At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Picador team in bringing books to life and learn about the publishing process.
- Company: Join Pan Macmillan, a leading UK publisher known for diverse and impactful literature.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, flexible hours, and discounts on books and shopping.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in publishing while working with passionate literary professionals.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, teamwork, time management, and a passion for literature are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, 15-month apprenticeship based in Farringdon, London.
About the company:
Pan Macmillan publishes a broad and vibrant range of books for audiences of all ages – from dazzling bestsellers to influential prize-winners, books to inspire lifelong readers and listeners, to enduring classics for generations to come. The fourth largest UK publisher, we pride ourselves on publishing successfully and sustainably and are committed to working together to positively impact culture and society at large. Each of our imprints is distinctive, containing the carefully curated collections of different kinds of books published for the widest possible readership.
About the team:
Picador is the literary imprint at Pan Macmillan and what defines a Picador book is the author’s voice: we believe the way a story is told is just as important as the story itself. We publish writers from all over the world, bringing international authors to an English-language readership and providing a platform for voices that are often not heard. The Picador list includes literary fiction; new, relevant and challenging fiction; narrative non-fiction; authoritative, cultural non-fiction; and the best contemporary poetry, as well as a number of uncategorizable books.
About the role:
In this dynamic and supportive role, you’ll work alongside the Picador team, providing essential support to help bring our incredible books to life. You’ll be a vital part of our imprint, learning about every stage of a book’s journey while developing crucial administrative and editorial skills. You will also get the opportunity to spend time with the Picador Editorial and Communications teams, gaining insight into their strategies, and with the UK Sales and Adult Rights teams, understanding how our books reach readers and are licensed globally.
Key responsibilities and learnings:
- Managing books through various stages, from initial manuscript review to drafting cover copy and preparing information for sales, publicity and marketing teams
- Supporting essential tasks such as coordinating with international publishers, managing permissions for text and images and mailing books and proofs
- Updating our central bibliographic information system (Biblio), processing invoices and helping with contract and author payment approvals
- Acting as a key point of contact for authors and colleagues, assisting with queries and fielding external enquiries
- Reading and reporting on submissions, as well as exploring a wide range of books beyond our current list
- Gain broad industry insight by supporting the Picador Communications team with PR and marketing campaigns, assisting the Rights team with contract administration and book fair preparations and contributing to the Sales team’s retailer presentations and book distribution.
Skills you’ll need to succeed:
- Naturally curious with an eagerness to learn
- Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team
- Willingness to stay up-to-date with market trends
- Excellent time management skills
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond thoughtfully to changing needs
- A passion and desire to work on literary titles
- Experience working with software such as MS Office and Google Workspace.
About the programme:
As a Publishing Apprentice, you’ll gain exposure to all of the key stages in the publishing process, starting from the initial conception of a book all the way through to production, sales, marketing and publicity processes. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be invited to monthly 3-hour live sessions hosted online in addition to working on your course content via our online learning platform. To meet the off-the-job requirements for your apprenticeship, you’ll also spend a minimum of 6 hours a week within the workplace developing your publishing knowledge, skills and behaviours listed within your bespoke LDN Training Plan.
Salary: £24,000
Full time / part time: Full time
Application deadline: 6 July 2025
Potential start date: 22 September 2025
Qualification: Level 4 Publishing Professional
Duration: 15 months
Some of the benefits we offer:
- 28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service + bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Discounted private medical insurance
- Group income protection scheme
- Enhanced family pay and leave
- Flexible working hours and summer hours (early finish on a Friday during summer months)
- 2 Volunteer Days per year
- 75% off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales (highly reduced rates)
- Season ticket loan/advance
- Discounts on shopping and gym memberships; Christmas club savings
- Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch
This is a full time 15 month fixed term role, and will be based in our offices in Farringdon, London, with some flexibility to work from home each week. All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role. At Pan Macmillan, we are highly committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at every level of our organisation. We welcome applications from all individuals, including any age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Our efforts to promote DEI are ongoing, and we continually strive to learn and improve our policies and practices.
Picador Publishing Apprentice Adult Editorial · Farringdon, London employer: Pan Macmillan Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Pan Macmillan Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Picador Publishing Apprentice Adult Editorial · Farringdon, London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Picador imprint and its unique voice. Read a variety of their published works to understand the style and themes they promote, which will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the publishing industry, especially those connected to Pan Macmillan or Picador. Attend literary events, workshops, or online webinars to make connections and learn more about the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in the publishing world, particularly in literary fiction and non-fiction. Being knowledgeable about market trends will demonstrate your passion and commitment to the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Picador Publishing Apprentice Adult Editorial · Farringdon, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Picador Publishing Apprentice role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for literature and publishing. Discuss why you want to work specifically with Picador and how you can contribute to their mission of bringing diverse voices to readers.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Include any relevant experience in your CV, such as internships, volunteer work, or projects related to publishing, writing, or editing. Highlight specific tasks that demonstrate your organisational and communication skills.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the publishing industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pan Macmillan Ltd.
✨Show Your Passion for Literature
Make sure to express your genuine love for books and literature during the interview. Discuss your favourite authors or genres, and how they inspire you. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and align with Picador's focus on the author's voice.
✨Research the Company and Imprints
Familiarise yourself with Pan Macmillan and its various imprints, especially Picador. Understanding their unique offerings and recent publications will help you engage in meaningful conversations and show that you're proactive and well-prepared.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the role, team dynamics, or upcoming projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves managing various tasks, be ready to discuss your time management and organisational skills. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully juggled multiple responsibilities, highlighting your adaptability and attention to detail.