Adult non-fiction/gallery/commercial intern

Closing date for applications: Sunday 29th September 2026 at 11:59pm

Salary: £23,993 per annum, paid via a tax-free training bursary, equivalent to £28,435

Location: London

Duration: 9 months

Hours: 35 hours a week, working hours are from 9am to 5pm with 1 hour for lunch

Start date: September 2026

Want to turn your interest in books into real publishing experience? Learn the editorial process from inside Simon & Schuster’s adult non-fiction team.

Simon & Schuster UK is one of the leading general book publishing companies in the UK, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and non-fiction for readers of all ages. Based in London, Simon & Schuster operates globally with sister companies in the United States, Canada, Australia and India.

We proudly publish a wide and eclectic mix of authors ranging across commercial fiction, literary fiction, general non-fiction and children's publications. Simon & Schuster UK is home to bestselling authors such as Philippa Gregory, Colleen Hoover, Rupi Kaur, Adam Silvera, Bob Mortimer and Ben Miller, to name only a few.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the adult non-fiction editorial team at Simon & Schuster UK. The trainee will support the team in publishing a broad range of engaging and commercially successful books, while learning how a title progresses from initial proposal and manuscript through to publication.

Working alongside editors and colleagues across the business, the trainee will contribute to both the creative and administrative work involved in publishing. The placement is designed for someone at the beginning of their career, and training and guidance will be provided throughout.

Key activities

The trainee’s responsibilities may include:

• Supporting editors with the day-to-day administration of book projects
• Reading proposals and manuscripts and sharing thoughtful feedback
• Proofreading copy and checking corrections
• Updating internal databases and publication information
• Carrying out research relating to authors, books and the wider market
• Providing general support to the editorial team as required

What you will learn

During the placement, the trainee will develop an understanding of:

• The publishing process, from acquiring a book to publication and beyond
• The role of an editor and the different stages of editorial work
• How manuscripts, cover copy and other publishing materials are prepared
• How editors work with authors and literary agents
• How editorial teams collaborate with design, production, marketing, publicity, sales and rights
• How publishers consider audiences, market trends and the commercial potential of books
• Professional communication, organisation, prioritisation and teamwork in a busy office environment
• The range of roles and possible career paths available within publishing

The trainee will also have opportunities to attend meetings, learn from colleagues across the company and build confidence in contributing ideas and expressing an editorial opinion.

Knowledge, skills and experience

We are not looking for previous publishing experience or specialist knowledge. We would be interested in hearing from applicants who:

• Are enthusiastic about books, ideas and non-fiction
• Are curious about culture and the world around them
• Enjoy reading and discussing a wide variety of subjects
• Have a thoughtful and attentive approach to written work
• Can communicate clearly and respectfully
• Are organised and willing to manage a range of tasks
• Work well with others and are comfortable asking questions
• Show initiative, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
• Have some familiarity with standard computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Outlook, or are willing to learn how to use them

These qualities may have been developed through education, employment, volunteering, caring responsibilities, personal projects or other life experiences.

Academic requirements

There are no specific academic qualifications required for this placement, and a university degree is not necessary. We welcome applicants from all educational backgrounds and recognise that relevant strengths and potential can be demonstrated through many different experiences.

Applicants should be able to engage confidently with written information and communicate their ideas clearly, but we are primarily looking for curiosity, enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to learn.

To apply

• Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity
• Upload your CV and cover letter as one document (applications without a tailored cover letter will not be accepted)
• Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully
• Do not contact the company directly
• Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk
• Please note you will receive an update on your application no later than 6 weeks after the closing date

This opportunity is open to individuals from groups that are under-represented in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: disabled people, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers.

The successful candidate for this opportunity will also participate in a Creative Access support programme that sits alongside workplace training. This includes a programme of induction training, monthly masterclasses, wellbeing support, buddying/mentoring, and more.