At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into the world of editorial work, reading submissions and contributing to exciting projects.
- Company: Join Penguin Random House UK, a leader in publishing with a focus on diverse voices.
- Benefits: Paid internship at London living wage, with valuable training and experience.
- Why this job: Perfect for passionate readers eager to shape the future of international fiction.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 and from a lower socio-economic background.
- Other info: Full-time hybrid role, with 8 weeks of immersive training starting July 2026.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Are you a varied, ambitious reader with sharp instincts and initiative? Obsessed with crime & thriller fiction or romance? Do you want to understand how international fiction is positioned and published? If you’re eager to immerse yourself in a focused editorial team and contribute actively, this could be the role for you.
Harvill publishes addictive storytelling from around the world, championing immersive contemporary fiction and bold new voices. The imprint is evolving its identity and offers a close‑knit editorial environment.
Over eight weeks, you’ll focus on core editorial training, including:
- Biblio use
- Metadata updates
- Prize submissions
- Minute‑taking
- Proofreading cover copy
You’ll read submissions alongside the team, contribute your perspective and shadow author meetings. You’ll also gain exposure to marketing and publicity collaboration as the imprint positions key summer publications. The internship is designed to build a strong foundation for entry‑level editorial roles while giving insight into how an imprint sharpens its direction and voice.
Knowledge and skills you’ll gain:
- Biblio proficiency
- Proofreading
- Submission assessment
- Author liaison exposure
- Prize administration
- Cross‑department relationships
- Editorial workflow understanding
This role is part of our summer internship programme at Penguin Random House UK. Please note that our summer internship is a positive action training programme, aimed at bringing new voices into the business. As a result, we will only be accepting applications from candidates who identify as coming from a lower socio‑economic background. You can find more information about this eligibility criteria on our careers site or in the application form.
You must also be over the age of 18 and have the existing right to work in the UK in order to apply for this internship role. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visas as the summer internship does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship.
Applications close on Sunday 29th March at 23:59. Our summer interns are paid the London living wage. Summer interns will be expected to join us in the business for 8 weeks from Monday 6th July 2026. Please note that this is a full‑time hybrid position. You will be working from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. You will be expected to be in person in our London office for at least 2 days per week.
Harvill Editorial Intern employer: Penguin Books UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Books UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Harvill Editorial Intern
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Dive into Harvill's recent publications and understand their style. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns and employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to editorial roles. Think about how your passion for crime & thriller fiction or romance can contribute to Harvill's mission. We want to see your enthusiasm!
✨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 team at Penguin Random House UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Harvill Editorial Intern
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your love for crime, thriller, or romance fiction shine through! Share your favourite books and what makes them special to you. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for our editorial team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the role of an Editorial Intern. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like proofreading or submission assessment.
Be Authentic: We want to hear your unique voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates, so be yourself and share your perspective.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Books UK
✨Know Your Genre
Make sure you brush up on crime, thriller, and romance fiction. Be ready to discuss your favourite books and authors in these genres. This shows your passion and helps you connect with the editorial team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Biblio
Since you'll be using Biblio during your internship, it’s a good idea to get a basic understanding of how it works. Look for online tutorials or guides that can help you navigate the platform before your interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the imprint's direction and recent publications. This demonstrates your interest in their work and shows that you’re proactive about understanding their editorial vision.
✨Show Your Initiative
Be ready to share examples of how you've taken initiative in past experiences, whether in reading, writing, or any relevant projects. This will highlight your ambition and readiness to contribute actively to the team.