The Society of Young Publishers is expanding their mentorship schemes to now cover all areas of the UK
and Ireland.

The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) is proud to announce the expansion of its mentorship schemes to
now cover all areas of the UK and Ireland. As a result, more of those looking to get into or move ahead in
the industry than ever before will have the opportunity to receive personalised, structured career guidance
from publishing experts.
From Monday 28 September the SYP will be accepting applications from members and non-members
alike for those based across the UK and Ireland, excluding London and South East who had their own
mentorship scheme earlier in 2020.
Carl Smith, Chair of the SYP, said of the expansion: “Location shouldn't be a barrier to a career in the
publishing industry, and neither should gaining work experience or the opportunity to find a mentor. At the
SYP we want to ensure that’s true. By expanding our mentorship schemes we will hopefully make a
significant difference to the careers of countless aspiring and current publishers across the UK and
Ireland.”
The expansion will see SYP North and SYP South West branches launch mentorship schemes for the first
time. Of the move, SYP North Chair Elizabeth Beck said: “We are very proud to open up the mentorship
scheme here in the North. We're excited to offer a scheme that will open the door to the industry and make
it more accessible for those looking to get into publishing. The North has a lot to offer, so we are very much
looking forward to flying the flag!”
SYP South West Chair Jo de Vries, whose branch will cover the South West and Wales, said: “At a time
when everyone in publishing is facing new challenges, the role of mentorship is more important than ever.
Mentorship is how we empower each other and make the industry as a whole more diverse, more
inclusive, more transparent, more equal and more forward-looking. For the South West, it is a vital way of
opening up the opportunities across the region, from Cornwall to Cardiff.”
In addition, SYP Scotland and SYP Oxford will continue to offer support to those based in Scotland and
Oxfordshire. Of the Scottish scheme, SYP Scotland Co-Chair Sonali Misra said: “The publishing industry is
somehow shrouded in mystery. We’re excited that the seventh edition of our scheme will continue to
unravel the industry’s inner workings by facilitating mentorships for applicants from the whole of Scotland.”
While of their continued scheme, SYP Oxford Co-Chairs Esther Morrison and April Peake said: “This will
be the third year since the Oxford branch first launched its mentorship programme. In that time we have
helped a number of people across Oxford and the surrounding area find their next career move, including
those looking to break into the industry and those already in it and trying to get ahead.”
SYP London successfully ran their mentorship scheme earlier this year for those based in the capital and
the South East. In the process they attracted a record number of applications and thirty mentees secured a
place on the scheme – more than ever before.
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The SYP
@SYP_UK
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[email protected]
C2 General
24/08/2020
For those not based within the catchment areas of the branches mentioned above, applications should be
made to the SYP UK team. This includes those living across Ireland, where the SYP is excited to be
partnering with Publishing Ireland to run the scheme. Of this partnership, Joanna Smyth of Publishing
Ireland said: “It’s always been a central part of Publishing Ireland’s mission to share information and
expertise among members of the industry, and now we’re excited to partner with SYP on this mentorship
scheme, allowing us to reach out to those considering a career in publishing too. The guidance and
support provided by a mentor are so essential, and it’s fantastic that this scheme will now include Irish
applicants and mentors in order to provide aspiring publishers as well as those new to the industry with
greater insight into Irish publishing (including the many career paths on offer) and a vital listening ear.”
On Wednesday 9 September at 7pm SYP Chairs from each branch will participate in a Q&A webinar to
answer questions about the mentorship schemes and other SYP initiatives. To find out more about this
event or book a free ticket for it, click here.
Applications for the mentorship scheme will be made via the SYP