Hachette UK launches Changing the Story Freelancer Training Programme

Hachette UK has launched its Changing the Story Freelancer Training Programme, which will offer five fully funded editorial freelance placements to successful applicants interested in working in publishing, exclusively in a freelance capacity.

Created in partnership with Inspired Selection and The Publishing Training Centre, the six-month programme is designed to make publishing more accessible. No experience is required, though the desire to work in a freelance capacity is essential.

Applications are open now and close on 8th September 2023. Entrants will be required to supply their CV, answer three questions to convey their interest, and complete a short proofreading test. Suzy Astbury, managing director of Inspired Selection, will join the panel to find the five successful applicants.

The part-time training programme will take place over the course of six months, with the first phase running in partnership with The Publishing Training Centre. It will cover project management, proofreading, and copyediting, and provide each trainee with the skills they would need to launch their freelance career.

The second phase will give each trainee the opportunity to put their skills into practice on freelance editorial scenarios, working alongside a mentor at Hachette UK to give them the best foundation for launching their freelance career.  In addition, Hachette UK has created an open call for any current freelances who wish to work with Hachette UK on editorial projects and be added to their database. They invite freelances to share their details and experience by completing a form, which can be accessed here.

Katie Packer, editorial director of Trapeze, said: “It’s important that we have representative teams working on our books, and this is just as true for our in-house teams as our freelance workforce. Different perspectives in the editorial process can enhance books in exciting ways, and I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact this can have on books I’ve published. This scheme is one step towards levelling the playing field, making becoming a freelance editor more accessible and achievable for those who might not know where to start. I hope this initiative opens the doors to many more people and gives them a springboard to forge a career in this industry.”

Anna Bond, managing director of Octopus Publishing Group, said: “It has been a hugely energising process working with a team across Hachette UK to build the Changing the Story Freelancer Training Programme and the open call for freelances. I hope that both enable a new, diverse group of people to consider publishing as a career and to easily apply to Hachette for freelance opportunities in line with their skills and interests.”