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 Publishing Course: https://journalism.columbia.edu/cpc-uk Episode transcript https://turb...

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 at the beginning of the twentieth century: the Herero and Nama genocide, and the Anglo-Boer war....

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 Gaelic speakers in the industry today. We also uncovered some of the challenges facing its resurgence, inc...

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 reading spas (essentially, literary therapy), to curating subscriptions for customers, to celebrity sightings a...

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 international voices, while James emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in Northodox's p...

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/elizabeth-kellingley-7569b0133/ Dyslexic Friendly Books: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discov...

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 the question: what exactly is international rights management? Interviewee Informat...

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 the industry. Ama Badu: LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ama-badu Instagram @noir.renais...

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.claretpress.com/book/secrets-of-micropublishing Episode Transcript Host Credits and SY...

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 recent workforce survey focuses on neurodiversity, AI, and caring responsibilities. Both share their cur...

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.newisland.ie/ Hodges Figgis https://www.hodgesfiggis.ie/ Transcript available here: https://t...

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 Publishing: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide. Interviewee Information & Links Suzanne ...

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. Interviewees social media and links: Isabelle Kenyon: Instagram: @kenyonauthorservices @flyonthewallpress W...

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://www.foyles.co.uk/book/spellbound/georgia-leighton/9780857505910 Recorded and edited by Gemma...

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 landscape. Hope you enjoy! Mentioned in this episode: The Dublin Review https://thedublinreview....

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 project. Interviewees social media and links Rozie Kelly: Instagram: @rozeamee6 https://linktr.ee/rozeamee&n...

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 interact to launch a book. Later, we discuss how to make your cover letter stand out amongst a busy job...

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! Check out Girl Friday! https://www.girlfridayproductions.com/ Mentioned in this episode: University ...

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-1a7bb6273 Mentioned in this episode: Every Cherry: https://www.everycherry.com/ Sweet Cherry Publi...

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 time again: networking does work!Mentioned in this episode:The Society of Author’s website: The S...