The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) annual Autumn conference will take place on Saturday 30th November 2024 at Kingston University, exploring the theme Publishing Past, Present and Future, and rounds off the year-long celebrations of SYP’s 75th diamond anniversary. The conference will also include an award ceremony for the winners of their exciting new prize, First Chapter Award, in collaboration with The Publishing Post, which celebrates the determination and passion of early- and pre-career book and publishing professionals whose valuable contributions are critical to their teams, companies or the industry at large.

SYP are thrilled to announce the inaugural FCA shortlist, narrowed down to the following applicants by the cross-industry judging panel:

• Laura Swift – Editorial Co-ordinator, Manchester University Press
• October Jones – Children's Librarian, GLL Wandsworth
• Eiman Munro – Volunteer
• Sam Nicholls – Assistant Editor, Bloomsbury
• Helen Hancocks – Founder and Owner, Shelf Editions
• Tara Hiralal – Sales Executive, Facet Publishing
• Ause Abdelhaq – Editor, Pan Macmillan
• Sorina Marinescu – Owner, Blue Sheep Books
• Christy Beale, Senior Production Editor, Boydell and Brewer

 

SYP UK co-chairs Eleanor Gaffney and Michaela O'Callaghan said: “We were astounded by the stellar quality of applications to the award, and are so thrilled to see such a variety of individuals on our shortlist. The books and publishing community is a broad church, and the First Chapter Award aims to shine a light on the interconnected nature of the industry as well as recognising passionate, high-achieving folk from a variety of job roles and backgrounds. Thanks so much to all of our judges, and we look forward to rewarding the winners’ achievements at the SYP Autumn conference.”

The conference will be an action-packed day of panels, workshops and Q&As for both publishing hopefuls and junior professionals to gain insight into publishing or expand their industry knowledge further. The theme aims to explore the development of publishing over the years, engaging in timely discussions about current industry trends and expanding fields such as TikTok, AI and Audiobooks. There will also be a presentation on commercial fiction for aspiring editors and attendees will be given the opportunity to network with professionals in a ‘career speed dating’ across different publishing departments. Founder and Managing Director of Footnote Press, Vidisha Biswas, is joining the conference as this year’s keynote speaker and the day will end with a presentation and award ceremony for the First Chapter Award, followed by a post-conference reception.

SYP London co-chairs Meghan Capper and Leyre Veras Preciado said: “The London team are so excited to be hosting the Autumn conference this year with our venue sponsor, Kingston University. Our expert line-up of industry professionals will provide vital knowledge on the current publishing landscape and hope to inspire publishing hopefuls. Through our more practical sessions, attendees will gain important advice and tips to take forward in their future publishing careers.”

General release tickets are now on sale. Tickets and more information on panels and speakers can be found here. The First Chapter Award shortlist can also be found on the SYP website here.

Notes to editors:

Society of Young Publishers

The SYP is a membership organisation whose aim is to provide a supportive network and be a trusted source of information for anyone, of any age, hoping to get into or ahead in publishing or a related trade.

The SYP is made up of seven regional committees (Ireland, London, North, Oxford, Scotland, South West and Wales) and a UK committee responsible for overseeing the overall strategy of the group and producing the InPrint magazine. These teams are made up of dedicated volunteers who give up their spare time to help our members.

The Publishing Post

The Publishing Post is a magazine for those who wish to learn more about publishing, by providing a platform where, as contributors and readers, publishing hopefuls can develop industry-specific knowledge and skills, whilst showcasing their passion and love for the publishing industry. The magazine works to represent parts of the publishing industry and bookish community that are often overlooked in traditional discourse and improve accessibility and diversity within the industry by opening it up to as many people as possible for free.