Associate Publisher

Hancock House Publishers | Surrey, BC

About Hancock House Publishers

Incorporated in 1975, Hancock House Publishers is one of western Canada's longest running independent publishing houses. Specializing in non-fiction content with a regional focus on the Pacific Northwest, we have developed a strong catalogue of genres ranging from natural history guidebooks to history, memoirs, conservation, folklore and a wide array of Indigenous content. Our sister organization, the Hancock Wildlife Foundation, also operates from our offices and is dedicated to the promotion of wildlife education and stewardship.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Associate Publisher to join our team and play a key role in our publishing operations. This position will support editorial and acquisition decision-making, manage production workflows, and lead our online marketing initiatives to expand our reach in the digital marketplace. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for regional publishing and natural history, combined with strong digital marketing expertise. This role will also involve supporting general day-to-day business management and occasional support for our sister charity- the Hancock Wildlife Foundation.

Key Responsibilities

Editorial, Acquisitions & Business Management

• Support the acquisition and evaluation of new manuscripts aligned with our publishing focus areas
• Collaborate with authors, editors, and the Publisher on editorial development and manuscript evaluation
• Manage relationships with established and prospective authors
• Participate in strategic decisions regarding title selection and publishing priorities
• Oversee editorial timelines and coordinate with internal production teams
• Support with coordination of print orders and logistics related to inventory

Online Marketing & Digital Strategy

• Support development and execution of online marketing campaigns for new releases and backlist titles
• Help manage and optimize our digital presence across multiple platforms (website, email marketing, social media)
• Coordinate with our distribution partners to maximize online visibility
• Help create and manage digital advertising campaigns (Google Ads, Amazon, social media advertising, etc.)
• Develop email marketing campaigns and grow our subscriber base

Production & Operations

• Support production and managing book projects from acquisition through publication
• Liaise between editorial, design, and production teams to ensure quality and timely delivery
• Support distribution planning and inventory management decisions
• Contribute to budget planning and financial oversight for assigned projects
• Participate in strategic planning for company growth and market expansion
• Support staff management and coordination of design and editorial contractors on a day-to-day basis
• Coordinate production schedules and workflows
• Help manage, write and prepare grant applications
• Support industry organisations initiatives such as Books BC, ACP, etc as time permits

Qualifications

Required:

· Multilingual or bilingual proficiency in English

• 5+ years of progressive experience in book publishing, with demonstrated expertise in at least two functional areas (editorial, marketing, production)
• Proven track record in industry supporting digital marketing and/or production of books or similar products
• Strong understanding of the book publishing industry, including production workflows and distribution channels
• Excellent project management skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with data-driven decision making
• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Publishing, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Strong working knowledge of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and other Adobe Suite products

Preferred:

• Experience with or passion for natural history, Indigenous culture, regional history, or related subjects
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest and Western Canadian markets
• Experience with small to mid-sized independent publishers
• Understanding of e-book production and distribution
• Experience managing direct-to-consumer sales channels
• Proficiency with digital marketing tools (Google Analytics, email marketing platforms, social media management tools) would be considered an asset

Compensation & Benefits

Based on current Canadian publishing industry data, the salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits package includes:

• Health and dental benefits
• Vacation and paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work opportunities

Work Environment

This position is based at our Surrey, BC office, with potential for hybrid work arrangements. The role requires collaboration with our team and occasional travel for industry events and book fairs.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief writing sample (marketing copy, editorial memo, or comparable work product) to

In your cover letter, please address:

• Your experience with digital marketing in publishing or related industries
• Your interest in our publishing focus areas (natural history, Indigenous culture, regional history)
• Why you're interested in joining a small, independent press
• List three references familiar with your stated qualifications and experience

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $54,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Designated paid holidays
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Store discount
• Vision care

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:

• Publishing: 3 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Surrey, BC