About Penguin

We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone. 

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Editorial Assistant (Penguin Life)

Are you organised, a great team player and meticulously attentive to detail? Are you keen to know more about non-fiction publishing trends? Are you always seeking out the latest ideas, debates and innovations in health and behaviour? Penguin Life is looking for an Editorial Assistant to work on our list of bestselling non-fiction publishing. The successful candidate will support Penguin Life's Publishing Director and will also provide shared support (alongside another Editorial Assistant) to the overall team of seven. Penguin General is one of the eight publishing divisions within Penguin Random House UK and is made up of extremely talented colleagues, who set a high bar in terms of quality of output, and who take pride in their work and strive for both individual and collective success. There are five imprints at Penguin General, including Penguin Life. At Penguin Life we aim for our books to equip readers with new ideas and skills which will improve every aspect of their lives, from work to relationships, health, psychology, communication, and behavioural change. Our authors range from business leaders to religious figures, leading scientists, health professionals and exceptional journalists. What unites our authors is a focus on quality and integrity - they include James Nestor, Simon Sinek, Philippa Perry, Rangan Chatterjee, Ellie Middleton, Cal Newport, Sharmadean Reid and Jefferson Fisher.

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The role Key responsibilities (editorial and administrative):

• Providing general office administration e.g., booking meeting rooms, managing diaries, arranging couriers, minuting meetings, processing expenses, processing invoices, sending out proof mailings, arranging for author advanced copies, dealing with general author and agent queries
• Managing book and prize submissions
• Maintaining internal systems
• Proofreading book covers
• Preparing editorial material for the sales, communications, and rights teams
• Researching book ideas and offering feedback on book proposals and manuscripts

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What you’ll bring

You don’t need previous publishing experience. You do need an interest in non-fiction, a willingness and ability to learn, and passion for our mission – to make books for everyone, because a book can change anyone.

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Essential criteria:

• Demonstrable interest in Penguin Life and Penguin General
• Proven written ability showcased through your application
• Experience/ Knowledge of MS Office Excel/Word/ Outlook
• Demonstrable understanding of managing multiple stakeholders at varying seniorities
• Demonstrable communication skills

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Preferred criteria:

• Is a team-player, with excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a knack for working closely with a diverse team (whether colleagues, authors, or freelancers).
• Is highly efficient, organised, and proactive, with the ability to prioritise a demanding workload.
• Has a meticulous eye for detail and for spotting (and solving) problems before they arise.
• Has a curiosity for new ideas, wherever they come from.

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Disability Confident

If you have opted into our disability confident scheme, you must meet the above essential criteria to be considered for our interview scheme. Please note, there may be occasions where the volume of applicants means we can’t take all eligible candidates to interview. Application instructions

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Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 28 th September 2025.

• Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.
• Please note we are looking for someone to join the team as soon as possible, but we are also happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate.
• We anticipate a two-stage interview process which will include a virtual first-stage interview and in-person second stage interview. We are happy to discuss this further with you throughout the recruitment process.

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Salary

£27,500 plus benefits.

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What you can expect from us

Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition. Our benefits include:

• Financial – discounted shopping, season ticket loan, rental deposit loan
• Wellbeing – healthcare cash plan, employee assistance, gym loan
• Lifestyle – taste card, tech scheme, free and discounted books

For our full benefits list please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/what-we-offer/

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Hybrid working

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect the successful candidate to work from our London office a minimum of two days per week, with a maximum of three days per week working from home.

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