Thrive: development programme for freelancers working in publishing in London

Closing date: Sunday 8th February 2026 at 11.59pm

Duration: 12 months

Start date: Monday 9th March 2026

Are you a freelancer working in publishing looking to access professional development and thrive in your career? Unlock your potential through mentoring, training and networking opportunities in this exciting programme.

Creative Access is working with 10 publishing houses to provide access to our Thrive: Development Programme for freelance professionals working within the publishing industry who are at mid-level in their careers.

DK Books, Simon & Schuster UK, HarperCollins, Canongate, Hachette UK, Profile Books, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Sage Publishing, Penguin Random House and Pearson have all committed to funding places on the Thrive programme in recognition that despite being an essential and growing part of the publishing workforce, freelancers are often not being sufficiently supported with their professional development. This is exacerbated for those from communities which are traditionally under‐represented in the sector.

This partnership aims to address these issues by offering 15 funded places on Creative Access\’s year‐long professional development programme for mid‐level talent, which has been specifically created for, and by, people who are historically under‐represented in the creative sector.

About the programmeThe Thrive: Development Programme is an outstanding cross‐sectoral programme of leadership training, networking and support for individuals at mid‐level career stage (c.3‐8 years of experience) working in the creative industries.

The year‐long programme will commence in March 2026 and includes:

Training in areas including developing your leadership presence, navigating a successful freelance career, confidence & presence, and understanding organisational and freelance finances

Mentoring from a senior professional in your desired career field for 6 months

Networking events specifically targeted at mid‐level career stage and an exclusive publishing networking event with representatives from our partner publishing houses

Free / discounted tickets from partner companies to attend conferences, training courses and cultural events

Career guidance from the Creative Access team to help set you up for success with our own networks and opportunities via at least one 1‐to‐1 with our Access team.

Participants can expect to increase influence, develop new skills for career progression and have increased confidence to advocate for equal access to training, pay rises and promotions. You\’ll also be able to build contacts and working relationships across sectors and take strides to achieve career objectives.

The programme is open to freelancers working across the UK, with opportunities to attend training either online or in person.

This opportunity is designed for those who:

Are currently freelancing, and have been for at least 6 months

Work within the publishing sector and identify as being at mid‐level in their career (c.3‐8 years of experience)

Have had some experience of coordinating or managing projects

Are interested in developing new skills to help progress their career

Want to connect with a group of like‐minded individuals with similar goals

Currently based within the UK and able to commit to a 12‐month programme

Identify as being from an under‐represented group in the creative industries. 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.

To apply

Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity

You must be a freelance professional working in any role within the publishing sector

After clicking the \’Apply\’ button, you will be directed to the application form

Please answer the questions and upload an up-to‐date CV. Within your CV, please specify whether you have worked with any of the publishing houses listed below during your career:

DK Books

Simon & Schuster UK

HarperCollins

Canongate

Hachette UK

Profile Books

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Sage Publishing

Penguin Random House

Pearson

If you require any access support while completing the application form or would prefer to submit your application in an alternative format (e.g. video or audio recording), please email programmes@creativeaccess.org.uk to discuss further.

Questions?For any queries or for further information, please contact programmes@creativeaccess.org.uk

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