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- Tasks: Support the MCB team in bringing children's and YA books to life.
- Company: Join Pan Macmillan, a leading UK publisher with a rich history of captivating stories.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days' leave, flexible hours, discounts on books, and more perks!
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in publishing while working with beloved authors and illustrators.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, teamwork, and a passion for children's literature are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, 15-month apprenticeship based in Farringdon, London.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 24000 ÂŁ per year.
About the company:
Pan Macmillan publishes a broad and vibrant range of books for audiences of all ages – from dazzling bestsellers to influential prize-winners, books to inspire lifelong readers and listeners, to enduring classics for generations to come. The fourth largest UK publisher, we pride ourselves on publishing successfully and sustainably and are committed to working together to positively impact culture and society at large.
Each of our imprints is distinctive, containing the carefully curated collections of different kinds of books published for the widest possible readership. These imprints comprise Bluebird, Bramble, Campbell Books, Harriman House, First Ink, Kingfisher, Macmillan, Macmillan Business, Macmillan Children’s Books, Macmillan Collector’s Library, Mantle, Nightfire, One Boat, Pan, Picador and Tor. Pan Macmillan is part of Macmillan Publishers International Ltd (MPIL), a division of the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, a large family-owned media company based in Stuttgart.
About the team:
Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) is a leading UK children’s publisher with over 150 years of experience creating captivating stories for all ages. As the original publisher of classics such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, MCB continues to shape the future of children’s literature. We are proud to be a leading picture book imprint and home to beloved authors and illustrators such as Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, publishing iconic books including The Gruffalo and Dear Zoo. Our market-leading fiction and Young Adult (YA) lists feature bestselling authors such as Tomi Adeyemi, Hafsah Faizal, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Pari Thomson alongside our acclaimed non-fiction and poetry list, which includes prize winners such as Isabella Tree and Angela Harding’s Wilding, and titans of the poetry world such as Allie Esiri.
About the role:
In this dynamic and supportive role, you will work closely with the MCB team, providing essential support to help bring our incredible children’s and YA books to life. You’ll be a vital part of our team, learning about every stage of a book’s journey while developing crucial skills. You’ll have the opportunity to spend time with the MCB Editorial and Communications teams, gaining insight into their work, and with the UK Sales and Children’s Rights teams, understanding how our books reach young readers and are licensed globally.
Key responsibilities and learnings:
- Managing books through various stages, from initial manuscript review to drafting copy and preparing information for sales, publicity and marketing teams
- Supporting essential tasks such as coordinating with international publishers, managing permissions for text and images and mailing books
- Updating our central bibliographic information system (Biblio), processing invoices and helping with contract and author/illustrator payment approvals
- Acting as a key point of contact for authors, illustrators and colleagues, assisting with queries and fielding external enquiries
- Reading and reporting on submissions, as well as exploring a wide range of children’s books beyond our current list
- Gaining broad industry insight by supporting the MCB Communications team with PR and marketing campaigns, assisting the Rights team with contract administration and book fair preparations and contributing to the Sales team’s retailer presentations and book distribution.
Skills you’ll need to succeed:
- Naturally curious with an eagerness to learn
- Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team
- Willingness to stay up-to-date with market trends
- Excellent time management skills
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond thoughtfully to changing needs
- A passion and desire to work in Children’s and YA literature
- Experience working with software such as MS Office and Google Workspace.
About the programme:
As a Publishing Apprentice, you’ll gain exposure to all of the key stages in the publishing process, starting from the initial conception of a book all the way through to production, sales, marketing and publicity processes. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be invited to monthly 3-hour live sessions hosted online in addition to working on your course content via our online learning platform. To meet the off-the-job requirements for your apprenticeship, you’ll also spend a minimum of 6 hours a week within the workplace developing your publishing knowledge, skills and behaviours listed within your bespoke LDN Training Plan.
Salary: ÂŁ24,000
Full time / part time: Full time
Application deadline: 6 July 2025
Potential start date: 22 September 2025
Qualification: Level 4 Publishing Professional
Duration: 15 months
Some of the benefits we offer:
- 28 days’ annual leave increasing with years of service + bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Discounted private medical insurance
- Group income protection scheme
- Enhanced family pay and leave
- Flexible working hours and summer hours (early finish on a Friday during summer months)
- 2 Volunteer Days per year
- 75% off all Pan Macmillan books and regular staff book sales (highly reduced rates)
- Season ticket loan/advance
- Discounts on shopping and gym memberships; Christmas club savings
- Daily free breakfast and monthly company lunch
This is a full time 15 month fixed term role, and will be based in our offices in Farringdon, London, with some flexibility to work from home each week. All applicants must be able to demonstrate the right to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role. At Pan Macmillan, we are highly committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at every level of our organisation. We welcome applications from all individuals, including any age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. Our efforts to promote DEI are ongoing, and we continually strive to learn and improve our policies and practices.
Macmillan Children’s Books Publishing Apprentice Macmillan Children\'s Books (MCB) · Farringdon,[...] employer: Pan Macmillan Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Pan Macmillan Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Macmillan Children’s Books Publishing Apprentice Macmillan Children\'s Books (MCB) · Farringdon,[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key authors and titles published by Macmillan Children's Books. Understanding their catalogue will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the children's literature community online. Follow relevant social media accounts, join forums, and participate in discussions to stay updated on trends and insights that could be beneficial during your apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Pan Macmillan. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insider knowledge about the company culture and the apprenticeship experience, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the publishing process to ask during any interviews or networking opportunities. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and your proactive approach to understanding the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Macmillan Children’s Books Publishing Apprentice Macmillan Children\'s Books (MCB) · Farringdon,[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Publishing Apprentice position at Macmillan Children's Books. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for children's literature and your eagerness to learn. Mention specific authors or books from Macmillan Children's Books that inspire you, and explain why you want to be part of their team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any relevant experience you have in publishing, literature, or related fields. Include any projects, internships, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills and commitment to the industry.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the publishing industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pan Macmillan Ltd.
✨Show Your Passion for Children's Literature
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for children's and YA literature during the interview. Share your favourite books or authors, and explain why they resonate with you. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the industry.
✨Research Pan Macmillan and MCB
Familiarise yourself with Pan Macmillan's imprints, especially Macmillan Children's Books. Understand their recent publications, key authors, and market trends. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and show that you're proactive.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the role, team dynamics, or the publishing process. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability, as these are crucial for the position.
