Job Description

Printers Row Publishing Group, a division of ReaderLink Distribution Services, seeks a Designer to support their imprint, Dreamtivity. The ideal candidate is a professional self-starter with a passion for all things children's publishing to help our small team with its growing workload. Forward-thinking designers with strong design aptitude, a keen eye for detail, excellent typography and communication skills, impeccable files, and an optimistic attitude will grab our attention. The opportunity is a hybrid role, based out of our Franklin, Tennessee office.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Design: Proficient on a Mac with the latest Adobe – InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat. Experience with the Microsoft suit and print processes a bonus. No web or illustration experience necessary.
• Create: Create compelling cover and interior designs aligning with project goals and brand standards.
• Mockups: Create physical and/or digital mockups to support concept development and presentations.
• Brainstorming: Collaborate closely with editorial, production and design teams through all stages of development.
• Pre-Production: Help with preparing artwork to be ready for press.
• Design and develop children’s books and products.
• Create compelling cover and interior designs aligned with project goals and brand standards.
• Create physical and/or digital mock-ups to support concept development and presentations.
• Oversee illustrators and communicate effectively with agents to source and manage artwork.
• Collaborate closely with editorial, production, and design teams throughout all stages of development.
• Participate in brainstorming and format development, contributing creative ideas and solutions.
• Identify design challenges and proactively implement improvements independently or through collaboration.
• Maintain ownership of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and schedules are met.
• Follow established processes for book development, including schedule adherence, routing passes, and reviewing key project information with a high degree of organization.
• Be comfortable presenting titles, concepts, and updates clearly in meetings.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate within a larger creative team while also working independently.
• Prepare detailed design specifications and communicate clearly with production teams, illustrators, freelancers, and agents.
• Track schedules and maintain awareness of budgets across assigned projects.
• Research and source illustrators and visual references for both branded and non-branded titles.
• Stay current on market trends, illustration styles, and children’s publishing formats.
• Prepare press-ready files, including preflighting and final production deliverables.
• Route materials through appropriate review channels and incorporate feedback efficiently.
• Anticipate, troubleshoot, and resolve design or production issues as they arise.
• Support additional projects and tasks as assigned.
• Monitor market trends, competitor products, and emerging brands.
• Continue developing knowledge of book production and materials.
• Other duties may be assigned, directed, or requested.

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design or a related field is required.
• Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in advertising, children’s book publishing or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with licensed publishing is preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat) is required.
• Strong to advanced experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
• Strong understanding of book design and publishing processes.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a very fast-paced environment.
• Passion for children’s books and awareness of current market trends.
• Strong interpersonal skills; collaborative and personable.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to speak with all levels of the organization and outside partners.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and remain open to feedback.
• Clear and effective verbal communication in a variety of settings.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• A methodical and organized approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely and effective manner.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines simultaneously.
• The work performed is in an office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at low decibels.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, team environment.

Salary: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00

Employee Benefits Include but Are Not Limited To:

Health Plans - Medical, Dental & Prescription

Flexible Spending Accounts - Health & Dependent Care

Disability, Life and Accident Insurance

Vacation Pay & Paid Holidays

401(k) with Company Match

Author Events

Publisher-sponsored Book Club

ReaderLink is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability. EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

ReaderLink is committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please email your request to info@readerlink.com or call (708) 356-3737.