At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the editorial team in publishing bestselling non-fiction books and manage various administrative tasks.
- Company: Join Penguin Life, a leading publisher dedicated to making books accessible for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values your ideas and passion for non-fiction.
- Qualifications: No prior publishing experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 33000 £ per year.
Overview
Penguin Life is looking for an Editorial Assistant to work on our list of bestselling non-fiction publishing. The successful candidate will support Penguin Life\'s Publishing Director and will also provide shared support (alongside another Editorial Assistant) to the overall team of seven.
Key Responsibilities (editorial and administrative)
- Providing general office administration e.g., booking meeting rooms, managing diaries, arranging couriers, minuting meetings, processing expenses, processing invoices, sending out proof mailings, arranging for author advanced copies, dealing with general author and agent queries
- Managing book and prize submissions
- Maintaining internal systems
- Proofreading book covers
- Preparing editorial material for the sales, communications, and rights teams
- Researching book ideas and offering feedback on book proposals and manuscripts
What you’ll bring
You don’t need previous publishing experience. You do need an interest in non-fiction, a willingness and ability to learn, and passion for our mission to make books for everyone, because a book can change anyone.
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable interest in Penguin Life and Penguin General
- Proven written ability showcased through your application
- Experience/ Knowledge of MS Office Excel/Word/ Outlook
- Demonstrable understanding of managing multiple stakeholders at varying seniorities
- Demonstrable communication skills
Preferred Criteria
- Is a team-player, with excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a knack for working closely with a diverse team
- Is highly efficient, organised, and proactive, with the ability to prioritise a demanding workload
- Has a meticulous eye for detail and for spotting (and solving) problems before they arise
- Has a curiosity for new ideas, wherever they come from
Disability Confident
If you have opted into our disability confident scheme, you must meet the above essential criteria 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.
Application instructions
- Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 28th September 2025. Include a cover letter as part of your assessment.
- We anticipate a two-stage interview process consisting of a virtual first stage and an in-person second stage.
Salary
£27,500 plus benefits.
What you can expect from us
Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition.
Our Benefits Include
- Financial discounted shopping, season ticket loan, rental deposit loan
- Wellbeing healthcare cash plan, employee assistance, gym loan
- Lifestyle taste card, tech scheme, free and discounted books
Hybrid working
While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect the successful candidate to work from our London office a minimum of two days per week, with a maximum of three days per week working from home.
About Penguin
Were the UKs largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.
The recruitment process
You can read about our recruitment process at the following link.
Editorial Assistant (Penguin Life) in City of London employer: Kids Jewellery Parties
At Penguin Life, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including financial perks, wellbeing support, and flexible hybrid working arrangements, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of London. Join us in our mission to make books for everyone, where your passion for non-fiction can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Editorial Assistant (Penguin Life) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Penguin Life inside out! Research their bestselling non-fiction titles and understand their mission. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, join relevant groups, and engage in conversations about publishing. You never know who might give you a heads-up about opportunities!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills align with the responsibilities listed, especially around managing multiple stakeholders and communication. Practise your answers and be ready to showcase your passion for non-fiction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Penguin Life team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Editorial Assistant (Penguin Life) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your genuine interest in non-fiction and Penguin Life in your cover letter. We want to see that you’re excited about the role and our mission to make books accessible for everyone!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do at Penguin Life.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A meticulous eye for detail is key in this role, so let’s start strong by showcasing that in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids Jewellery Parties
✨Know Your Penguin Life
Before the interview, dive deep into Penguin Life's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their bestselling non-fiction titles and understand what makes them unique. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your passion for books to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent verbal and written communication, prepare examples that highlight your skills. Think of times when you successfully managed multiple stakeholders or resolved queries effectively. Practising these anecdotes will help you articulate your experiences confidently during the interview.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
The job demands a high level of organisation and the ability to prioritise tasks. Come prepared with a plan on how you would manage the responsibilities listed in the job description. You could even create a mock schedule to demonstrate your proactive approach to handling multiple tasks.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the editorial process, or upcoming projects at Penguin Life. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
