Dive into the world of non-fiction publishing and develop key editorial skills! Gain hands-on experience in book acquisition, research, and project management while working with a dynamic team at Viking, home to bestselling authors.
A bit about the team:
Founded in the UK forty years ago, Viking is the longstanding home for high-quality, culture defining writers across fiction and non-fiction. We love publishing books that combine brilliant writing with popular appeal, that hit the bestseller lists, win prizes and shed light on the world around us.
Viking Non-fiction has a dynamic and entrepreneurial editorial team of seven, specialising in history, science, nature, memoir, popular culture and current affairs. Our authors include world leaders Michelle Obama, Barack Obama and Pope Francis; historians Ben Macintyre and Anthony Bale; memoirists Diane Abbott and Deepa Paul; and prize-winning journalists John Preston, Adam Higginbotham and Sathnam Sanghera.
Projects you’ll be working on:
As part of the Viking Non-Fiction Editorial team, you’ll gain an exciting and insightful overview of the acquiring and publishing work that takes place each day at a leading non-fiction imprint.
This is a unique opportunity to be involved in every aspect of a book’s life cycle, from acquisition to publication, including contributing to editorial feedback on live projects, reading new submissions, attending departmental and divisional meetings (including Editorial, Acquisitions and Covers), and supporting the launch of our exciting Autumn list.
Many of the books we publish at Viking start out as an idea – whether that’s an interesting article we’ve read, an up-and-coming academic, someone sparking a conversation online, or someone that can transform our understanding of the world around us. During the internship, you’ll also have a rare opportunity to learn about and contribute to this integral work that is at the heart of bringing value and voices to PRH and the wider world.
Tasks you will be doing might include:
- Contributing to editorial notes on a live project
- Reading and reporting on submissions from agents, offering your opinions and evaluating commercial potential
- Supporting on mailouts and securing endorsements for our lead Autumn titles
- Researching topics for potential new non-fiction proposals within our core areas (history, science, current affairs, memoir and pop culture)
- Looking for creative ways to identify and approach potential authors, whether that’s identifying a topic they recently spoke about on the radio or finding a niche interest that fits perfectly with our Viking list
Knowledge and skills you’ll develop:
- An insight into all aspects of successfully publishing non-fiction books in a busy and dynamic editorial team
- Strong project management skills, excellent attention to detail and the experience of working in a fast-paced environment
- An understanding of departments across the business, including Sales, Marketing, Publicity, Rights and Production, and how they are all hugely important in how we publish a book
- Experience developing book ideas and researching potential authors
- Confidence communicating and networking with publishing professionals
- An understanding of the systems that are integral to the smooth running of the department, including Microsoft Office, Biblio, PowerBI, Bookscan and Keyword Management System
How to Apply
Apply via a written application form - link on our website
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].