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- Tasks: Join a year-long programme to enhance your publishing career through training and networking.
- Company: Creative Access partners with top publishing houses to support freelancers.
- Benefits: Gain mentorship, training, and access to exclusive events in the publishing industry.
- Why this job: Unlock your potential and connect with like-minded professionals in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Freelancers with 3-8 years of experience in publishing and a desire to grow.
- Other info: Open to under-represented groups in the creative industries across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
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. 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 programme
The 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
Publishing Freelancers: Thrive Development Programme employer: Hachette UK
Contact Detail:
Hachette UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Publishing Freelancers: Thrive Development Programme
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with others in the publishing industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that showcase your talent and how you can add value to their team.
✨Follow Up
After meeting someone or applying for a position, don’t forget to follow up! A quick email thanking them for their time or expressing your continued interest can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing a spot in the Thrive Development Programme. It’s a fantastic opportunity to grow your career, so don’t miss out on this chance to unlock your potential!
We think you need these skills to ace Publishing Freelancers: Thrive Development Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the publishing industry. Highlight any relevant experience with the listed publishing houses, as this will show us you’re a great fit for the Thrive programme.
Be Authentic: When answering the application questions, be yourself! We want to hear your unique story and how your experiences have shaped your career in publishing. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about the Thrive programme! Share your goals and how you believe this opportunity will help you grow in your freelance career. Passionate applicants often catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our Creative Access website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK
✨Know Your Publishing Houses
Familiarise yourself with the ten publishing houses involved in the Thrive Development Programme. Understand their values, recent projects, and what they look for in freelancers. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Freelance Experience
Be ready to discuss your freelance journey in detail. Highlight specific projects you've managed or coordinated, and how these experiences have prepared you for the Thrive programme. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the programme and the publishing industry. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the programme aligns with your career goals. Questions about mentorship opportunities or networking events can be particularly effective.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Since the programme focuses on supporting under-represented groups, be prepared to discuss how your background and experiences contribute to diversity in the publishing sector. Share your thoughts on the importance of representation and how you plan to advocate for equal access in your career.
