About Penguin
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.
Publicity Assistant – Vintage
We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and organised team player to join the award-winning Vintage Publicity team as a Publicity Assistant.
About the team
Vintage is a division of Penguin Random House, the world’s largest publisher. We publish a broad range of literary fiction and non-fiction, and in the last year the publicity team have delivered unmissable campaigns for writers including Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Salman Rushdie, Booker Prize winner David Szalay, Irvine Welsh, Costa winner Sarah Perry, Jo Nesbo, Jeanette Winterson, Ocean Vuong, Rory Stewart, Katie Kitamura, Susan Choi, Alison Bechdel and many more.
The role
As Publicity Assistant, you will provide administrative support to ensure the day-to-day smooth running of the team. In return, we can offer invaluable PR experience, a wide understanding of the publishing process, and the opportunity to work with a variety of stakeholders in the industry. You will learn first-hand how we plan and deliver industry-leading PR campaigns that launch and nurture writing careers, and create bestsellers.
Key responsibilities:
- Acting as the point of contact for the publicity department, liaising with internal colleagues, journalists and events organisers
- Providing administrative support e.g. scheduling meetings, organising mailings, booking travel and accommodation, maintaining databases, responding to media requests for information and content
- Managing and updating budget sheets, raising and coding purchase orders or invoices
- Assisting publicists with their campaigns e.g. organising travel arrangements, preparing author schedules and accompanying authors to media and events
- Overseeing work experience interns
What you’ll bring
Essential criteria:
- An enthusiasm for books and publishing
- Strong personal organisation and time management skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise effectively under pressure
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of people
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced working environment
- The ability to think creatively to solve problems
- An enthusiastic, proactive, and collaborative team player
Disability Confident
If you have opted into our disability confident scheme, the above are the essential criteria you must meet to be considered for our interview scheme. Please note, there may be occasions where the volume of applicants means we can’t take all eligible candidates to interview.
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 15 th February 2026.
As part of your cover letter, please tell us about a book that recently caught your attention through a piece of media and share your thoughts on why in a maximum 200 words.
- Please ensure you include a cover letter, as it is a crucial part of our assessment process. The cover letter offers an opportunity to show how your experience and interests align with the role requirements. Typically, we expect the cover letter to be no more than one or two pages in length.
- Please note we are looking for someone to join the team as soon as possible, but we are also happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate.
- We anticipate a two-stage interview process which will include a virtual first-stage interview and in-person second stage interview. We are happy to discuss this further with you throughout the recruitment process.
Here at Penguin, we believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. When you apply for a position, we want to encourage you to showcase your unique voice. Throughout our recruitment process, please share your own thoughts, experiences, and skills. This helps us get a true sense of who you are and what you might bring to our team. We celebrate creativity and diverse perspectives, so please be yourself! While we recognise AI tools can be helpful, we recommend using them thoughtfully to ensure your responses reflect you.
Salary
£29,000 plus benefits.
Hybrid working
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 the successful candidate to work from our London-based office on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and offer the remaining two days to be worked remotely.