Josh Weiss

Book Publishing Consultant

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About Me

I'm a results-oriented book publishing leader with more than three decades of experience. I've recently chosen to shift from my full-time role as Senior Vice President, Publishing Services, at Abrams Books. Prior to Abrams, I served as VP, Managing Editorial/Digital Publishing Services at HarperCollins. While continuing as a consultant for Abrams, I'm excited to consider opportunities to support other clients.

Engagement Options

  • Hourly consulting

  • Fixed-scope projects

  • Ongoing advisory relationships

  • Fractional leadership roles

  • Interim management assignments

  • Strategic project leadership

Selected Results

  • Led metadata improvement initiatives that contributed to increased Amazon backlist revenue at both Abrams and HarperCollins.

  • Developed AEO/GEO-aligned discoverability strategies across large frontlist and backlist publishing programs.

  • Established AI-supported Amazon A+ content workflows and operational standards.

  • Evaluated publishing technologies and co-led implementation initiatives.

  • Developed two successful print-on-demand programs.

  • Built cross-organizational support for initiatives centered on improved operations and focused spending, helping to reduce costs and steadily improving EBITDA.

  • Brought together previously siloed adult and children's managing editorial and design teams into one high-functioning group with a focus on best practices and on time delivery of high-quality books.

Services Include

Metadata and Discoverability

Whether you need to optimize an entire catalog or a subset of titles, I will identify practical opportunities for improvement. I can make updates directly at scale, and I can train teams on sustainable best practices in areas including:
* Metadata audits and assessments across product descriptions, author bios, review and blurb options, BISACs, and keywords
* Title and subtitle evaluation
* Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) considerations

Print on Demand Programs

Having launched successful Amazon KEP and Ingram Lightning Source print on demand programs at Abrams, I can help publishers of all sizes with:
* Program assessment and implementation
* Workflow design and quality control procedures
* Vendor selection and coordination

Practical Applications of AI in Publishing

At Abrams, I led a cross-organizational AI committee that established practical guidelines for the appropriate use of human-led AI as a support tool. I can help others identify uses that support publishing goals while maintaining editorial judgment and quality standards.
Areas of focus include:
* Metadata, including descriptions, bios, keywords, and BISACs
* Marketing materials, including Amazon A+ content
* General efficiencies (comps; workflows; forms; etc.)

Leadership and Team Development

Throughout my career, I have built and led succesful teams, developed best practices, mentored colleagues at all stages of their careers, and helped organizations document and share institutional knowledge.
I work closely with stakeholders across editorial, production, marketing, sales, operations, technology, managing editorial, and design to develop solutions that can be implemented, maintained, and improved over time.Opportunities for engagement include:
* Fractional and interim leadership during transitions
* Cross-functional initiative management
* Strategic project leadership and support with vendor evaluations