Meet Megan: The Mind Behind Our Marketing

Hello, and welcome to the UP Blog! We’re here to share publishing insights from industry thought leaders and those with firsthand experience as publishing professionals and authors. Our blog will feature contributions from amazing guest writers, as well as our own reflections and experiences. Stay tuned for our upcoming podcast, which is currently in development. We hope you’ll join us on this journey and find valuable insights along the way.

My name is Megan Jessop, and I’m thrilled to join Unencumbered Press to contribute to marketing and other creative aspects. Stephanie Johnson Lawson and I first crossed paths at Portland State University while working together at Ooligan Press. Through our close collaboration, we forged a strong friendship and discovered that our complementary skill sets create a powerful synergy. This realization inspired us to join forces and establish Unencumbered Press as a publishing company that embodies our shared vision. After gaining valuable experience with several small independent and hybrid publishers, we concluded that if the company we envision doesn’t exist, we must create it ourselves. Together, we aim to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the publishing world, championing voices and stories that deserve to be heard.

My background blends marketing and editorial work, supported by a BA in Creative Writing and Literature. I’ve worked as a marketing associate for a hybrid press in the Bay Area and as an editorial assistant with another hybrid press in Missoula, Montana. I self-published a poetry chapbook and helped market others’ works, recognizing the invaluable support of a skilled team. Though promoting myself isn’t my strength, I excel at championing projects I believe in and ensuring they get the recognition they deserve. When I believe in you and your work, I will shout it to the rooftops and do all I can to ensure everyone knows how amazing you and your work are. I’ve collaborated with Brett Warnock of Kitchen Table Magazine as a marketing and sales assistant and interned with the Montana World Trade Center. My experience at Ooligan Press, coupled with my role as poetry board editor for The Oval at the University of Montana, has honed my skills in developmental editing. 

Book marketing is all about sharing the excitement of a new book with the world. It involves a mix of strategies to get the word out, like using social media, hosting book signings and events, collaborating with influencers and book clubs, and sending out newsletters to fans. It’s about creating buzz and building a community around the book, making sure it reaches as many readers as possible. Whether it’s through engaging content or personal interactions, the goal is to connect with people and make the book a success. My aim is to aid Unencumbered Press and our authors in successfully connecting our books with a wide audience of readers who will grow to love the books for years to come. 

Whether editing manuscripts or promoting books, I’m passionate about helping authors realize their vision and ensuring their work reaches the right audience. To learn more about me, read my personal blog at meganjessop.substack.com

Submit to Unencumbered Press

Unencumbered Press is dedicated to publishing literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry that embody innovation, intelligence, and intuition. We are passionate about discovering and nurturing unique voices that push the boundaries of storytelling and offer fresh perspectives. We would love to hear from you if your work aligns with these qualities! To submit your manuscript, visit our submissions page for detailed guidelines and requirements. We are here to support you through the submission process, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. At Unencumbered Press, we are committed to fostering a vibrant literary community and look forward to the opportunity to consider your work.