Columbus Publishing Lab seeks a motivated, reliable salesperson. Sales experience is 
required, but knowledge of the publishing industry is not.
We will provide initial and ongoing one-on-one training and support to ensure the right person has the knowledge and tools to honestly represent our business in a way that showcases the value of the services that we provide.
This is not door-to-door or MLM sales. We do not cold-call. You will be interacting with clients who have expressed a specific interest in our products and services. The opportunity to publish a book is an important and long-sought-after prospect for our clients, and we’re committed to treating them honestly and setting realistic expectations. Your function within the company is an integral part of connecting authors with the services they need to make their dreams a reality.
Our company exists at the forefront of an exciting and rapidly adapting industry. The best candidate is a fast learner who can represent a variety of services with confidence and integrity.
You will be supported by a close-knit team of young professionals. Our office is located in a historic building in downtown Zanesville. Upon completion of training, the salesperson will have the freedom to set their own hours. You will likely end up working some late afternoons, evenings, and weekends, as leads are available to meet.
The salesperson will receive a base salary, plus commission. We are seeking a reliable candidate who loves to interact with a variety of people. The ideal candidate is a fast learner and an effective communicator who loves to enthusiastically follow a lead from generation to sale.
Job duties include:
- Meeting potential publishing clients in the Central Ohio area to sell book publishing and book marketing services
- Assist with in-house marketing and lead generation
- Social media marketing
- Some administrative duties
Candidate must have their own transportation to meet potential clients around the Central Ohio area.
You won’t be chained to a desk, dialing numbers from an endless list. Rather, you’ll have a ton of freedom to be your own boss and make connections with interesting people who are excited to talk to you. To that end, the ideal candidate is a self-starter who consistently gets results.
REQUIREMENTS:
An interest in books is an asset. Potential clients want to work with people who love books as much as they do! Through an initial training period and ongoing education, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry and book production process.
Impeccable communication skills. The ideal candidate understands email and phone etiquette is responsive and pleasant, and can clearly and simply explain processes in layman’s terms. Written communication should be grammatically correct and typo-free.
Self-awareness. After an initial training period, this position will be mostly self-led. You’ll have all the tools, support, and feedback you need to make sales, and the freedom and flexibility to meet goals in a way that works with your personality and work style. With great power comes great responsibility, and it’s important that you are self-motivated and able to manage time effectively.
Self-taught and unconventional candidates are encouraged to apply. Sales experience is required, but we care more about what you can do than your credentials. It’s OK if your previous experience isn’t related to books or book publishing.
Basic administrative skills and knowledge of social media. Applicants should have useable knowledge of Facebook and Twitter, as well as email and basic office software (Microsoft Word, etc.). Must be self-motivated to expand marketing skills/strategies as needed.
ABOUT US:
Office environment. Our office is located in a historical building in downtown Zanesville, Ohio. Zanesville offers big-city amenities with a low cost of living. The environment is casual and flexible. There is potential for this position to include work-from-home opportunities.
COMPENSATION & COMMITMENT: Base salary plus commission. Expected $30,000-$50,000 per year.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION: Interested candidates should include contact information, an introductory letter and resume. Please send this information to emily@columbuspublishinglab.com.
ABOUT THE COMPANY: Columbus Publishing Lab publishes books for authors and small presses across most genres. We work hard for our clients because we respect the trust they place in us, and because work is more fulfilling when you like your job, your work environment, and you have the freedom and flexibility to create work you can be proud of. The company was founded in Columbus, Ohio, and now operates its primary office out of Zanesville, Ohio under the direction of CEO Emily Hitchcock.
