- Only 8% of publishing freelancers report having mentorship access, and 1 in 2 feel unsupported by employers
- Backed by 10 trade and academic publishers, the Thrive career development programme will provide 15 essential training and support places for minority freelancers
12 January 2026 – The UK’s leading diversity, equity and inclusion social enterprise Creative Access has – for the second consecutive year – secured sponsorship from across the publishing industry to support mid-level freelancers from under-represented backgrounds through sponsored places on its Thrive career development programme.
This initiative addresses a significant gap in professional support for freelancers, who provide essential services to the publishing sector, yet who often lack access to crucial career development resources like training, mentorship and networking opportunities.
For the second year, a group of 10 leading trade and academic publishers have gathered together to sponsor a cohort of 15 individuals on the Creative Access Thrive programme. These organisations are: Cambridge University Press and Assessment, Canongate, DK, Hachette, HarperCollins, Pearson, Penguin Random House, Profile Books, Sage Publications and Simon & Schuster.
On re-launching the scheme, Josie Dobrin OBE, executive chair & co-founder, Creative Access, said: “We had fantastic feedback from the 2025 programme participants, so we are over the moon that the sector has gathered together again to support publishing freelances from marginalised communities. This is real strength in numbers – the sector coming together to collectively address the challenges faced by the book industry. This is a great model for other creative industries; we know what a vital freelancers pay, yet many, especially from minority backgrounds, face barriers to career growth and support. This programme will once again help ensure that all individuals – whatever their background – feel valued and are given the opportunity to thrive.”
Serita Bonsignore, global director, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) at Cambridge University Press & Assessment said: “We’re proud to renew our support for Creative Access’s Thrive programme. A representative industry depends on sustained investment in the talent pipeline and Thrive equips under‑represented talent with the skills, mentoring and networks to progress and stay in publishing. and sustain long‑term careers.”
Jessica Harris, HR director at Simon & Schuster said: “We’re delighted to sponsor Thrive and support Creative Access in expanding access, opportunity and career development for under-represented freelancers. This builds on our DEI work at Simon & Schuster UK and reinforces our belief that diverse talent and inclusive opportunities strengthen both our industry and the stories we bring to readers.”
Julie Fielding, HR business partner at DK said: “Freelance professionals are the backbone of the publishing industry, and it is vital that this career path is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. DK is delighted to support this Creative Access initiative, which provides under-represented freelancers with the networks and skills needed to thrive. Strengthening this pipeline is essential for a more inclusive and resilient publishing ecosystem.”
Shirley Finlayter, who joined the Thrive programme in 2025, commented on how valuable her experience was: “The training courses were expertly planned and delivered, offering a wealth of practical tips and valuable advice. Both in-person and online community events created excellent opportunities to expand my professional network and build meaningful connections. The mentoring sessions have been particularly impactful, giving me the confidence to apply for roles I may not have considered before and helping me recognise the experience and skills I already have.”
Thrive Career Development Programme details
The year-long Thrive programme will begin in March 2024 and offers 15 sponsored places for mid-level freelance talent in publishing. Participants will gain access to:
- Targeted training in key areas such as career sustainability, leadership presence, financial literacy for freelancers, and advocacy skills.
- Mentorship from senior professionals in the publishing industry, providing six months of personalised career support.
- Exclusive networking events with publishing partners, offering connections to foster long-term professional relationships and more!
This opportunity is designed for freelancers with at least six months of experience in the publishing industry, including roles across editing, design, project coordination, and other key publishing functions. It will include both in-person and online sessions to ensure accessibility to freelancers across the UK.
Why is this programme needed?
- Freelancers are a vital part of the publishing workforce, supporting multiple functions including proofreading, copyediting, design, illustration, and sensitivity reading.
- According to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), 32% of jobs in the UK’s creative and cultural industries are self-employed, compared to just 14% across the wider UK economy. Publishing freelancers, like their counterparts in film, television, and the performing arts, are essential to sustaining the UK’s vibrant creative landscape yet often face barriers to support and growth.
- A 2023 report by Literature Alliance Scotland showed that 93% of freelancers agree that the sector relies on freelancers, however the majority of freelancers (58%) do not feel valued by the sector.
- Moreover, freelancers from minority backgrounds often face a significant lack of support: Creative Access’ Freelancer report in 2023 showed that only 19% have received training and just 8% have had a mentor. This is despite 61% wanting to see training from employers and 44% stating mentorship is vital. Half of publishing freelancers (50%) felt unsupported by employers.
- The Publishers Association 2024 workforce survey showed that ethnic minority representation had reduced by 2% since 2021 and that representation of people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds remains an area for improvement in the sector. The DCMS Earnings Economic Estimate report showed that as of April 2024, for every £1.00 earned by a man employed in the included DCMS sectors, a woman earns £0.80.
Application information
- Applications open: 12 January 2026
- Deadline: 8 February 2026, 11:59 PM
- How to apply: Freelancers can apply via the Creative Access Opportunities Board, where they will complete an application form and submit an up-to-date CV, indicating any prior work with the programme’s partner publishers. Click here to apply.
