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UK Jobs 2026 - Editorial Assistant - Vintage (Classics and Catalogue)
We are offering a rare chance for an organised, curious and creatively-minded Editorial Assistant to join the Vintage Classics and Catalogue team. You will report to the Publishing Director and mainly provide administrative support across the lifecycle of our already published books.
About the team
Vintage publishes many of the world’s best-loved authors. Our list includes a wide range of voices and styles, and the Classics and Catalogue team works quickly and creatively to present these books to readers in new ways.
The role
You will support the smooth running of the Vintage Classics list and our Catalogue publishing, reporting to the Publishing Director. This is primarily an administrative post with good opportunities to observe editorial work closely and to contribute ideas for future projects.
Key responsibilities
- Support daily office tasks such as booking meeting rooms, arranging couriers, answering calls and taking meeting minutes
- Keep data on our publishing systems accurate and up to date
- Code invoices and help arrange payments to authors
- Act as a point of contact for authors, agents, estates and colleagues across the business
- Help the editorial team with tasks in the book production process as required
What we’re looking for
You do not need prior publishing experience — we will train you. We are looking for someone with a real curiosity to learn and a strong interest in classic and contemporary fiction and non-fiction.
Essential criteria
- Good organisational and time-management skills
- The ability to manage several tasks and competing priorities
- Strong attention to detail
- Clear, professional communication skills for a wide range of people
- An entrepreneurial approach and the ability to work at pace
Accessibility and inclusion
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including African and Asian immigrants. If you are applying from overseas, or if English is not your first language, please let us know if you would find it helpful to have extra support during the application or interview stages (for example, more time, written instructions, or an interpreter). We will consider reasonable adjustments and are happy to discuss what would help you take part fully.
Disability Confident
If you have opted into our Disability Confident scheme, the essential criteria above are the requirements you must meet to be considered for the interview stage. Please note that, depending on the number of applicants, we may not be able to interview all eligible candidates.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are right for this role by 11:59pm on 21 January 2026. The cover letter is an important part of our assessment; it helps us understand how your experience and interests match the role. We suggest the cover letter is no more than one or two A4 pages.
We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible, but we can accommodate a reasonable notice period.
Interview process
We expect a two-stage interview process: a virtual first interview followed by an in-person second interview. If you need any adjustments for interviews, please tell us and we will do our best to help.
Our approach
At Penguin, we value authenticity and human creativity. When you apply, please use your own voice and share your experiences and skills — these give us the best sense of who you are and what you could bring to the team. If you use AI tools, please ensure your application still reflects your own words and ideas.
Salary and benefits
£29,000 per year plus benefits.
Working pattern
This is a hybrid role based in London. We expect the successful candidate to be in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the other two days available to work remotely.
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