Society of Young Publishers launches Wales branch

The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) is creating a new Wales branch.

The Wales branch will formally launch later this month, once at least a chair, events co-ordinator and communications officer have been appointed. In addition, SYP Oxford is hiring a new conference team to work on its upcoming conference, scheduled for autumn. The society has also opened applications for volunteer roles on all 2023 committees apart from the Scotland branch.

April Peake, chair of SYP UK, said: “The SYP is committed to supporting junior professionals and publishing hopefuls alike – and in recent years we’ve made it our particular mission to extend our reach beyond the traditional hubs in the south. The vibrant publishing scene in Wales has so much to offer and our expansion into this region has been a long time coming. Establishing a dedicated Welsh branch is an important milestone in the long history of our society as we’ll now be able to increase our activity in this country while also offering members in the area more tailored support. We’re so thrilled that Wales is getting the representation within our society that it deserves and I’m looking forward to the branch raising awareness of the fantastic publishing that’s happening in Wales.”

Amalia Mihailescu, chair of SYP UK, said: “The launch of committee applications has always been one of my favourite parts of the SYP volunteering cycle because every time it happens, our community is growing, taking in fresh new faces, ready to share their knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for publishing with others. What is even more exciting this time around is to see the society establishing a new branch that will be catering for the publishing hopefuls and professionals from Wales. While our South West branch has been doing a brilliant job covering this area of the UK, it will be great to find out more about the Welsh book industry through the eyes of a region-specific committee and membership. I feel hopeful for the new year and can’t wait to welcome a new cohort of volunteers who are just at the beginning of their SYP journey.”

The SYP is a membership organisation which aims to provide a supportive network and be a trusted source of information for anyone hoping to get into or ahead in publishing or a related trade. It is made up of regional, volunteer-run committees and a UK committee responsible for overseeing the overall strategy of the group.

Anyone within the first 10 years of their publishing career or hoping to get into the industry is eligible to apply for a position on one of the SYP committees. You do not have to be an SYP member to apply. There is no age limit and you don’t need to be studying publishing or have any publishing experience to be considered. All you need is a passion for the book business and a willingness to learn the values and work of the society.

Volunteer roles on the UK committee are open to applicants from anywhere within the UK and Ireland. The available posts are for a one-year term beginning early next year. Applications to the regional branches are restricted to those who are based within those specific areas at least part of the time. Depending on location, you can apply to join the Ireland, London, North, Oxford, South West or Wales committees. Applicants based in Scotland can be considered for the UK committee or alternatively they can wait to express their interest in a role with SYP Scotland in spring 2023. The society welcomes applications from those of any background and particularly encourages candidates from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, neurodivergent and lower socio-economic backgrounds/experiences to get involved.