• Job Description

  Req#: 281895

  We have an exciting opportunity to join our innovative and groundbreaking Audio division as a Freelance Audiobook Proof Listener.

  In addition to a dedicated in-house studio team, Penguin Audio work with an ever-growing roster of highly skilled freelance producers, sound editors, and proofers.

  In this advert, we are looking specifically to engage new audiobook proof listeners only.

  About the team

  Penguin are the UK's leading publisher of audiobooks. We bring together our amazing authors and the world's very best acting talent to create exceptional listening experiences; from the finest stories and ideas for adults to entertainment and education for children and families.

  The role

  The role of an audiobook proof listener is to assess the production against the book’s manuscript with particular attention to:

  (i) deviations from the script: misreads, repetitions, missing text

  (ii) consistency of tone, voice and accent

  (iii) correct and consistent pronunciations throughout

  (iv) technical issues: extraneous noises, anything that distracts from the listener’s enjoyment of the audiobook.

  You will work with the production team, engaging with the producer and sound editor to deliver a comprehensive proof report.

  Please note, this is a freelance opportunity and therefore successful candidates would not be eligible for the Penguin benefits package.

  What you’ll bring

  It goes without saying you’ll have a passion for audio, but you certainly don’t need to have worked in audiobooks or publishing before.

  Essential criteria:

  • Familiarity with audiobooks, their format, and conventions
  • A keen eye for detail
  • A keen ear for technical audio quality
  • The ability to assess and feed back on a reader's performance
  • Demonstrable communication skills
  • Demonstrable time management skills
  • Strong organisation and prioritisation skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Flexibility and openness to changing schedules
  • Access to the necessary equipment and space (a computer, over-ear headphones, and a quiet workspace)
  • The ability to use a computer and the main software packages confidently (Box, Excel, a media player of choice)

  Preferred criteria:

  • Prior proof listening experience
  • Proof reading experience
  • Native/Proficiency in a foreign language, particularly the following languages:

  • French
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Portuguese
  • Arabic
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin

  • Knowledge of audio editing
  • Experience in an adjacent audio industry (radio, drama, podcast)
  • Expertise or strong knowledge/interest in a particular area (e.g. a historical period)

  Application instructions

  Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability to join our freelance roster by Friday 8th August 2025. As part of your cover letter, we’d like you to cover the following:

  1. Tell us about a recent audio production that you’ve enjoyed – whether that’s an audiobook or audio drama – and why.
  2. Who would be your dream audiobook narrator and why.

  The recruitment process

  This is an opportunity to join a freelance roster – there is not one single ‘role’ available, and onboarding will be dependent upon successful completion of a proof listening test.

  Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a short proofing test, for which feedback will be provided. A second proofing test may be offered, depending on the candidate’s first test score.

  Finally, successful candidates will be added to our freelance roster and offered projects on an ad hoc basis, with no minimum agreed quantity of work.

  Company: Penguin Books Limited | Job ID: 281895

• About the company

  Bertelsmann is a media, services and education company that operates in about 50 countries around the world. It includes the broadcaster RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House, the magazine publisher Gruner + Jahr, the music company BMG, the service provider Arvato, the Bertelsmann Printing Group, the Bertelsmann Education Group and Bertelsmann Investments, an international network of funds.

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