Laura Ross – Editor

Represented a variety of fiction and nonfiction clients, negotiated publishing contracts, perfected proposals and manuscripts for publication, discovered and nurtured talent.

Supervised a staff of three editors and a list of 40-50 trade hardcover and paperback books per year; acquired and edited 10-20 books per year and oversaw design and production of each, many of them illustrated; directed the company’s marketing efforts, including publicity, promotion, sales materials, and advertising.

Supervised marketing effort for a $150 million mass-market and trade publishing company; oversaw staff of 15 marketing, advertising and promotion professionals; administered budgets totaling $5 million annually, implementing numerous cost-cutting measures and increasing efficiency by 20 percent; responsible for conception and execution of all broadcast and print advertising, sales materials, catalogs, promotional materials and mailings, point-of-purchase efforts, conferences and sales meetings; played a key role in all phases of each book’s publication, including acquisition effort, packaging approach, position on the overall publishing schedule, and complete trade and consumer publishing strategy.

Managed in-house advertising agency for all imprints of Simon & Schuster Trade Division, overseeing concept, media planning and purchase, copywriting, design, and production; administered budgets totaling $4-6 million annually; hired, trained, and managed a staff of 12 full-time and numerous freelance employees; responsible for all collateral sales materials including catalogs, displays, brochures, posters, and other point-of-sale items.

Managed $5 million advertising and promotion budget, overseeing outside advertising agency and conception and execution of all print and broadcast advertising; supervised copywriting, design, and production of all catalogs and other printed sales materials, displays, and point-of-purchase items; directed a staff of six full-time and numerous freelance employees.

Expanded TCG’s hardcover and trade paperback book imprint from just 2 titles per year to 12, acquiring, editing, and publishing more than 30 books on performing arts topics; served as series editor on several annual reference series; coordinated promotional efforts on all books, including publicity, point-of-purchase, and sales materials; represented the company and handled sales efforts at trade, academic, and professional conferences.