Inside Publishing

In this episode, Sarah speaks to Johanna Clarke – Outreach Lead, Senior Contracts Advisory and podcast host for the Society of Authors (SoA). Johanna speaks about how the SoA works to support authors, along with their role in the broader publishing landscape. Johanna also provides advice about getting into the publishing industry, including an anecdote that proves true the advice we hear time and...

In this episode, Annika talks to Tee Hodges, the founder of Typewronger, which is an independent bookshop, typewriter repair shop, and small press in Edinburgh. They discuss the ins and outs of independent publishing, first steps into small press work, and the importance of relationship building and community in every aspect of the literary world. Typewronger Website: www.typewronger.com Instagram...

In this episode, Jess speaks to Sophie James about her Events Management Internship at The Hay Festival which took place earlier this year. Sophie speaks openly about her experience, providing insight into what the role involved, what she leart from this experience, and how it has helped her to secure her current job role. She also offers advice for those looking to gain similar experience and dis...

In this episode, Michaela speaks to Bridget Shine –– Chief Executive of the Independent Publishers Guild –– about the independent publishing industry.  Bridget talks about the differences between working at an independent vs a corporate publisher, how the independent publishing landscape has changed over the years, and how IPG supports independent publishers and early to mid-career professionals o...

In this episode, Tamara speaks to Robert Kingett- disability activist, published author and romance aficionado- about his tumultuous but ultimately inspiring career in publishing. Robert speaks passionately about what activism can look like in publishing, highlighting the need to decentralise traditional heteronormative and ableist voices and recenter marginalised LGBTQ+ and disabled voices trappe...

This week's host, Ireland's Rachel Cahill, sits down with Róisin Cremin to discuss the science of bookstagramming and her work in highlighting authors with disabilities. Having been an online book reviewer for a number of years, Róisin gives the listeners tips and tricks of what she has learned - including how she got an advanced copy of one of Sally Rooney's  newest book (!). Róisi...

In this episode, Sarah speaks to Flo Lacey – scout at London Literary Scouting – about the role of scouting in the publishing industry. Flo explains what a literary scout does, delving into the highs and lows of her role, along with providing advice to those wishing to break into this less-well-known area of publishing. We also cover interesting details about what may make a book a good candidate...

In this episode, Sarah speaks to Emma Kiesling – audio assistant for Bonnier Books UK and fellow publishing podcaster – about working in audio publishing. Emma explains how she found her way into audiobooks, what a day on the job looks like, and how her role as audio assistant interacts with other departments. We also discuss what makes a good audiobook and answer the highly debated question: Does...

This week Ireland's own Rachel Cahill will be speaking with Tara O'Malley and Cormac Culkeen - two thirds of the creative minds behind the brand new literary magazine 'Ragaire.' In this episode our host will pick their brain on the essential steps behind commissioning and editing, the future of the Irish language at home and abroad, the supportive publishing community despite t...

In this episode, Eleanor speaks to Jake Hope – Chair of the Carnegie and Kate Greenway medals, board trustee for Lancaster LitFest and freelance children's book consultant – about the role of a Sensitivity Reader. Jake speaks candidly about the importance of sensitivity reading in the publishing industry, identifying outdated stereotypes and biases, and working with authors in a solution-focu...

In this episode, Evie talks to the managing director and founder of Curtis Brown Creative, Anna Davis, about the CBC's incredible opportunities. CBC run their annual Discoveries competition, in which their shortlist of winners has just been announced. Anna is also responsible for the Breakthrough Writers’ Programme for under-represented writers, which offers tailored scholarships and 9 months...

Continuing our segment on international publishing perspectives, host Rachel Cahill speaks with Valeria Barbon who is interning as an Editorial Assistant at Guido Tommasi Editore, an award-winning publisher in Milan. They talk about the logistics of preparing cookbook manuscripts, the benefits of having InDesign experience, and the importance of just putting yourself out there. Valeria Barbon @val...

Have you ever wondered about the inner workings of publishing companies in different parts of the world? This week's host Rachel sits down with Alessia Fiorello, who until recently worked as a Junior Marketing Manager for an educational digital textbook company called Deutschfuchs in Bonn. In this episode, they discuss the differences between Germany and the rest of the world, the essential t...

