Inside Publishing

In this episode, Gemma talks to Shaun McMullen about New Cross Press, his brand new press launched earlier this month. With a background in law, Shaun discusses how his career has influenced his approach to starting his own business. He talks through the process of publishing Horsefly, the first book on their list. Shaun also gives an insight into the behind the scenes of forming your own press, h...

In this episode, Megan speaks with Will Mackie, Senior Programme Manager at New Writing North and co-leader of the MA in Publishing at Northumbria University. Will shares his journey from editorial roles into talent development and how he now supports emerging writers, particularly in the North of England. We explore structural imbalances in UK publishing and discuss how education, prizes and part...

In this episode, Gemma speaks with literary translator, Julia Sanches. She translates from Spanish, Portuguese and Catalan, and has been shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. As well as discussing her career journey, we talk about her views on literary prize culture, how  she approaches a project and  why translation deserves more recognition in the UK and the US. Books mentioned: Macuna...

In this episode, Gemma is joined by Muminah Koleoso, a First Chapter Award 2025 winner. She is a poet, writer and the founder of the Sister Station podcast. They discuss her career journey, the growing online poetry community and the challenges of a London-centric publishing industry. Muminah also shares insight into her creative process, and how her love of reading and storytelling motivates her...

In this episode, Nuala speaks to Scots poet and language activist Len Pennie to discuss the landscape surrounding learning or re-learning our native, minority languages across the UK.  In the second episode of a three-part series, Len continues the conversation begun by my conversation with Pàdriag. We discussed preconceived notions surrounding Scots, Scots as a language for love and not just ange...

In this episode, Gemma interviews Sofia Saghir - Campaigns Manager at Riot Communications, a PR agency specialising in arts, culture and entertainment. Sofia discusses the difference between delivering campaigns while working in-house vs at an agency. Also she talks about the range of coverage needed for a successful PR campaign and how the growing importance of BookTok is changing the media lands...

In this episode, Tamara speaks to Meaghan Cahill –– Production Assistant at Bloomsbury, and alumnus of the Columbia Publishing Course (CPC) –– about her experience of CPC. Meaghan talks candidly about the course, highlighting its benefits, the application process, the day to day activities it involved, and how it has helped launch her career into publishing. Mentioned in this episode Columbia Publ...

In this episode of Inside Publishing, Gemma interviews Lauri Kubuitsile, author of The Scattering. We talk about her experiences as an author who has worked with many publishers, her views on genres as a marketing tool and why she doesn’t have a literary agent. Her historical novel, The Scattering explores the lives of two women and their experiences of two historical atrocities in Southern Africa...

In this episode, Nuala speaks to Pàdraig MacAoidh - Scotland's Makar, academic, and broadcaster - to discuss the growing movement behind the revival of the Gaelic language. As part of a three-part series, Pàdraig opens the conversation by discussing his relationship to Gaelic, the creative process of adapting such an old language to his contemporary environment, and the opportunities for Gael...

In this episode, Tamara speaks to Lottie May - Project Manager and Bookseller at Mr B's Emporium in Bath - about her experiences in bookselling. Lottie discusses her career path from a book lover (beginning in historical fiction), to a BA in History, to a now bookseller, project manager, and sometimes publisher at Mr B's. We also discuss the typical work day at Mr B's, from in house...

In this episode of Inside Publishing, Sara Young and Tom Barker interview Isabella Barber from Comma Press and James Keane from Northodox Press about the Northern Fiction Alliance (NFA). Founded in 2016, the NFA now includes nearly 30 independent publishers promoting Northern literature and providing development opportunities. Isabella highlights Comma's focus on insider perspectives and inte...

In this episode Gemma sits down with Elizabeth Kellingley, winner of the Trailblazer Award 2025 and Bloomsbury's Accessibility Manager. They discuss winning the Trailblazer Awards at the London Book Fair, how Elizabeth is working to make the industry more accessible and the incredible dyslexic friendly novels Bloomsbury have released!  Links:  Elizabeth Kellingley:  www.linkedin.com/in/elizab...

Description of Episode  In this episode, Molly speaks to Polly Silk -- longtime international rights professional, and current lecturer and head of the MA Publishing Media at Oxford Brookes University. We dive into the current state of international rights in publishing, the details of what a day-to-day job in rights might look like, perks and challenge points of rights careers, and even answer th...

