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- Tasks: Support the MCB team in bringing children's and YA books to life through various publishing stages.
- Company: Join Pan Macmillan, a leading UK publisher with a rich history of inspiring readers of all ages.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days' leave, flexible hours, discounts on books, and more perks like free breakfast!
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in publishing while working with beloved authors and iconic stories.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, teamwork, time management, and a passion for children's literature are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, 15-month apprenticeship based in London with some remote work flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 24000 £ 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.
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.
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: £24,000
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 employer: Pan Macmillan
Contact Detail:
Pan Macmillan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Macmillan Children’s Books Publishing Apprentice
✨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 hashtags on social media, join discussions, and participate in forums to demonstrate your passion for the genre and stay updated on trends.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the publishing industry. Attend book fairs, literary events, or webinars where you can meet people from Pan Macmillan or similar companies. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company for your interview. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Macmillan Children’s Books Publishing Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Macmillan Children's Books Publishing Apprentice position. Understand the key responsibilities and skills required, and think about how your experiences align with them.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV specifically for this role. Highlight any relevant experience in publishing, literature, or teamwork. Make sure to showcase your passion for children's and YA literature, as well as any skills that match the job requirements.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Share specific examples of your curiosity and eagerness to learn, and explain why you want to work in children's publishing. Make it personal and engaging to stand out.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in publishing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pan Macmillan
✨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 and any notable authors they work with. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves collaboration with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in a team environment. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and contributed to group projects, showcasing your ability to work well with others.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity and Eagerness to Learn
The company values a naturally curious mindset. Be ready to discuss how you stay updated on market trends and your willingness to learn new skills. Mention any relevant courses or workshops you've attended that relate to publishing or literature.
