After working in television production for a time, I began my career in book marketing as part of the team that launched borders.com in 1998, and went on have a long career in marketing at the Borders Group. I learned the minutiae of running a successful independent bookstore over many years at the renowned indie Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café in Asheville, NC, and developed a wide network among booksellers and literary professionals.
Over five years with leading literary publisher Unbridled Books, building support for their titles among booksellers and organizing extensive nationwide book tours. I had the pleasure of helping launch the careers of Emily St. John Mandel, Peter Geye, and Virginia Pye, among many other wonderful authors.
Outside of publishing, I often work as a freelance copywriter, partnering with advertising agencies on diverse projects, especially email and online marketing campaigns. As a freelance book marketer, I specialize in social media management, marketing plan development, and book tour management. Typical clients include small publishers, advertising agencies, online retailers, and individual authors.
Born and raised in Ireland, I retain a keen interest in Irish literature, and enjoy helping Irish authors become better known in the US. I generally prefer short stories to novels, and my favorite writers include Louise Erdrich, Nuala Ní Chonchúir, and Colm Tóibín. I make my home near Asheville, NC, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
—Rich Rennicks