This volunteer will help Books That Build Skills prepare for the national launch of the Secret Book Society by identifying the journalists, editors, producers, podcasters, and media outlets most likely to connect with our story. Through targeted media research, they will build a high-quality outreach list focused on literacy, education, parenting, middle-grade books, STEM and girls, career exploration, and youth development. Their work will give us the foundation we need to put the Secret Book Society—and its mission to help girls ages 10–15 become stronger readers, curious thinkers, and confident problem solvers—in front of the right audiences across the country.
Deliverables: A researched media list with journalist/editor/producer name, outlet, role/beat, email or submission method where publicly available, location, relevant recent coverage, and notes on why each contact is a fit. I would have them divide it into national education, parenting/family, middle-grade/books/literacy, STEM/girls, nonprofit/social impact, homeschool, podcasts, Alabama/regional media, and possibly youth-focused media.
Secret Book Society is not a newsletter, not a subscription box, and not another class. It is a story-powered girls' growth membership.
This is a story-powered membership that combines reading adventures, hands-on projects, life skills, career exploration, puzzles, missions, and community into one flexible monthly experience. Our goal is to create excitement around reading while helping girls build confidence, practical skills, and curiosity about the future.
We are looking for a strategic communications partner to help position Secret Book Society as an innovative new category in educational enrichment and to develop a national launch strategy that reaches parents, librarians, homeschool families, community organizations, and the media.
Secret Book Society is one of the key programs through which we fulfill our mission of inspiring girls ages 10–15 to become confident readers, curious thinkers, and capable problem solvers through story-driven learning.
We have already completed extensive groundwork for the launch, including a comprehensive Books That Build Skills brand guide, company media kit, and a benchmarking document that includes messaging framework, competitor benchmarking, strategic positioning, website content, and program materials. These resources will give the volunteer team a strong foundation from which to develop a national public relations strategy rather than starting from scratch.
Our team will be available for planning meetings, interviews, and media opportunities, and we are committed to implementing the recommendations developed through this project. With an October 2026 soft launch leading up to a November hard launch in time for the holiday gift giving season this collaboration has the opportunity to create significant national visibility for Secret Book Society and establish it as a first-of-its-kind story-powered growth membership for girls.
A strong public relations strategy will help us introduce this innovative program to families, librarians, homeschool communities, youth organizations, and funding partners nationwide. Increased awareness will lead to greater membership growth, allowing more students to engage with our unique combination of books, hands-on projects, life skills, career exploration, and community.
By helping us successfully launch Secret Book Society, this project will expand access to engaging educational experiences that strengthen literacy, reduce passive screen time through a thoughtful blend of analog and digital learning, and inspire the next generation of readers, leaders, and future innovators. A successful national launch will also strengthen the long-term sustainability of Athenian, allowing us to reach and serve more students for years to come.
The Public Relations team will work directly with the Founder & CEO along with the Secret Book Society Program Manager throughout the engagement. We pride ourselves on being highly responsive and collaborative, providing quick feedback, timely approvals, and open communication to keep the project moving forward efficiently.
