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- Tasks: Dive into the world of publishing, working on exciting book projects and gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join Penguin Random House, a leader in publishing bestselling fiction with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Earn the London living wage, gain valuable industry insights, and network with publishing pros.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes the future of literature and champions diverse voices.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 and from a lower socio-economic background; passion for books is essential.
- Other info: Full-time hybrid role for 8 weeks starting July 2026, with flexible work arrangements.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House, publishes bestselling, culture-defining fiction (and non-fiction) with literary credibility and popular appeal. We launch brilliant new careers and take established authors to new heights, combining critical success with commercial ambition. Some bestselling fiction authors include Emily Henry, Imani Erriu, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Yaa Gyasi, Richard Osman, Elif Shafak and Donna Tartt. We also never stop championing the timeless classics on our backlist, from John Steinbeck to Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez.
Responsibilities
- You'll work on structured projects across the life cycle of a book, gaining new insight into how Editorial operates. Tasks may include:
- Reading book proposals, contributing to editorial notes and providing feedback combining editorial evaluations with market research
- Researching for book jacket briefs – identifying genre positioning and comparable titles
- Contributing to persuasive descriptions to feature on book covers and online retail sites (e.g. Amazon)
- Optimising internal Title Information (TI) sheets to ensure clarity, impact, accuracy and tone
- Supporting on mailouts of early copies of books and securing endorsements for our titles
- BookTok and Instagram trend analysis and market research in the romance and romantasy space
- Refreshing the copy for our historic titles (backlist) to increase discoverability
- Attending various departmental and divisional meetings, including our weekly Editorial and Covers visuals/briefing meeting
Knowledge & Skills You'll Gain
- Knowledge of every stage of a book's journey, from acquiring manuscripts to final publication; how teams work together to publish a book; project management; attention to detail; experience working in a fast-paced environment; networking with publishing professionals; understanding essential systems e.g., Microsoft Office, Biblio, PowerBI, Bookscan and the Keyword Management System; knowledge of the fiction market.
About our Summer Internship
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 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 9:30am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. You will be expected to be in person in our London office for at least 2 days per week.
Viking Fiction Editorial Intern in London employer: Penguin Books UK
Contact Detail:
Penguin Books UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Viking Fiction Editorial Intern in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the publishing industry, especially those who work at Penguin Random House. A friendly message on LinkedIn or a casual coffee chat can open doors and give you insider info about the internship.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for books! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the team, share your favourite reads and why they inspire you. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the literary world.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research Viking's recent publications and trends in the fiction market. Bring your insights to the table and discuss how you can contribute to their success. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Viking Fiction Editorial Intern in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Fiction: When you're writing your application, let your love for fiction shine through! Mention your favourite authors or books and how they inspire you. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the world of publishing.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Viking Fiction Editorial Intern role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We’re looking for strong communication skills, so make sure your application is easy to read and free from jargon. A well-structured application will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the internship there, so it’s a win-win!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Books UK
✨Know Your Authors
Familiarise yourself with the bestselling authors published by Viking, like Emily Henry and Yaa Gyasi. Being able to discuss their works and what makes them stand out will show your passion for the role and the industry.
✨Research the Market
Dive into current trends in the fiction market, especially in genres like romance and romantasy. Understanding what's popular on platforms like BookTok and Instagram can help you contribute valuable insights during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Skills
Prepare to discuss any previous experience you have with editorial work, whether it's writing persuasive descriptions or providing feedback on proposals. Bring examples if you can, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions about the internship and the editorial process at Viking. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team effectively.