SYP and Publishing Post launch First Chapter Award for early career staffers

The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) and the Publishing Post are launching the First Chapter Award for early-career professionals and hopefuls. 

The new prize is open to those entering or within the first five years of their career in publishing or book-related industries. “The First Chapter Award celebrates the determination and passion of early-career professionals whose valuable contributions are critical to their teams, companies, or the industry at large,” organisers said.  

“Crucially, the award is open to a wide variety of individuals within the book and publishing community, highlighting the interconnected nature of the community and recognising all who make up the industry. Aspiring publishers, volunteers, booksellers, freelancers, librarians, publishing professionals, students, influencers and more are encouraged to apply.” 

Applications open on Monday 29th July, and individuals can self-nominate or nominate others. Winners will be awarded at the SYP London Conference in November, where they will have the opportunity to take part in a panel celebrating their work. 

The judging panel will include SYP UK chairs Michaela O’Callaghan and Eleanor Gaffney, the Publishing Post’s founder Chelsea Graham and a variety of judges across the publishing industry. 

Applications will be evaluated based on their passion, ability to support others and/or the wider industry, and dedication to achieving their personal and professional goals. The winners will receive a free, year-long SYP membership, as well as other prizes that both recognise their contributions and support their professional development. 

O’Callaghan and Gaffney said: “The First Chapter Award is a fantastic way to recognise the hard work of passionate and engaged individuals in the book and publishing community. From educational and academic publishing through to magazine and traditional trade publishing, via bookselling, agenting, freelancing, volunteering and more, there is no one measure of success and no one image of what an early-career champion looks like.” 

Graham said: “The heart of this industry is made up of those with a passion and desire to improve accessibility or shout about books, and so often these champions go unrecognised. The First Chapter Award recognises these ambitious and vital contributions to the book world. The award is very close to our mission at the Publishing Post, and we couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with the brilliant SYP and read all of the wonderful submissions.” 

Individuals can find out more and apply through the SYP website: thesyp.org.uk/first-chapter-awards.