Job Description

Publicist (6-month Fixed-Term Contract)

Do you want to introduce readers to some of the world's greatest books and authors?

Penguin Press is looking for an ambitious, creative and commercially minded Publicist to join our award-winning team on a 6-month fixed-term contract, starting 1 November 2026.

You'll lead publicity campaigns for some of the world's greatest literary works alongside outstanding contemporary writers, finding fresh audiences for books that have shaped culture and deserve to be read for generations to come.

About the team

Penguin Press is home to Allen Lane, Pelican, Particular Books and the world-famous Penguin Classics.

Our publishing spans rediscovered classics, landmark translations and internationally acclaimed contemporary writing.

Recent and forthcoming authors include Lee Seong Bok, Thea Lenarduzzi, Georges Simenon, Romain Gary, Aya Koda, Albert Cossery, Anatoly Marienhof and Andrea Bajani.

The role

We're looking for someone who combines creativity with excellent judgement, thinks strategically, communicates brilliantly and enjoys working collaboratively.

You'll develop and deliver integrated publicity campaigns from first idea to final result, working closely with authors, agents and colleagues across Editorial, Marketing and Sales.

You'll understand today's media landscape across print, broadcast, podcasts, digital and social, and enjoy finding imaginative ways to make classic and literary works feel timely, relevant and culturally essential.

We're looking for someone with excellent judgement and original ideas, someone who enjoys asking, "How can we make people care about this book?" and isn't afraid to try something new to find the answer.

You'll join a team that values curiosity, generous collaboration, creative ambition and continuous learning, where people are encouraged to think critically, challenge constructively and support one another to do their best work.

You don't need previous publishing experience, but you should have a genuine enthusiasm for literature, culture and ideas, and be excited by the opportunity to introduce exceptional books to new readers.

Key responsibilities

• Lead ambitious publicity campaigns across print, broadcast, podcasts, digital and social media.
• Develop original campaign ideas that maximise commercial and cultural impact.
• Build outstanding relationships with authors, agents, journalists, broadcasters, influencers and event partners.
• Work collaboratively with Editorial, Marketing, Sales and Rights to deliver integrated campaigns.
• Identify imaginative ways to connect literary books with contemporary conversations and new audiences.
• Plan and deliver author events, tours and promotional activity, managing budgets effectively.
• Write compelling press releases, pitches and campaign materials.
• Evaluate campaigns, share insights and apply learning to future work.
• Contribute to a collaborative, ambitious team culture where creativity, experimentation and continuous learning flourish.
• Demonstrate excellent judgement, accountability and a willingness to challenge constructively in pursuit of outstanding results.

What you'll bring

Essential criteria

• Experience delivering successful publicity campaigns in a creative industry, ideally at Publicity Manager or Senior Publicity Manager level.
• Excellent relationships with media contacts.
• A track record of generating standout coverage through creativity, strategic thinking and strong execution.
• Confidence building trusted relationships with authors, agents and colleagues.
• Excellent communication, organisation and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Curiosity about the changing media landscape across traditional and emerging platforms.
• An appreciation of literature, culture and ideas, and an enthusiasm for introducing exceptional books to new readers.

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.

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter by 4th of August 2026.

As part of your cover letter, please answer the following question:

Tell us about a book you wish more people were reading today. Why is it still relevant, and how would you persuade a modern audience to pick it up? (Maximum 300 words)

We're looking for someone to join us from 1 November 2026, but we're happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate.

We believe in the power of authenticity and human creativity. We want to hear your ideas, experiences and voice. While AI tools can be useful, please use them thoughtfully and ensure your application reflects you.

Salary

Around £53,000 per annum pro rata, plus benefits.

Working pattern

This is a part-time role (3 days per week). We offer flexibility in how those hours are worked, for example, across three full days or spread over five shorter days, subject to business needs.

Hybrid working

Our office days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and we expect the successful candidate to work from our Embassy Gardens office on one of those days. The remaining hours can be worked remotely where appropriate.

Additional Information

Disclosure requirements pertaining to the collection of your personal data:

Responsible for processing the information provided in your application is the company specified in the job advertisement, with its registered office as indicated. The company processes your data for the purpose of establishing an employment relationship on the basis of Art. 6 (1) b GDPR / Section 26 (1) sentence 1 BDSG.

The retention period for your data is determined by the statutory time limits applicable in the respective country, beginning upon completion of the recruitment process. You can find these here.

You can contact the company’s Data Protection Officer at the above-mentioned postal address. 

Further information on data protection and your rights can be found here.
 

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