A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SYP
3 APRIL 2023
The Society of Young Publishers has a new committee and has set out its aims for 2023.
Peer networking and society-wide collaboration are top priorities for the Society of Young Publishers in 2023
As it enters its 74th year, the Society of Young Publishers pledges to meet the needs of those across the UK post-pandemic with a mix of hybrid, digital, and in-person events across branches, alongside placing a renewed focus on collaboration between branch committees. Introducing the brand new Wales branch is a key milestone in the SYP’s commitment to diversifying opportunities for publishing hopefuls across the UK and facilitating the creation of wide-reaching industry connections.
Offering digital resources for the society’s members will continue to be a top priority, with regional branches collaborating on a range of local and overarching content to be delivered throughout the year. The SYP also looks forward to another year building on the successes of the Ahead stream, a programme of support which offers mentorship and networking opportunities for those seeking development in their first ten years of the industry.
Michaela O’Callaghan, Trade Marketing Executive at Bounce Sales and Marketing, and Siobhan Humphries, Sales and Marketing Support at Raintree Publishing, have been elected co-chairs of the SYP UK committee. The pair step up from their previous roles as 2022’s Events Officer and Podcast Officer respectively, and will be working to broaden networking and career opportunities for publishing hopefuls and young professionals across the UK. Meanwhile, Nia Jones, Marketing Executive at IOP Publishing, heads up the newly established SYP Wales branch.
O’Callaghan said: ‘Ever since I attended the SYP Oxford Conference in 2019, the society has proved not only a useful digital resource but a space to meet like-minded individuals. Both Shiv and I are currently based outside of traditional publishing hubs and we are equally determined to ensure SYP meets the needs of those situated outside traditional publishing hubs. Part of this commitment involves developing the newly-created Wales branch but we are also looking at elevating our digital offering, and placing a renewed focus on connection through cross-branch collaboration and networking opportunities both in-person and digitally.
‘We also have some exciting new initiatives that will cement SYP as an organisation dedicated to breaking barriers for those looking to get into the industry. I am honoured to take on the role of UK chair with Shiv, and following discussions with our 2023 committee and regional branch chairs, I am overjoyed to be working closely with such passionate and informed individuals.’
Humphries added: ‘The SYP already has a longstanding reputation of being a valuable organisation in breaking barriers into the publishing industry, so it is my great pleasure to be one of the UK Chairs for 2023. Our wonderful community grows with each new year, as does our bank of resources and determination to find new ways to support junior professionals and publishing hopefuls.
‘I am delighted to build upon the SYP’s good name alongside Michaela, as well as working closely with Nia and her team to kickstart the Wales branch. We are privileged to have so many dedicated volunteers onboard - we sincerely could not operate without each and every one of them.’
Nia Jones, SYP Wales Chair, said: ‘With the Society of Young Publishers being a big part of my early career back in 2018, I’m so excited to have the opportunity to chair our brand-new Welsh branch. Our team will be taking over from the wonderful SYP South West, so that we can better highlight the thriving and vibrant bilingual publishing industry in the Land of Song!
‘Much of our work this year will be around establishing the branch within the Welsh publishing community, alongside running in-person and digital events for aspiring and junior publishing professionals throughout the country. I am so thrilled to be part of this important milestone in the society's history, and look forward to doing all I can to highlight the wonderful industry that exists in my home country.’
Numerous new appointments have been made to the SYP’s regional branch committees. The chair of SYP Ireland is Production Executive and Editor Cassia Gaden Gilmartin, while Emma Leask, MA Publishing Student at York St John University, heads up SYP North.
Hannah Kettle, Marketing Executive at Nosy Crow, and Saida Azizova, Assistant at C&W Agency, are co-chairs of SYP London. Eleanor Gaffney, Production Editor at Intellect Books, has been appointed as chair of SYP South West. Meanwhile, Sophie Shepherd and Alisha Raggatt are co-chairs of SYP Oxford.