The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) is relaunching the Spare Room Project in 2023 in line with its commitment to deliver nationwide support for publishing hopefuls. Set up in 2016 by James Spackman, and endorsed by the Publishers Association, the Spare Room Project connects professionals based in London with hopefuls seeking temporary accommodation to attend interviews or undertake a work placement.

The Society of Young Publishers will also onboard the Spare Zoom Project which facilitates 30-minute Zoom sessions between hopefuls and professionals. Hopefuls can seek guidance on career development and also gain a valuable industry connection remotely.

Since 2016, over 150 publishing interns have been given free accommodation by Spare Room Project hosts (about 40% of whom said it would have been impossible for them to have done their placement without it), and nearly 500 ‘Spare Zoom’ online mentoring conversations have taken place.

Michaela O’Callaghan, co-chair of SYP UK, said: ‘We are overjoyed to integrate the Spare Room Project and Spare Zoom Project into our organisation. One of our core aims this year is to elevate the support we offer to those based outside of publishing-centric cities and taking on the Spare Room Project demonstrates a long-term commitment to this aim. It is clear to see the impact these initiatives have already had, and we are keen to build upon their success over the coming years. We wish to thank James for his inspirational enthusiasm, and it is a privilege to incorporate such valued projects into our society.’ 

Siobhan Humphries, co-chair of SYP UK, adds, ‘Our industry is a better place with the Spare Room Project in it and so we are honoured to be integrating this initiative into our organisation.  The SRP’s work is important because, for many people, the cost of attending interviews or undertaking internships is a financially difficult decision. It can be the difference between someone accepting their first role in publishing or turning it down. The SRP helps to alleviate this by assisting in accommodation constraints - empowering people to apply for their dream job in the comfort that the SRP will support one aspect of that process.’

The Spare Room Project has seen immense success over the past seven years, and the SYP intends to initiate contact with alumni to gather feedback ahead of the relaunch. The change of hands will provide opportunities for the scheme to grow and support a wider pool of publishing hopefuls. There will be an emphasis on cross-branch collaboration, with the SYP team working closely with SYP London to recruit professionals, whilst the regional branches will be key in promoting the scheme to hopefuls across the country. 

 James Spackman, founder of the SRP, said: 

‘I'm absolutely delighted that the Society of Young Publishers is adopting the Spare Room Project. The SYP communicates brilliantly with aspirant publishers and publishing companies alike, and their aims and values align perfectly with those of the SRP. And I know they have the energy and ideas to kick the SRP up a gear and expand its reach in all directions, to help make our industry more accessible to people from outside the M25.

Having somewhat shambolically dreamed the Project into existence in 2016 with the support of lots of friendly and welcoming publishers, I have been immensely grateful for the advice, the promotion and the sponsorship of Penguin Random House. And I'm grateful to every single host and "Spare Zoom" volunteer who's given their home and/or their time to an industry newcomer.’

The Spare Room Project and the Spare Zoom Project aligns with the SYP’s existing mentorship scheme, which offers an accessible gateway for hopefuls to connect with industry professionals. The UK Chairs have recently recruited a Spare Room Project Officer to the UK committee who will help to launch this project:

Chloe Cato, Spare Room Project Officer for the SYP UK said: ‘I will be supporting the integration of the SRP and SZP into the SYP. I really admire the opportunities these projects provide for individuals, particularly outside of London, to begin or advance their publishing careers. I am excited to take on this role and to be a part of the process of further providing these opportunities.’ 

The SYP are currently updating their contact lists. If you are a publishing professional interested in becoming a host or mentor please contact spareroomproject@thesyp.org.uk or apply via thesyp.org.uk/the-spare-room-project.

If you are a publishing hopeful, please visit thesyp.org.uk/the-spare-room-project for more information and to apply.