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Book Publishing Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Publishing Manager (Books)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

The Publishing Manager drives both creative and financial success ensuring that production, design ... Deep understanding of the book publishing market and strong editorial judgment * Highly connected ...

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How much do book publishing design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for book publishing design in the United States is $55.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.04 and $64.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Book Publishing Design job?

A Book Publishing Design job involves creating the visual and structural layout of books, ensuring they are both aesthetically appealing and easy to read. Designers work on typography, page layout, cover design, and illustrations while adhering to publishing standards. They collaborate with authors, editors, and marketers to create a cohesive look that aligns with the book's content and target audience. This role requires proficiency in design software, an eye for detail, and knowledge of printing and digital publishing formats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Book Publishing Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Book Publishing Design, you need expertise in graphic design, typography, and layout, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator is essential, along with knowledge of print production processes. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with authors, editors, and printers make a designer stand out. These skills are crucial to producing visually compelling, readable, and market-ready books that meet both aesthetic and functional publishing standards.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Book Publishing Design?

Book Publishing Designers typically spend their days creating and refining book layouts, designing covers, and selecting appropriate fonts and imagery to enhance the reading experience. They closely collaborate with authors, editors, and production teams to ensure design elements align with the book's content and target audience. Attention to deadlines is important, as designers often juggle multiple projects with different production schedules. Additionally, they review proofs, make adjustments based on feedback, and ensure the final files meet technical specifications for both print and digital formats, contributing directly to the overall success and appeal of each publication.

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What cities are hiring for Book Publishing Design jobs? Cities with the most Book Publishing Design job openings:
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Book Publishing Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Book Publishing Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,273 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Publishing Manager (Books)

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

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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