AMP associate named PW Star Watch finalist

Andrews McMeel Publishing (AMP) is excited to share that Publishing Sales Director Emily Folks has been named a Publishers Weekly (PW) Star Watch 2019 finalist.

Folks is one of five finalists, who were selected out of hundreds of applicants and the list of 50 honorees, which PW announced on July 30. One “Superstar” will be named at the PW Star Watch congratulatory event in New York City on Sept. 18, and will receive a sponsored trip to the Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2019.

“I am delighted to be recognized alongside such an accomplished set of young publishing professionals, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given at AMP,” said Folks. “I so enjoy working with the books, calendars and other products created by our top-notch roster of authors, creators and brands. Working to make sure their products are well-placed and discoverable in a dynamic retail landscape is very gratifying. I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to call AMP home for eight years and counting. I work with a tremendous team of people who have taught me a lot and helped me grow and hone my skills.”

Now in its fifth year, the annual Star Watch program recognizes up-and-coming publishing and bookselling professionals who demonstrate “trailblazing spirit, innovative problem-solving and leadership qualities.” The selection jury is made up of editors and managers from Publishers Weekly, Frankfurter Buchmesse and the American Booksellers Association.

Folks began at AMP in 2010 as a publicity intern and from there has built a rising career in the industry. Folks’ contributions drive AMP sales and make an impact in the publishing industry, as she continues to make a name for herself among e-commerce, mass market and wholesale retail channels and accounts, in particular Amazon and Walmart.

One of Folks’ primary efforts involves positioning AMP to succeed in a retail market that continues to shift from traditional brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce retailers. Proven examples of her accomplishments are driving improvements in AMP’s metadata strategy and asset creation for content to adapt to the on-site shopping experience. She also advises on how best to maximize e-commerce sales during new product acquisition discussions and product launch strategies.

“[Folks] has a natural ability to identify and champion trends, as well as transform them into new products or formats that will appeal to both retailers and end-consumers,” said VP of Publishing Sales Lynne McAdoo. “She is also a leading champion for content that appeals to millennial audiences, consulting with internal and external stakeholders on how best to capitalize on trends and translate digital experiences into tangible, authentic, profitable products.”