In this episode, Gemma interviews Ama Badu, commissioning editor of children’s and YA fiction at Faber and Faber. We talk about the collaboration between authors, illustrators and publishers, and the journey of a book to acquisition. We discuss the FAB Prize and what makes for a prize-winning entry. Ama gives advice on working in children’s publishing, and for those seeking a career change into th...

In this episode Gemma sat down with Katie Isbester, Founder of Claret Press. Katie breaks down her publishing journey, from her first job to creating her own Micro-publishing business Claret Press, issues of accessibility within the industry and her recent book: Secrets of Micropublishing. Links: Claret Press:  https://www.claretpress.com/ Secrets of Micropublishing by Katie Isbester:  https://www...

This this episode, Sara interviews Yan Zhuchen-Mander and Cassie Rocks from The Flip, a non-profit promoting transparency and equality in publishing. The Flip, founded in 2019, highlights diverse voices on challenging topics like menopause and mental health. Yan and Cassie discuss their roles in publishing and the importance of visibility, mentorship, and advocacy in publishing. The Flip's re...

In this episode, Izzi interviews Des Doyle; the marketing and publicity manager at New Island Books. We talk through the process of marketing a book from start to finish, how social media and the rise of book influencers have impacted publicity, and how working in book selling is preparation for a career in publishing. Hope you enjoy!  Mentioned in the episode: New Island Books https://www.newisla...

Description of Episode  In this episode, Molly speaks to Suzanne Collier –– publishing professional, longtime friend of the SYP, registered career development professional, and author –– about job searching in publishing. Suzanne talks about her journey in the publishing industry, job searching insights/tips for any current or aspiring professionals, and her recent book How to Job Search in Publis...

Overview: Isabelle Kenyon, Managing Director of Fly on the Wall Press discusses what it is like to set up and run an independent press. Isabelle also shares her journey from theatre marketing to publishing, with invaluable insight on how to DIY your own space within the industry. Discover what is next for the award winning Manchester based press, as well as Isabelle's recommended reads. Inter...

In this episode, Gemma speaks to debut author Georgia Leighton ahead of the release of her novel Spellbound. Georgia talks about her writing process, the influences behind Spellbound, her experience publishing a novel and her journey into the industry as a marketing manager.  Mentioned in this episode: Georgia Leighton: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/302827/georgia-leighton Spellbound: https://...

In this episode, Izzi speaks to Brendan Barrington, the editorial director of Penguin Sandycove and the founder of the Dublin Review. We cover his extensive career in editing, and what it means to be an imprint of a larger publishing house and how it compares to small, independent publishing, and what the pros and cons of each are. We also discuss how Ireland fits into the international publishing...

Overview: Sara Young interviews Rozie Kelly about her debut novel "Kingfisher," published by Saraband Press on April 3. Rozie discusses her journey as a writer, and highlights the importance of prizes like the Northbound Book Award and the PFD Queer Fiction Prize for emerging writers. She also touches on the supportive Northern writing community and her ongoing research for a new novel p...

In this episode, Gemma speaks to Shannon Hewitt, senior marketing manager at Head of Zeus, a London-based publisher with six imprints that cover a range of fiction and non-fiction books. We talk about the process of creating, planning and delivering effective book campaigns. Shannon shares the different elements of a marketing campaign, as well as how departments across the publishing house intera...

In this episode, Izzi speaks to Ingrid Emerick and Leslie Miller, the co-founders of Girl Friday Productions: a hybrid publishing house based in America. We deep-dive into what hybrid publishing is and how the industry has shifted in the last few decades. We also talk about the services Girl Friday offers, such as book coaching, and the intersection between editing and writing. Hope you enjoy! Che...

In this episode, Gemma speaks to Emma Steel - Head of the Every Cherry Imprint a Sweet Cherry Publishing. Emma talks candidly on representation for SEND disabilities within the publishing industry, how she transitioned from a long-standing teaching career into leading an imprint and how Every Cherry aims to bring reading to those who might struggle.  Emma Steel: linkedin.com/in/emma-steel-1a7bb627...