In this episode, Eleanor speaks about eBook piracy and intellectual property to Dr Wayne Noble – Digital Director at UCLan Publishing, Lecturer in Digital Publishing at UCLan, and published criminologist. Wayne expertly discusses the various routes publishers might take to discourage illegal downloads, including using digital formats as a marketing tool. We also discuss the benefits of learning ha...

In this episode, Eleanor and Laura - SYP North Digital Content Officers for 2023 - talk about their 2024 Publishing Ins and Outs. They cover things they'd love to see more of like hybrid working and more open discussions with professionals in the industry. However, they also cover outs such as unpaid internships and the 'comparison-itis' that comes with competitive job hunting. SYP...

In this special conference episode, Kate speaks to Rachel Martin, the Global Director of Sustainability at Elsevier. They discuss how to create a sustainable future in publishing, from collecting important data and introducing green goals to publishing materials that educate individuals on the importance of sustainability. Listen now. Learn more about the upcoming 2023 SYP conference: Sustainable...

In this episode, Averie speaks to Bob Orr and Sigrid Nielson, founders of Lavender Menace. Bob and Sigrid discuss the origins of Lavender Menace, the books they keep in the archive and the challenges of maintaining older books. We also cover the importance of quiet, alcohol-free queer safe spaces and the rise of online book events. Hosted by Averie Watson (SYP Scotland Co-chair) Edited by Nicole F...

In this episode, Eleanor speaks to Megan Whitlock - Marketing Executive at BookMachine and UCLan alumni - about marketing roles within both trade and academic publishing. Megan talks candidly about the difficulties of finding the right publishing job outside of London, the promising yet hesitant move to hybrid working, as well as how book marketing has changed since the peak of BookTok. We also co...

In this episode, Kim speaks to Meghan Capper –– literary assistant at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency –– about her experiences of the agenting world from an entry-level perspective. We discuss the differences between the agency and publishing house side of things, burn out and managing a healthy work-life reading balance, and how to start climbing the career ladder once you've finally lande...

In this episode, Josephine speaks to Jessie Beswick all about her role as a Marketing Manager at Penguin Random House. Jessie talks candidly about her career journey; from initially training as a makeup artist, her time working in celebrity liaison to her current position as a Marketing Manager. We discuss how she broke into the industry and she also shared helpful tips on how best to forge your o...

In this episode, Nicole speaks to Reyhana Ismail — an experienced illustrator, book designer, and aspiring author, whose clients include Hachette Children’s (UK) and the award-winning Storymix, a children's fiction development company with a focus on inclusive representation. Listen in to hear all about Reyhana’s unconventional path into the field, her creative process of designing and illust...

In this episode, Emily speaks to Sophie Dickinson –– Communications Officer for SYP South West –– about gaining publishing experience whilst at university. Sophie discusses her top tips for students looking to break into the industry, delving into setting up and running her own Bookstagram, working for her university careers service, and getting involved with student societies. We also discuss how...

In this episode, Laura speaks to Becca Parkinson –– Marketing Coordinator at Manchester University Press –– about the world of academic publishing. Becca shares insight into what you might expect when working within academic publishing, her career journey, and the exciting things on the horizon for Manchester University Press. Rebecca Parkinson Twitter: @beccap1502 Manchester University Press: htt...

In this episode, Kim speaks to Sue Buswell, Editorial Director for Picture Books at Andersen Press, an independent children's publisher most known for publishing the beloved Elmer the Patchwork Elephant. Sue talks about her career, how children's publishing has changed over the years and what she sees and hopes for the future. She offers some helpful advice for anyone looking to get into...

In this episode, Millie speaks to Alexia Lear, a Marketing Assistant Apprentice in Bloomsbury's Children/YA department. Alexia shares her experience as a publishing apprentice, talking us through the stages from application and interview to the role itself. We also discuss the many campaigns Alexia has worked on and how she recently won Apprentice of the Month! This episode offers valuable in...