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- Tasks: Join a mentoring programme to explore the bookselling sector and develop your skills.
- Company: Creative Access partners with the Booksellers Association to support underrepresented talent.
- Benefits: Gain insights, build connections, and receive guidance from industry professionals.
- Why this job: Perfect for book lovers eager to make an impact in the bookselling world.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 and passionate about books and customer service.
- Other info: 15 mentee spots available; commitment to monthly virtual sessions required.
Closing date for applications: Friday 8th May 2026 12 midday
Mentoring programme dates: July to December 2026
Do you love books, recommending them, and pressing them into other people's hands? Are you looking to gain insights into the bookselling sector, develop skills and confidence, and build new connections?
Creative Access is excited to launch the second cohort of our new virtual mentoring programme in partnership with the Booksellers Association, designed to support talent from communities currently underrepresented in bookselling. The programme aims to break down barriers and myths and showcase the rich mix of roles and opportunities on offer within bookselling. It is open to individuals across a range of career stages, from aspiring to mid-level and beyond.
There are 15 mentee places available on this year's programme and successful applicants will be mentored by individuals from across the bookselling community. Mentors will span a range of experience levels from mid-level through to senior leadership.
The Booksellers Association is a membership organisation for all booksellers in the UK & Ireland, representing over 95% of bookshops. The Booksellers Association exists to support, advise and work with its members to create excellent products and services for booksellers. Bookselling is the crucial bridge between publishers and readers and requires a combination of book knowledge, commercial acumen, and strong customer service skills. Booksellers get books into readers' hands, helping them to find the books they know they want, and to discover the books they didn't even know they needed.
This programme is designed to be an equal partnership between mentors and mentees and mutually beneficial to both. Mentees will have access to bookselling expertise and the opportunity to discuss their personal and professional development goals. Mentors will have the opportunity to learn from the fresh perspectives of their mentees and challenge their existing ways of thinking. To help set the new relationships up for success, Creative Access will provide training at an initial Meet and Greet session to both mentors and mentees.
How does the programme work? Through the programme, Creative Access will find and match 15 people with mentors from across the bookselling industry. Where possible, mentees will be matched with a mentor working in the area in which they would like to work or progress their career in.
The mentoring programme will focus on individuals over the age of 18 from under-represented communities looking to pursue or progress with their careers in bookselling. This could apply to students at college or university or those who have some professional experience (in bookselling, publishing or wider industries). We also welcome applications from those not currently in education, employment or training.
The mentoring partnerships will run from July 2026 for six months, beginning with an initial virtual Meet and Greet session facilitated by Creative Access, taking place on Wednesday 15th July. Mentees will have the opportunity to meet with their mentor once a month, virtually, for approximately an hour.
What do you need to apply?
- A love of books, an enthusiasm for working with the public, and an interest in pursuing a career in bookselling
- Additionally, a desire to collaborate with an established industry professional in order to learn and to develop professionally
- (If not already working in bookselling) An aim to gain employment in a relevant trainee or entry-level role in the future
- (If already working in bookselling) A desire to secure support with progressing your career within the bookselling industry
- A willingness to engage positively with a mentor on a monthly basis for six months
- A commitment to attend a virtual Meet & Greet session taking place Wednesday 15th July. The Meet & Greet is a group training session designed to set you and your mentor up with everything you need to get off to a great start.
Plus, you'll need to:
- Be able to participate in 6 monthly virtual sessions with your mentor between July and December 2026
- Be over the age of 18, still in education or training, aspiring to or currently working in bookselling, publishing or the wider creative industries
- Identify as being from a group that is under-represented in the publishing industry. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: disabled people, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers.
Creative Access & Booksellers Association mentoring programme 2026 in London employer: Hachette UK
Contact Detail:
Hachette UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Access & Booksellers Association mentoring programme 2026 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the bookselling industry, whether through social media or local events. Building connections can open doors and give you insights that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for books! When you get the chance to chat with potential mentors or during interviews, share your favourite reads and why they matter to you. This personal touch can make you memorable.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Look for ways to get involved in the bookselling community, like volunteering at book fairs or joining online forums. It’s all about getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and opportunities tailored for you. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on the latest in the bookselling world and connect with like-minded individuals.
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Access & Booksellers Association mentoring programme 2026 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Books: Let us see your love for books shine through in your application! Share your favourite reads and how they’ve influenced you. This is your chance to show why you’re excited about the bookselling world.
Be Authentic: We want to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives. Being genuine will help us understand how you can contribute to the mentoring programme.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your interest in bookselling and how this programme aligns with your career goals. Show us that you’ve done your homework on the industry!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all applications and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Know Your Books
Make sure you brush up on your book knowledge! Familiarise yourself with popular titles, authors, and current trends in the bookselling industry. This will not only show your passion for books but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your love for books and the bookselling sector shine through. Be prepared to share why you want to be part of this mentoring programme and how it aligns with your career goals. A genuine enthusiasm can make a lasting impression!
✨Prepare Questions for Your Mentor
Think about what you want to learn from your mentor and prepare some thoughtful questions. This shows that you’re proactive and serious about your professional development. It also helps to create a more engaging dialogue during your sessions.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Background
Reflect on your experiences and how they relate to the bookselling industry. Whether you're a student or have some work experience, be ready to discuss how your background has shaped your interest in bookselling and what you hope to achieve through the mentoring programme.