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.
Press Officer, Vintage
Join the award-winning team of book publicists at Vintage – a division of Penguin Random House, the world’s leading book publishing company. At Vintage, we are dedicated to bold publishing. Our books encourage all sorts of readers all over the world to think differently in big and small ways. We make a book the best of its kind, with publishing expertise and world-class design. Our heritage gives us confidence to find the next big thing, knowing the most exceptional is yet to come. Making books is a team effort, and whether that’s a team of two or eighty-two, we share every triumph. We pour care into our craft, our authors and each other – because there’s no limit to a good book
The role
As Press Officer, you will be responsible for planning and implementing publicity and events campaigns for a range of non-fiction and fiction books, from launching new voices to promoting established writers across a wide range of genres from literary fiction, crime fiction and memoir to graphic novels, history, politics, nature writing and more. You will have direction from senior publicity colleagues, and will collaborate with other publicists on campaigns. You will liaise between internal departments, from marketing and sales to rights and editorial, and communicate effectively with authors and agents, and other external stakeholders. Alongside this, you can expect to:
- Write press releases; create targeted mailing lists; place features, interviews and reviews across broadcast, print and online media.
- Plan and schedule events, signings, and festival appearance.
- Accompany authors on press tours and to events, working evenings and weekends where appropriate.
- Manage your campaign budgets: estimating costs, staying within budget and processing invoices.
- Communicate effectively with authors and agents, including presenting campaign plans and results.
- Initiate and maintain relationships with journalists, festival and events organisers.
- Read acquisitions and provide feedback from a PR angle.
- Undertake general administrative tasks as required to support the department, eg maintaining databases, catalogue mailings, seasonal press releases.
What you’ll bring
We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive team player with good communication, organisation and time management skills. You don’t need to have come from a publishing background; you may have worked as a Publicity Assistant or Press Officer in a PR agency, or within the arts, creative or media industries. Our perfect candidate will have some knowledge of publicity having supported on media and events campaigns, and are ready to make the next step, focusing on literary publicity. Importantly, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment, come to work eager and ready to learn and be curious and interested by our books.
Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role are listed as part of the ‘What you’ll bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable with, for us to support your request.
Application instructions
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on 5 th of January 2026. 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 Circa , £31,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and 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 The Vintage colleagues work from our Embassy Gardens office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and, once team and divisional considerations have been taken into account, have the flexibility to choose where to work on other days of the week.