About Terra Communications

Terra Communications is the premier book marketing firm in the country. We manage the long-term careers of creative writers, which includes strategic planning, Internet marketing, arranging book tours, media, and promotions. We represent well-known authors as well as many of the most talented new and emerging voices of quality fiction and narrative non-fiction. Our current roster of clients includes award-winning and bestselling authors, several of whom we’ve helped become international successes and New York Times bestsellers.

Although we do big jobs for our clients, we are a small company with only four full-time consultants. Dawn Stuart is the owner and marketing director of Terra Communications, and the author of Book Marketing For New And Emerging Authors (September, 2011). We all work flexible hours, mostly from our home offices.  We created this independent, telecommuting structure in order to support interesting, fulfilling lifestyles; a concept of living that we passionately believe in.  About 80% of our work is performed via the Internet, 15% on the telephone, and 5% in person.  Therefore, candidates interested in this position must have a well equipped office, including a newer computer and software.

Just about any job in the book industry is a coveted position as there are so few, especially outside of New York. For those who love literature, a chance to work in the industry is like a dream come true.  Therefore, we are only looking for applicants who are passionate about books and have a desire to be a part of this community, not just find a job. You will not find material wealth in this position, though you can earn a decent living wage. However, the fulfillment generated from being part of promoting quality literature in an age of mass-market pap, is enrichment enough for many.

The various publicity positions with Terra Communications include contacting booksellers (book stores) and libraries to schedule author presentations, as well as working with the media and doing supplementary promotions to publicize these events. Our goal is to launch and nourish the literary careers of the finest emerging novelists and narrative non-fiction writers in the country. And continue managing the on-going careers of those we’ve helped make it to the top. Although our clients are talented, and have some level of success in the industry, Terra Com focuses on developing the careers of new and emerging writers of note. The competition for doing a bookstore presentation is intense so setting up an engagement isn’t just about scheduling; it may require some convincing (a.k.a. selling); and this applies to working with the media and other venues as well.

If you think you have what it takes to work with us please review the current job opportunities then fill out the questionnaire and return it via email. Since this is a highly specialized position we realize it is unlikely we will find someone with actual experience in this field.  We are looking for a set of skills and personality traits, and will teach the selected candidate how to be a literary publicist.  Thank you for considering work with Terra Communications, Inc.

Dawn Stuart

Literary Administrative Assistant
Job Description

We are looking for an associate to work 20 to 30 hours per week in the literary field. How much you work depends on your availability, and on our current task load, which fluctuates depending on how the number or authors for whom we’re actively promoting new books.   The Administrative Assistant position focuses on supporting the staff with the administrative and clerical details for marketing and promoting our clients. It requires solid communications, time management, and multi-tasking skills, along with computer and online social networking experience.

Terra Communications maintains a small office in Bend, Oregon.  The first 60-days will be a training period. We pay an hourly wage of $12 to $15 per hour, depending on your experience. There will be regular job performance reviews and after two months, if you are doing well, the hourly pay will increase and you will be expected to handle all aspects of the job without much supervision. Training will be ongoing of course.  Eventually you will either be earning $15 to $20 per hour, or you won’t be working with us any longer. Additionally, there is opportunity to advance into a publicity associate position, with increased hourly rate, and commission work. 

This is an independent contractor position. You would work from home or your own office, manage your own time, and visi the Terra Com office once or twice a week for a couple of hours. Experience working from home or running your own business is helpful. If you apply for this job make sure you can become absolutely committed to a literary life, and this company.

Tasks include:

1. Preparing and packaging books and promotional materials to mail
2. Filling out the forms and contracts to confirm author events
3. Updating databases
4. Researching venues
5. Supporting associates with administrative and clerical tasks
6. Tracking event results
7. Attending industry tradeshows, usually 2 times a year
8. Submitting regular administrative reports to Terra Com
9. Reading the books of our clients and prospective clients

Application

Please review our website before responding, then email your resume along with the questionnaire. Do not mail information. Do not call us. You will not be considered for this job if you do not illustrate you can follow directions well by applying for this position as requested.

Click on one of the links below to download the job description and application. The two documents are the same. You only need one copy.

Word Document: Administrative Assistant Overview.doc

PDF: Administrative Assistant Overview.pdf

We realize that careers on the West Coast in the literary business are extremely rare and we are looking for an extraordinary person. If you are passionate about literature, honest, hard working, and possess general skill sets that can support you in this work, please apply. Seldom does anyone have any job experience specific to literary publicity--unless they’ve lived and worked in New York--so we do not expect to find someone with this specific background but we are willing to train you. We are a growing and progressive company. The more creative your submission, the more likely you are to be considered for this position. Thank you for taking the time to review this material thoroughly. We look forward to hearing from you.

Application

Please review our website before responding, then email your resume along with the questionnaire below to the address at the bottom of the questionnaire. Do not mail information. Do not call us. You will not be considered for this job if you do not illustrate you can follow directions well by applying for this position as requested.

Click on the link below to download the questionnaire.

Terra Communications Employment Questionnaire