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Job Title


Publicist (12 month contract) (Toronto Hybrid)


Company : HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin


Location : Toronto,


Created : 2026-02-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Overview: Job Title: Contract Publicist, 12 months Department(s): Publicity Reports to: Director, Publicity Status: 12-month contract Location: 22 Adelaide Street West, Toronto Job Vacancy Status: Vacant and actively accepting applications The Publicist will oversee the publicity and promotion of titles published by HarperCollins Publishers in the Canadian market as assigned by the Director of Publicity. HarperCollins Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing, and publicity of HarperCollins titles from around the globe, and the proud home of many bestselling and award-winning authors such as Kate Quinn, Esi Edugyan, Barbara Kingsolver, Ann Patchett, Lawrence Hill, Rachel Reid, Tanya Talaga, R.F. Kuang, Matt Haig, Laurie Gilmore, and Jeffery Archer, as well as international brands such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Agatha Christie, C. S. Lewis, and Veronica Roth.'' Responsibilities: Plan and execute author appearances including multi-city book tours, local appearances, school visits, and special events. Pitch and secure interviews and book coverage with national and regional media outlets, including broadcast, print, podcasts, and online outlets. Arranges all travel for assigned authors and creates tour schedules. Writes compelling press releases, pitch letters, and other promotional materials in service of the publicity campaign. Briefs authors on how to communicate key messages in media interviews/appearances. Cultivate and maintain relationships with media including TV/radio producers, book reviewers, as well as booksellers/event coordinators. Escort authors as needed to various events and media interviews on tour. Attend festivals/conventions as needed. Works closely with the sales, marketing, and publicity team as well as authors, agents, editors. Qualifications: 1+ years of experience in publicity, preferably in the publishing industry. Proven ability to generate creative angles and pitches. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under deadlines. Ability to work in a collaborative team environment. Excellent communication skills, including exceptional writing skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong presentation skills and the ability to represent campaigns to various stakeholders such as agents, authors, media, event organizers, etc. This position operates from Toronto, Ontario. Travel within the region for author tours and meetings with publicity partners, as well as some travel within North America, is required on an as-needed basis. Excellent problem-solving skills. Education/Formal Training: Book publishing courses or certificate an asset Drivers License an asset About HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin Harlequin is a leading publisher of commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. We publish more than 100 titles a month that reach audiences globally. Encompassing highly recognizable imprints that span a broad number of genres, we are home to many award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors. Harlequin is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, the second-largest consumer book publisher in the world. Through HarperCollins''s global publishing program, Harlequin titles are published in 17 countries and 16 languages. The salary range for this position is $50,000-$55,000. We recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we are able to attract the best candidates. The quoted salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what our ideal candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on the selected candidate''s experience, industry knowledge, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process. Known worldwide for the quality of its list, HarperCollins Canada is the proud home of many bestselling and award-winning authors, including Esi Edugyan, Heather O''Neill, and Lawrence Hill. It is our vision to publish the best books of our generation and to work with authors over the length and breadth of their careers. Our authors are at the centre of everything we do. In addition to the Canadian publishing program, HarperCollins Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing, and publicity of HarperCollins titles from around the globe HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to equal employment opportunities. Employment decisions are based on job requirements and the skills, knowledge, and experience of the candidate, regardless of any other factors unrelated to job performance. HarperCollins Publishers is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.