There is a common misconception that aspiring publishers should move to London to get a job in publishing, and while the capital is a vibrant creative hub, it’s certainly not the only place to see exciting and dynamic publishing. Even more so now a global health crisis has shown the potential for flexible working, there’s no need to be in London or the south east to build your publishing career. 

The SYP is launching a new digital events series, On the Map, to disrupt the idea that you must move to the capital to work in publishing, shine a spotlight on publishing talent across the UK, and highlight lesser-known roles in and routes into the industry. This virtual tour of the UK has been adapted from the previously successful pop-up On the Road events.

Bangor was one of the first cities covered by On The Road, so in the first event of the tour, Publishing in Wales (released on Monday 10 May, 5.30 pm), the SYP is going back to see how the Welsh publishing scene has developed. A live chat will follow on Twitter for the audience to tune in. 

Panelists Sarah Johnson, marketing and communications officer at Seren Books, Leonie Lock, assistant editor at Firefly Press and Kathryn Tann, reading engagement editor at Parthian Books, will discuss the opportunities for Welsh publishers, what changes the industry has seen, and how Welsh publishers have faced the recent challenges posed by Covid-19.

Tanu Shelar, SYP UK chair said: "We are thrilled to launch On the Map to showcase new publishing hubs, routes into the industry and talent from different corners of the UK. There’s no doubt the year we've had has been transformative for us all and I can't wait to see how UK publishing has thrived since we started On the Road in 2017."  

Taliha Quadri and Sarah Moore, SYP UK event officers said: "On the Map is an exciting opportunity for us to explore areas currently outside our regional branches. We’re keen to feature as much variety as possible and hopefully inspire interesting conversations around UK publishing." 

Please sign up for tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/syp-on-the-map-publishing-in-wales-tickets-152730187101

To find out more about SYP events, follow @SYP_UK on Twitter and Instagram.