Publicist (12-month-FTC)
Are you looking for your next role in PR? Do you love good books and like to share that love? Do you have what it takes to deliver game-changing, creative campaigns? We are looking for a Publicist to join the Penguin Press division to work on campaigns for some of our biggest books. This opportunity is offered on 12-month fixed term contract, covering a period of parental leave in the team.
About the team
Press is one of Penguin Random House’s nine publishing houses, and comprises Allen Lane, Pelican, Particular Books and the world-famous Penguin Classics library. Home to serious and groundbreaking non-fiction in hardback and paperback, plus the extended family of classic fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama, we have established a reputation for books that bring new ideas to readers and represent the best in editorial and design standards. Our authors include Michael Pollan, Claudia Rankine, James Rebanks, Mariana Mazzucato, Carlo Rovelli and Jared Diamond. Recently published into Penguin Classics are works by Brigitte Reimann, Tove Ditlevsen and Yukio Mishima. This role will be working on campaigns across the breadth of Penguin Press.
The role
We’re looking for a creative publicist who can take book and brand campaigns from inception through implementation and beyond. You’ll work closely with high profile authors and agents, as well as colleagues in editorial, marketing and sales, so we’re looking for someone with strong communication skills and an understanding of working with high-profile talent. You’ll need a knowledge of integrated PR across print, digital, broadcast, radio and social media, as well as experience managing events. We’re looking for someone with a network of contacts in media and events, and who thrives engaging with online communities, influencers, and upcoming trends. We’ll want to know of situations where you’ve been able to secure national coverage for a campaign and be creative in your promotions. You don’t need a publishing background and we’re interested in a range of experience, so you might be looking for the next step up or perhaps come from an arts, culture, media or theatre PR background.
Key responsibilities:
- Independently create, plan and drive publicity campaigns – often involving high profile / bestselling authors – by generating coverage for books and authors through print, radio, TV, podcasts, social media and other online platforms to drive sales
- Strategically target publicity towards identified readership / media segment
- Liaise with author / agent and other stakeholders to agree publicity strategy and generate / manage the schedule
- Organise, manage and attend large scale author publicity events / tours /dinners / parties etc and ensure these come within budget
- Establish and maintain media / trade / agent relationships. The Publicist is expected to have close relationships with key contacts across the media
- Build relationships with authors and provide the highest level of author care at all times
- Actively research the marketplace and readership to maintain excellent awareness of trends and to identify target audiences
- Create and write press materials
- Liaise regularly with other departments, especially sales, rights and marketing, in order to plan, enact and review campaigns
What you’ll bring
Essential criteria:
- Proven experience of designing and managing publicity campaigns within a publishing / media environment at Press Officer level (ideally at Senior Press Officer level)
- Established media contacts and excellent relationships with key contacts
- Experience of using a variety of social media platforms
- Good PC skills (including Microsoft Office)
- Demonstrable love of books and reading
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 21st January 2026. As part of your Cover Letter, we would like you to answer the following questions in no more than 300 words. Tell us about a non-fiction book that has changed you and why.
- 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.
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 £37,000 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. For this role we expect that you will be in our Embassy Gardens Office for a minimum of 3 days a week.