, Eric Berkowitz and China Miéville.
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented publicist with several years’ experience to join our small, dynamic publishing team. The ideal candidate will be creative, resourceful and excited to work across our diverse publishing programme.
The role will require a strong team player who will plan, organise and implement holistic and fully integrated publicity and marketing campaigns, including social media and events. An excellent communicator with experience of delivering outstanding author care, you will thrive in a busy environment, understand strategic publicity and marketing activity, and enjoy developing innovative campaigns. You will be passionate about publishing and the exciting opportunities that working for an independent press with global outreach presents.
The key responsibilities for this role include:
- Preparing and implementing publicity campaigns for a range of adult fiction and non-fiction titles
- Writing copy for press releases, advertising and print materials
- Organising and supporting author events, including festival appearances
- Managing prize submissions
- Managing social media channels
- Building connections with book bloggers and reviewers
- Maintaining our website
- Delivering marketing campaigns to increase book sales and preparing briefs for the creation of physical and digital marketing materials
The successful candidate will have:
- Three or more years’ experience in publicity
- Excellent communication oral and written skills and a meticulous eye for detail
- Good time management, an ability to multitask, prioritise and meet deadlines
- Competent IT skills (experience with basic Microsoft Office and content management systems)
- Experience using social media
Additional information
This is a permanent position. It is based at our London office, housed at our award-winning independent bookshop Al Saqi Books on 26 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5RH, on a hybrid working model.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter confirming your current salary via email to Mitchell Albert, Senior Publishing Manager, mitch@saqibooks.com. The covering letter should include a note on the campaign you have been most proud to work on and the book you most enjoyed reading this past year.
The closing date for this role is 12 September 2022.
We are unfortunately unable to reply to unsuccessful candidates.
Benefits
Saqi offers the following competitive benefits package:
- Hybrid working pattern
- Annual bonus
- Contributory pension scheme
- 9am – 5.30pm workday
The Company
Saqi Books is a leading independent publishing house, established in 1983, with authors who have won or been listed for the Booker Prize, the TS Eliot Prize, Women’s Prize and Saltire Society, among others. Saqi has a bookshop in London and a sister company publishing in Arabic in Beirut, Lebanon. Read Our Story for how it all began.
Internships
Throughout the year we offer short paid internships for graduates interested in a career in publishing. We’re looking for enthusiastic, hardworking candidates who have a genuine passion for great writing. A proven interest in and familiarity with the kinds of books we publish will be an advantage.
From sales and marketing to publicity and editorial, our internships are fast-paced and varied, offering a crucial behind-the-scenes look at the world of publishing. Our internships last for one or two-week periods. Successful applicants are expected to work office hours, weekdays 9am – 5.30pm and on occasion attend evening events. We pay £9.18 per hour for interns aged 20+.
To apply, please send your CV, a covering letter and the dates you are available in the next six months to mitch@saqibooks.com