Step into the world of bestselling fiction and fantasy. Penguin Michael Joseph publishes some of the world’s most popular authors — and as a trainee, you’ll help shape stories that readers can’t put down.
Penguin Michael Joseph publishes some of the world’s most popular authors. We specialise in women’s fiction, crime, thriller, cookery, memoir and lifestyle books. Many of our authors are now, or soon will be, household names, here in the UK and around the world. In a crowded market, our books shine. Earlier this year we were excited to announce our partnership with Red Tower Books, a US publisher who are home to authors like Rebecca Yarros and Hannah Nicole Maehrer. We will be launching Red Tower’s sister imprint, Mayhem Books, in 2026, publishing a range of fantasy, romance, crime and horror titles for young adult readers.
As an editorial trainee with Michael Joseph, you will work predominantly on Michael Joseph’s flourishing fantasy lists, including the Red Tower and Mayhem imprints, with the opportunity to be involved in every stage of the publishing process. You’ll support Michael Joseph’s Fantasy Taskforce with reading submissions and providing feedback and you’ll have the opportunity to attend and contribute to cover art and campaign meetings. You’ll take the lead on some administrative tasks including mailing out proofs, writing the Fiction team newsletter and ensuring metadata is up to date.
Knowledge and skills you’ll gain: an insight into the inner workings of a leading fantasy imprint; a detailed understanding of the publishing critical path, from acquisition to publication; organisational skills; communication skills; IT proficiency across Microsoft Office, Biblio, Power BI and SAP P2P invoice processing.
If you’re interested in fantasy titles and consider yourself to be creative and innovative, this could be the role for you.
How to Apply
No need to spend ages crafting the perfect CV and cover letter – to apply to The Scheme, you will answer three short questions on an inclusive hiring platform called Applied. We’ll ask you about three of the core qualities or universal skills that we’re looking for in all of our trainees. In this application form, we’ll also ask you to tell us your top 3 preferences of the roles available on this year’s programme. We will anonymously score answers to determine the highest scoring applicants.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].