Job Description

We’re looking for a driven, relationship-focused book sales professional to play a key role in building Sourcebooks’ internal independent bookstore sales force. This is a unique opportunity to shape our presence in the indie channel—expanding reach, deepening partnerships, and bringing exceptional books to more readers nationwide. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on: a proactive seller who knows the market, thrives on connection, and is energized by our mission that Books. Change. Lives.

This is an exempt, salaried position with a range of $60,000–$70,000. Starting pay is based on a thoughtful evaluation of job-related factors including geographic location, market conditions, relevant experience, training, and education to ensure a fair and competitive offer.

This is a hybrid role based out of our Naperville, IL office, with an expectation of 2–3 days per week in office.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Growing sales in the independent bookstore market to exceed sales plans and increase Market share.
• Growing POS volume to assigned goals.
• Establish and grow relationships with key independent bookstores, the ABA and regional independent bookstore associations.
• Creating curated Edelweiss catalogs for the accounts within the territory.
• Providing sales analysis, comp analysis and creating impactful key selling points.
• Conduct virtual sales calls with virtual follow up.
• Manage transactional account orders and business.
• Expanding the number of independent bookstore accounts ordering directly from Sourcebooks.
• Reintroducing Sourcebooks essential backlist titles to the independent book market.
• Securing prime placement, bookseller reviews, indie next nominations for Sourcebooks titles.
• Creating regional and national bestsellers within the channel.
• Inventory forecasting and revenue budgeting.
• Represent publisher at regional and national trade shows.
• Manage author events and book signings within your territory.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Minimum 3 years book publishing sales experience, preferably with independent bookstores.
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Edelweiss.
• Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• A driven goal-oriented and a collaborative team player with high attention to detail.
• Outgoing in nature, comfortable navigating a sales call and proactively going after new business.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage many projects at once.
• Experience in setting and driving sales strategy to meet goals.
• Proficient in standard MS Office programs, sales reporting and analysis.
• Experience in forecasting and budgeting.
• Must love books!

Why Sourcebooks?

At Sourcebooks, books change lives is more than just our mission. It’s the reason we do what we do every day. Just ask the 500 million+ readers we've reached so far. We put authors at the heart of everything we do, blending creativity with deep insights and data to break new ground. Our innovative approach has earned us recognition as Newsweek’s #2 Most Loved Workplace, a Best Workplace by Inc., and an innovation leader by Fast Company twice. Publishers Weekly named us “by far the most successful self-made publisher operating in the 21st century,” and in 2025 we received the Book Industry Study Group’s highest honor for “redefining what it means to be a book publisher in the 21st century.”

Ready to Apply:

Please submit your resume, salary requirements and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in this role. Any applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care, Dependent Care, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, & generous paid time off.

Sourcebooks values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.