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.

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 website from Monday 28 September 2020 and will close at 11.59pm Wednesday 7 October 2020.

About the Society of Young Publishers
Founded in 1949, the Society of Young Publishers (SYP) is a membership organisation dedicated to helping aspiring publishers get into, and those within the first ten years of their careers get ahead within, the publishing industry. The SYP is made up of six regional committees, an InPrint magazine team, as well as a UK committee responsible for overseeing the overall strategy of the group. These teams are made up of dedicated volunteers who give up their spare time to help our members. 

If any ALPSP member would like to offer their services as a mentor for this scheme, please contact amanda.whiting@alpsp.org.