At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into the world of editorial work, from proofreading to author meetings.
- Company: Join Penguin Random House UK, a leader in publishing diverse voices.
- Benefits: Paid internship at London living wage with valuable industry experience.
- Other info: Full-time hybrid role with excellent networking opportunities in a creative environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for passionate readers eager to shape the future of storytelling.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 and from a lower socio-economic background.
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 and 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 in London employer: Penguin Books UK
At Penguin Random House UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our Harvill Editorial Internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment, where you will receive comprehensive training and mentorship while working alongside passionate professionals in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth and diversity, we aim to empower new voices in publishing, making this internship not just a job, but a meaningful step towards a rewarding career in the literary world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harvill Editorial Intern in London
✨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 landing the internship. We all love a good chat about books!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to editorial roles. Think about how your passion for crime, thriller, or romance fiction can contribute to Harvill's mission. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨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. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Harvill Editorial Intern in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your love for crime, thriller, or romance fiction shine through! Share your favourite reads 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 CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the internship's focus on editorial work, like proofreading or submission assessment. We want to see how you can contribute!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We appreciate authenticity and want to get to know the real you. Share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your interest in publishing.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our summer internship programme there.
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 Editorial Processes
Get a good grasp of what Biblio is and how metadata updates work. Understanding these tools will impress the interviewers and show that you're proactive about learning the ropes.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions about the imprint's direction and recent publications. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the company, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Show Your Initiative
Share examples of times you've taken initiative, whether in reading, writing, or any relevant projects. This aligns perfectly with the internship's focus on contributing actively to the team.
