How To Become A Publications Sales Representative: What It Is and Career Path

What is a publications sales representative and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Publication sales representatives are also known as publishing sales representatives. They are a sales representative that deals with a book. With the courteous and helpful behavior of a sales rep, customers feel welcome to visit the store.

Publication sales representatives talk with customers concerning the book of their choice. They also assist them in also making purchases and help in suggestions of book names that they may prefer. Plus, they respond to complaints from customers. You will often be required to collect posters and brochures that announce book launches and also put them up within the stores. Not just this, but you will be in charge of sending emails and text messages to invite customers who have proven themselves loyal to view new books.

A diploma is enough to qualify for this job. Hence, although a bachelor's degree is not necessarily essential, having one will give you an edge. Employers often judge by qualities. One vital quality you must possess is a passion for books. You must be willing to gain experience in general sales or particularly publications sales. Your marketing and communication skills must also be top-notch. The average annual salary in the US is $49,392.

ScorePublications Sales RepresentativeUS Average

Salary

5.8

Avg. Salary $74,269

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.1

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 5.15%

Black or African American 3.84%

Hispanic or Latino 14.25%

Unknown 3.71%

White 72.81%

Gender

female 56.44%

male 43.56%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress level

7.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a publications sales representative

Explore publications sales representative education requirements

Most common publications sales representative degrees

Bachelor's

73.9 %

Associate

13.0 %

High School Diploma

7.8 %

Start to develop specific publications sales representative skills

Skills	Percentages
Virtualization	30.62%
Public Sector	28.23%
Sales Cycle	28.10%
Local Government	7.14%
Customer Satisfaction	1.69%

Complete relevant publications sales representative training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New publications sales representatives learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a publications sales representative based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real publications sales representative resumes.

Research publications sales representative duties and responsibilities

Generate leads and evangelize product to physicians in orthopedics, hematology, internal medicine, surgery, critical care and cardiology.
Generate leads and evangelize product to physicians in orthopedics, hematology, internal medicine, surgery, critical care and cardiology.
Describe product to customers and accurately explain details about DirecTV services.

Prepare your publications sales representative resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your publications sales representative resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a publications sales representative resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable publications sales representative resume templates

Build a professional publications sales representative resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your publications sales representative resume.