Leah Marie Cumiskey
1018 Graystone Lane ,Forest, VA
Summary
Award-winning writer and communications professional with 20 years of experience in publishing, marketing, and media. Proficient in content creation and storytelling across various formats, consistently achieving measurable outcomes. Background as a military broadcaster and novelist enhances ability to engage diverse audiences and support community initiatives through effective outreach. Expertise in leading creative projects and managing complex inventories, resulting in increased revenue through data-driven strategies.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Inventory Control Specialist
Barnes & Noble / ICS
Virginia
01.2021 - Current
- Supervise a team of six deputies managing $60 million annual merchandise budget for regional store cluster.
- Lead strategic inventory decisions, ensuring stock efficiency and accurate sales forecasting.
- Curate titles based on publishing trends, consumer behavior, and seasonal cycles.
- Communicate emerging publishing trends to leadership, booksellers, and customers to enhance engagement.
- Train staff on title placement and trend recognition to improve customer engagement.
Bestselling Novelist
Kensington Publishing, Running Press, Damnation Books
01.2011 - 01.2020
- Contracted by major publishers to write twelve novels, including USA Today Bestseller Winter Wishes.
- Handpicked to launch new romance print line with Kensington.
- Developed intricate storylines while conducting historical research and managing multi-book deadlines.
- Marketed novels through media interviews, book tours, and social media platforms.
Freelance Writer & Journalist
National
01.1991 - 01.2011
- Produced content featured in Writer’s Digest, Seventeen, and various leading publications.
Substitute Teacher
Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS)
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Provided classroom instruction across elementary and middle school levels.
Administrative Assistant
Lou Anne Sterbick-Nelson, Attorney
Tacoma, Washington
02.1992 - 03.1994
- Prepared and organized legal documents for client cases and court filings.
- Supported the attorney in case preparation and research tasks as needed.
Public Relations Specialist
City of Tacoma
Tacoma, WA
01.1991 - 01.1992
- Managed PR initiatives for a city department, including press releases, graphic design coordination, and media inquiries.
Broadcaster (Radio/TV)
U.S. Air Force
Zaragoza, Spain
01.1988 - 01.1991
- Produced and anchored radio and television segments, including the nightly news, and public service announcements.
- Selected as the drive-time host for AFN Radio.
Reporter
Burlington Times and News
Burlington, NC
02.1990 - 07.1990
- Wrote clear and engaging articles for print and online publications.
- Collaborated with editors and photographers to enhance news coverage quality.
Editorial Assistant & Part-Time Reporter
The Arizona Republic
Phoenix, AZ
09.1987 - 01.1990
- Supported the Business and Features sections with research, copyediting, and article contributions.
- Researched topics to provide background information for editorial pieces.
Photographer
Photographic Society Of America
Phoenix, AZ
06.1987 - 09.1988
- Captured portraits in various settings using professional photography equipment.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision and preferences.
Education
Associate of Arts - Broadcast Journalism
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, ALCreative Writing - Creative Writing
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CABachelor of Science - Social Sciences
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Digital marketing strategy
- Google Analytics and SEO
- Google Ads management
- Content creation and publishing
- Public relations and media communications
- Forecasting and inventory management
- Nonprofit fundraising and community outreach
- Team training and cross-functional leadership
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- WordPress development
- Adobe Creative Suite expertise
- Camera operation and video editing
- Lighting techniques and hand-held shooting
Volunteer Experience
Coordinated and promoted fundraising events for nonprofits supporting military families and community causes. Roles included managing silent auctions, securing local sponsorships, and designing event materials.
Affiliations
- USA Today Bestselling Author (for Winter Wishes)
- Watercolor painting and landscape photography
- Travel focused on cultural history and art (Italy, France, Norway, Ireland)
- Community volunteering for military family causes
- Podcast and article guest appearances on history, writing, and culture
Timeline
Inventory Control Specialist
Barnes & Noble / ICS
01.2021 - Current
Bestselling Novelist
Kensington Publishing, Running Press, Damnation Books
01.2011 - 01.2020
Substitute Teacher
Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS)
01.2005 - 01.2009
Administrative Assistant
Lou Anne Sterbick-Nelson, Attorney
02.1992 - 03.1994
Freelance Writer & Journalist
National
01.1991 - 01.2011
Public Relations Specialist
City of Tacoma
01.1991 - 01.1992
Reporter
Burlington Times and News
02.1990 - 07.1990
Broadcaster (Radio/TV)
U.S. Air Force
01.1988 - 01.1991
Editorial Assistant & Part-Time Reporter
The Arizona Republic
09.1987 - 01.1990
Photographer
Photographic Society Of America
06.1987 - 09.1988
Associate of Arts - Broadcast Journalism
Community College of The Air Force
Creative Writing - Creative Writing
University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science - Social Sciences
Florida State University
Similar Profiles
Patrick BurnsPatrick Burns
Senior Manager - Payment Processing at Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.Senior Manager - Payment Processing at Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
NYTALYA FRYENYTALYA FRYE
Bookseller at Barnes and NobleBookseller at Barnes and Noble
Ariyana FrantzAriyana Frantz
Barista at Barnes & NobleBarista at Barnes & Noble
Dylan GramlingDylan Gramling
Patrol Sergeant at Louisa County Sheriffs OfficePatrol Sergeant at Louisa County Sheriffs Office
Earl McDanielEarl McDaniel
Visual Technician at BWXTVisual Technician at BWXT