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Book Publishing Project Manager Jobs in California

Manage assigned editorial projects through all stages of development, including brainstorming story and format ideas; coordinating with authors, agents, writers, and packagers; providing ...

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Manage assigned editorial projects through all stages of development, including brainstorming story and format ideas; coordinating with authors, agents, writers, and packagers; providing ...

New

Sr Associate Publishing Production

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Project Management: Effectively manages multiple complex projects, balancing priorities, timelines, budgets, and quality expectations. * Problem Solving: Identifies risks early, evaluates options ...

Sr Associate Publishing Production

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Project Management: Effectively manages multiple complex projects, balancing priorities, timelines, budgets, and quality expectations. * Problem Solving: Identifies risks early, evaluates options ...

New

Data Acquisition & Software Management: * Utilize dedicated data acquisition sites and mapping ... or special projects. As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing ...

As a Publisher Development Manager, you will be responsible for managing day-to-day interactions ... Create development plans for the assigned book of business that builds trust, retention, and ...

As a Publisher Development Manager, you will be responsible for managing day-to-day interactions ... Create development plans for the assigned book of business that builds trust, retention, and ...

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This role is responsible for managing the publishing lifecycle of game titles for the North ... The project manager will work closely with internal teams and external partners to develop and ...

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Data Acquisition & Software Management: * Utilize dedicated data acquisition sites and mapping ... or special projects. As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing ...

Be Seen First

This role is responsible for managing the publishing lifecycle of game titles for the North ... The project manager will work closely with internal teams and external partners to develop and ...

Senior Cartographer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Data Acquisition & Software Management: * Utilize dedicated data acquisition sites and mapping ... or special projects. As a leading book publisher, we believe that including and representing ...

The Role The Criteria Project Manager runs the production line that keeps the Center of Excellence ... Run weekly CoE standups and publish status updates to the broader team. * Own the CoE documentation ...

Project Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$108K - $120K/yr

Project Manager, eCommerce Sample Operations (Contract) Role Overview We are seeking an organized ... publishing schedules to ensure digital readiness. If you have a strong background in studio ...

Project Manager, Creative Management

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

Media Planning and Buying Manager, Creative Management About the job Position Summary In this role ... Reviewing media plans to determine creative requirements across multiple digital publishers.

Project Manager, Creative Management

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$88K - $119K/yr

Media Planning and Buying Manager, Creative Management About the job Position Summary In this role ... Publisher Operations. While you will partner closely with creative teams, your primary ...

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Book Publishing Project Manager information

What is a book publishing project manager?

A Book Publishing Project Manager oversees the production process of a book from manuscript to publication. They coordinate with authors, editors, designers, and printers to ensure deadlines, budgets, and quality standards are met. Their responsibilities include scheduling, problem-solving, and ensuring smooth communication between departments. This role requires strong organization, attention to detail, and an understanding of the publishing industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a book publishing project manager?

To excel as a Book Publishing Project Manager, you need expertise in project management, strong organizational skills, and experience in the publishing industry, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent work background. Familiarity with project management software like MS Project or Trello, as well as publishing tools such as Adobe InDesign and content management systems, is common. Exceptional communication, multitasking, and leadership abilities help you effectively coordinate teams, authors, and vendors. These skills ensure that publishing projects are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.

What are the most common challenges faced by book publishing project managers?

Book Publishing Project Managers frequently juggle multiple projects with tight deadlines, manage complex schedules involving authors, editors, designers, and printers, and must quickly adapt to shifting priorities or unforeseen delays. Navigating clear communication among diverse stakeholders, ensuring that every stage complies with quality standards, and handling last-minute changes are common aspects of the role. While these challenges can be demanding, they also provide opportunities to develop strong problem-solving and leadership skills. Successful project managers are flexible, organized, and proactive, traits which help maintain a smooth workflow and consistently deliver high-quality publications.

What job categories do people searching Book Publishing Project Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Book Publishing Project Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Book Publishing Project Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Book Publishing Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Book Publishing Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Publishing Manager (Books) at Absurd Ventures Santa Monica, CA

Fairweather, LLC

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$80 - $105/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


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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