Assistant Editor, Puffin

Join to apply for the Assistant Editor, Puffin role at Penguin Random House UK

We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.

Changing lives through words – this is what we do. By entertaining and educating, we aim to publish for every child everywhere, and take young people on an incredible journey from their first independent reading experiences right through to their teen years and beyond. From Jeff Kinney to Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman to Jennifer Lynn Barnes, our fiction team works with some of the biggest names and brightest new authors and illustrators to bring stories to life.

The role

Are you passionate about children’s publishing? Do you have creative thinking and an eye for detail, and want to work on some of the biggest children’s authors and brands? Are you interested in learning how a successful creative business works, and being part of its ongoing success and growth? We have an exciting new opportunity for an Assistant Editor to join the Puffin 6+ fiction team working on our books, ranging from early chapter books and graphic novels through to young adult novels.

Key responsibilities:

This role is varied, and you can expect no two days to be the same. Reporting into one of the Fiction Publishers, you will be responsible for managing the editorial workflow and project managing a wide range of books through to publication. While this position will have a focus on primary fiction (covering books for readers of 5-7, 7-9 and 9-12) there will also be the chance to develop and hone your editorial skills working across the breadth of the Puffin Fiction list, including teen, YA and crossover, making this a well-rounded role where your development is as important as the support you’re giving. You can expect the role to include:

• Being responsible for keeping our books on their critical path, staying organised and keeping schedules up to date, including inputting information onto our systems
• Supporting the senior team on their books and brand projects and, in time, taking on independent management of these
• Having direct contact with our authors, illustrators and agents, providing excellent and professional care and being the first point of call
• Writing and editing text, including our Title Information sheets and cover copy for the books
• Managing meeting set-ups and briefing internal and external stakeholders on the current status of various projects
• Reading submissions – both those sent directly to you and as requested by other members of the editorial team – and contributing to discussions around potential acquisitions
• You will have a confident and flexible approach and be able to work well under pressure without compromising quality. This is a rewarding, but busy role, so good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects are essential.

What you’ll bring

You don’t necessarily need to have worked in children’s publishing before, but you will have worked in or around books or words beforehand and bring a love for all things children’s literature. This role would be ideal for a candidate who is looking to build a successful career in publishing and offers the opportunity to develop your own editorial tastes with the support of an experienced and exciting team. You’ll be organised, have excellent attention to detail and will be a collaborative team player with an ambitious outlook towards your work. This role will work closely with a variety of editors, designers, authors, agents and brand owners, as well as various teams internally, from rights and production to sales and marketing colleagues, so you’ll be a confident communicator and ready to get stuck in!

Application instructions

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 17th October 2025.

As part of your cover letter, we’d like you to respond to the following question (no more than 300 words in total):

We’re looking for someone with a real interest in primary fiction. Tell us about a young fiction or middle-grade book published in the last two years which has impressed or interested you. What stood out?

Circa £30,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will be in the office a minimum of 3 days a week, including Tuesday as a mandatory in-office day.

Equal Opportunities

Penguin Random House UK is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.