Summer Stewart

Publisher & Managing Editor | Unsolicited Press @ UNSOLICITED PRESS

About

I’m a communications and editorial leader with more than 15 years of experience guiding creative teams, building mission-driven brands, and executing strategies that connect stories to audiences. As Publisher and Managing Editor at Unsolicited Press, I’ve led the publication of over 300 books from concept to release while managing marketing, distribution, and brand communications. I’m known for blending creativity with operational strategy — mentoring editors and writers, developing innovative marketing campaigns, and building partnerships that strengthen community and visibility. My approach is grounded in collaboration, clarity, and purpose. Whether leading a team or shaping a narrative, I focus on communication that inspires action and trust. Core Expertise: Strategic Communications • Editorial Direction • Brand Management • Marketing & PR Campaigns • Cross-Functional Team Leadership • Organizational Strategy • Digital & Social Media • Public Speaking & Community Engagement

Country

United States

City

Portland

Industry

Publishing

Skill

Apple Software, Management, Direct Sales, Business-to-Business (B2B), SEO Copywriting, Digital Campaigns, SEO & Analytics, Event Planning, Web Content Writing, Social Media Marketing, Editorial Development, Copywriting, Marketing Strategy, Brand Strategy, Digital & Social Media, Marketing & PR, CMS & CRM Systems, Adobe Creative Suite, Community Outreach, Strategic Communications

Experience

Publisher & Managing Editor | Unsolicited Press

UNSOLICITED PRESS

2012-1 - Present · 14 yrs 9 mos

Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area

Founder and executive leader of an independent publishing house overseeing editorial, marketing, and operational strategy. Manage cross-functional teams producing 300+ titles across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Key Achievements: Built and scaled a national publishing brand from the ground up, leading strategic planning, budgeting, and long-term growth. Directed acquisitions and editorial workflows, maintaining quality standards across all publications. Created and executed integrated marketing and PR campaigns, strengthening author visibility and brand recognition. Managed distributor and retail relationships (Ingram, Amazon, independent bookstores). Designed digital and social media strategies to grow community engagement and audience reach. Mentored editors, interns, and marketing professionals to support professional development and skill-building.

Freelance Writer & Editor

Various Clients

2005-7 - Present · 21 yrs 3 mos

Writer and editor for national companies and media outlets including Staples, Overstock, Amazon, Yahoo! Finance, The Davis Enterprise, and Medium. Create branded content, newsletters, blogs, and editorial copy tailored to voice and audience.

Creative Writing Instructor

Oregon Writing Festival

2016 - 2019-7 · 3 yrs

Design and lead creative writing workshops for middle and high school students. Inspire confidence in storytelling and promote creative expression through writing.

Creative Writing Workshop Leader and Course Instructor

Pennies for Poetry

2017-5 - 2019-5 · 2 yrs 1 mo

My teaching experience comes from working as a creative writing and literature instructor with Pennies for Poetry, a community-centered program that offers writing and literature courses. I have had the privilege of teaching countless poetry and creative nonfiction workshops in San Diego, Davis, and Portland. Moreover, in the past, I have taught a literature course titled “Mothers and Monsters” that examines women in literature such as Beowulf, Beloved, and My New Job. I am confident in teaching fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

Online Lesson Writer

Study.com

2016 - 2017 · 1 yr

I created and edited educational lessons in topics such as literature, composition, history, and the arts.

Assistant Editor

Writing on the Edge

2012 - 2013 · 1 yr

Davis, California, United States

Supported editorial and administrative operations for an academic journal. Managed submissions, copyedited accepted pieces, and implemented social media campaigns for readership growth.