Inside Publishing

In this episode, Emilie speaks to Becca Barnard ––Founder of Barnard publishing and publishing master’s graduate –– about Welsh publishing and getting into the industry. Becca shares her experience of undertaking a publishing masters and the highs and lows of setting up her own independent publishing house. We also cover the challenges of pursuing a career in publishing whilst living in Wales and...

In this episode, Shiv speaks to Charles Catton - Editorial Director of Amber Books, an independent publisher of illustrated non-fiction books, and previous SYP mentor. Charles has mentored across different programmes during his career and speaks openly on how to make the most of the mentoring. He talks of his own journey into publishing, highlights the importance of taking initiative, asking quest...

In this episode, Josephine speaks to Ana Garcia –– SYP Ireland's Student Outreach Officer –– about about her experience studying a masters in Publishing in NUIG University of Galway. Ana talks about the application process, the reasons why studying a Publishing MA appealed to her, her favourite modules, the skills she has gained as well as giving us some insight into her time spent working on...

In this episode, Averie speaks to Rebecca Wojturska, Director and Managing Editor of Haunt Publishing. Rebecca discusses the ups and downs of running an indie publishing house and interesting projects that Haunt has already published and will be publishing in the near future. We also cover the importance of transferrable skills, networking and managing to find a work/life balance. Rebecca Wojtursk...

In this episode, Nicole speaks to Rose Sandy, Publishing Director at HarperCollins and the author of eight international thriller and suspense novels. Rose previously worked in global corporations such as Sony, Coca Cola, and Cisco, and we chat about changing careers and entering publishing from a different industry. Rose Sandy Twitter: @rosesandy Instagram: @therosesandy Facebook: RoseSandyAuthor...

In this episode, Imogen speaks to Adam Lowe from PeePal Tree Press. Adam is an award winning writer, publisher and educator who hails from Leeds but now resides in Manchester. We chat about Adam’s story with Peepal Tree, the publishing landscape following the height of the Black Lives Matter movement and promoting the arts in the North.  Peepal Tree Press Twitter: @peepaltreepress Website:  https:...

In this episode, Flick is joined by Lauren Steele, creator of The Indie List  and a Book Shop Manger at Waterstones in London. We discuss what it’s like to be a bookseller, skills and advice on getting into bookselling, independent publishing and the art of recommending books. Lauren Steele Instagram: @lozlit Twitter: @shteeeley Website: https://lozlit.wordpress.com/ Mentioned in this episode Even...

In this episode, Averie speaks to Noel Chidwick, Editor in Chief at Shoreline of Infinity. Noel talks candidly on Shoreline of Infinity’s success, Scottish sci-fi and the work that goes into publishing a magazine. Noel Chidwick Twitter: @noelchidwick Website: https://www.shorelineofinfinity.com/ Mentioned in this episode: Shoreline of Infinity’s Event Horizon (https://www.shorelineofinfinity.com/c...

In this episode, we turn our attention to the charitable sector of publishing in a discussion with Dave Williams, spokesperson for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). This charity supports people with sight loss in the UK and today’s show primarily focuses on their audiobook service, Talking Books. We track its long history of supporting its users in accessing reading materials, t...

In this episode, Averie speaks to Kate Seiler – External Affairs Manager at the Edinburgh International Book Festival – about running and maintaining a popular book festival. Kate talks candidly on the Book Festival’s success, as well as its plans for a greener future. We also cover online events, how the Book Festival has adapted since the pandemic and the Business of Books series, which highligh...

In this episode, Sophie speaks to Isi, who runs instagram account @thebibliotucker, and Giulia, who works for book marketing agency Bookers. We discuss the rise of book influencing over recent years, what makes a good book influencer account and how social media has changed in the publishing industry. Isi Instagram: @thebibliotucker Twitter: @isitucker Giulia Twitter: @Giulia_Maggiori Website: htt...

In this episode, Sophie speaks to Lyndsey Mayhew, Associate Director at The Book Publicist,  about working in publicity in publishing. Lyndsey talks about about her varied career history, what it was like moving across different departments, as well as what makes a good PR campaign. We also discuss some great tips on how to get your first job in publishing and how to contact publishers. Lyndsey Ma...

