At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in producing and managing book projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join the dynamic teams at Michael Joseph and Transworld, part of Penguin Random House.
- Benefits: Flexible working with three days in the office and two remote, plus a passion-driven environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a creative and supportive setting.
- Why this job: Be part of the exciting world of publishing and help bring stories to life.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, organisation skills, and a love for books; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A great new opportunity has arisen for a proactive and detail-orientated individual to join the Michael Joseph and Transworld Production teams as a Production Assistant.
About the team
Michael Joseph and Transworld both publish a broad range of books across fiction and non-fiction, commercial and literary, and are home to an exciting array of authors: including Marian Keyes, Dr Julie Smith, Devney Perry, Sen Lin Yu and Stephen Fry for MJ, and Lee Child, Dan Brown, Kate Atkinson, Sable Sorensen and Ruth Jones for Transworld.
The role
Working closely with both internal colleagues and our external suppliers, you’ll help bring our books to readers by delivering reprints, reissues and non-trade projects. You’ll make sure each project runs smoothly from start to finish – on time, within budget and to the high standards our books deserve.
Key responsibilities:
- Take ownership of the Michael Joseph and Transworld backlist catalogues, helping to look after books that have already been published and ensuring they continue to reach readers.
- Manage the production of reprints and reissues, coordinating each project and keeping it on track from start to finish.
- Work closely with colleagues across Penguin Random House and our external suppliers, building strong relationships and keeping everyone up to date.
- Keep a close eye on schedules, costs and quality, making sure books are delivered on time, within budget and to the standards our readers expect.
- Develop a strong understanding of our backlist and its production needs, balancing priorities across a varied and busy catalogue.
What you’ll bring:
- Confident and clear communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and external suppliers.
- Strong organisation and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
- A keen eye for detail and a commitment to accurate, high-quality work.
- A practical and analytical approach to tasks and problem-solving.
- The ability to balance a varied workload, adapt to changing priorities and remain calm under pressure.
- A passion for books and publishing, and a genuine interest in how books are made.
- Enthusiasm for learning and developing your skills – no previous publishing experience is required.
If you have opted into our disability confident scheme, the above are the essential criteria you must meet 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.
For this role we expect the successful candidate to work from our London-based office three days per week and offer the remaining two days to be worked remotely.
Production Assistant, Michael Joseph and Transworld in London employer: Apply now!
At Penguin Ventures, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages creativity and collaboration. As a Senior Trade & Licensing Communications Lead, you will benefit from our commitment to employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and mentorship, all while working in a vibrant location that inspires innovation and connection within the licensing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Assistant, Michael Joseph and Transworld in London
✨Dive Into the Publishing Community
Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Apply now!.
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If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites
While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Apply now!. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Assistant, Michael Joseph and Transworld in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!
Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Apply now!. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Apply now!.
How to prepare for a job interview at Apply now!
✨Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends
Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!
✨Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio
Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Apply now!. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.
✨Brush Up on Editing Techniques
Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Express Your Passion for Storytelling
In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Apply now!. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!