In this episode, Kathryn speaks to Anne Glennie – founder and director of Cranachan Books – about children’s publishing in Scotland. Anne talks candidly on the importance of representation in children’s publishing, as well as how children’s books can benefit older readers. We also cover changes in book reading and buying habits since the start of the pandemic and other aspects of running a childre...

In this episode, Emma speaks to Habiba Desai and Sara Razzaq, creators of Northern indie press Fox and Windmill, who have recently released their first book Into the Wilds. We discuss the process of setting up a press, the importance of being passionate about the work you do, as well as some of the challenges  faced so far, and lessons they’ve learnt along the way. Brought to you by SYP North, we...

In this episode, Joyce Dignam (Ireland’s Podcast Officer) is joined by Laura Cassidy, one of the co-founders and editors at Banshee Press. They discuss the nitty-gritty of bringing a publication from submission to print, what it's like to be a writer and editor, and the challenges of running a literary journal and independent press.  Mentioned in this episode Banshee Press: https://www.banshe...

In this episode, Shiv speaks to Farzana Khan - a Production Controller for Hachette Kids - about the production problems that the publishing industry is facing currently. We talk about budgets, Brexit and strains to the supply chain Lastly, we cast our focus to the future and speculate on what publishers & consumers alike can expect in 5 years time from book production in the UK. Farzana Khan...

In this episode, Joyce Dignam (Ireland’s Podcast Officer) is joined by fellow committee members Margaret Farrelly & Talitha Duncan-Todd. The three unpack the question of whether Irish hopefuls are destined for the UK given its hub status for publishing. They weigh up the opportunities, advantages & drawbacks of relocating for a job, and what someone stands to gain returning to Ireland once...

In this episode, Averie speaks to Angela Gilchrist, Editorial Director of The People’s Friend and one of the hosts from the Reading Between The Lines podcast. Angela discusses how Reading Between The Lines was created, the differences between modern short stories and short stories that were written in the early Twentieth century and what makes a good podcast. We also cover the lack of podcasts cre...

In this episode, Sophie speaks to Molly Masters, Co-Founder and Director of Books That Matter and Brave Girls Book Club. Molly discusses why she decided to create Books That Matter, her experience of appearing on Dragon's Den, and the importance of reading and why it was so important throughout the pandemic. We also cover the importance of female representation in publishing, as well as heari...

In this episode, we delve into the importance of unions in the publishing industry with Zainab Juma - Mother of Chapel at Penguin Random House. We question how unionised publishing is as an industry, the affection professionals have for the industry and whether that equates to fair transaction of labour. We also address the exodus of editors leaving the industry, the strength in numbers that a uni...

In this episode, Shiv speaks to Laura Jones - Co-Founder of 404 Ink, Interim Publisher at Dead Ink and all-round plate spinner - about freelancing in the publishing industry. Laura talks candidly on the highs and lows of being your own boss; from the geographical freedom it supports and the passion projects that can be pursued, as well as the stresses of starting out & one of the reasons we al...

In this episode, SYP Oxford's, Caroline Guillet, talks to Kathleen Farrar, Managing Director Group Sales & Marketing and Jude Drake, Head of Sustainability from Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. They chat about the importance of having a strong sustainability strategy as a publishing company, initiatives such as Publishing Declares (Publishers Association), working with suppliers to reduce emiss...

In this episode, SYP Ireland's Elizabeth Goldrick had the pleasure of speaking with Gráinne O’Toole and Nidhi Zak of Irish independent press, Skein Press.  Established in 2017, Skein Press is a writer-centred publishing house that supports writers traditionally underrepresented in Irish literature by publishing beautiful, thought-provoking books. Skein are also committed to seeing greater div...

In this episode, we speak to the wonderful Clare Bogen from independent press, Fitzcarraldo Editions, on the topic of publishing and promoting writing in translation.  Drawing from her experience of publicising books such as Olga Tokarczuk’s ‘Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead’ and Fernanda Melchor's 'Hurricane Season', Clare discusses the impact small presses have had on th...

In this episode, Mandy speaks to the brilliant, Delayna Spencer, who is Senior Commissioning Editor at SAGE Publishing. In an important conversation that looks at institutional racism within the publishing industry, they discuss the high turnover of BAME staff, diverse representation on hiring panels, and Delayna’s experience being the only senior person of colour working in her department. They a...