Cambridge Publishing Society launch creates a buzz

Posted on March 13, 2010 in Uncategorized

Cambridge University Press (CUP), Lightning Source, Salt and HarperCollins are just a  handful of companies joining the just launched Cambridge Publishing Society (CAMPUS).

CAMPUS is for anyone involved in publishing in Cambridge. It will hold a variety of events to debate, network, research and market ideas. The organisation is a counter to the Oxford Publishing Society, OPUS, and has been given initial sponsorship money by CUP.

Dr Samantha Rayner, senior lecturer in publishing at Anglia Ruskin University and part of the team setting up CAMPUS, said the society is answering the need for such a forum in Cambridge.  She said: ‘I’ve been overwhelmed with the response – I’ve had emails from people saying they’ve wanted something like this to happen for a long time.’

Around 50 people attended the recent launch event, which was hosted by MA Publishing students from Anglia Ruskin University. The panel of special guests from the publishing arena discussed the future role of the editor. Chris Hamilton-Emery, Publishing Director of Salt Publishing, and Mal Peachey, Director at Essential Works helped to lead the debate.

Commenting on the success of this first event, Dr Rayner commented: ‘We are delighted with the response to this initiative which has been overwhelmingly positive. Cambridge illustrates the wealth of areas the term ‘publishing’ includes, and in terms of innovation it is really pushing the boundaries of possibility. It is an inspirational city for anyone interested in the publishing world.’

With representatives from a very broad spectrum of professionals and companies, the launch proved that Cambridge has a rich publishing portfolio: this new forum will help showcase talent and world-leading expertise. Freelance writers and members of the local  Society of Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) networked alongside representatives from companies such as Melrose Books, Cambridge Publishers, The Royal Society of Chemistry, Woodhead Publishing, Hart McLeod, Lightning Source, Pearson and The Lancet.

Peter Davison, Corporate Affairs Director from Cambridge Society Press, also spoke in support of the Society, while Beth Jones, an MA in Publishing student, underlined the advantages for younger members of the profession, saying: ‘I was phenomenally proud to be involved in the set up of CAMPUS. I truly believe there is no better way for publishing students to develop the skills and the personal network required for building their career in publishing. It’s a wonderful opportunity.’

Annual fees for the society will be £15 for individuals, and the fee will include admission to quarterly events. The Society is hoping to facilitate short training courses run by the university, network opportunities and research projects.

Details of the Cambridge Publishing Society CAMPUS membership scheme can be accessed online at www.anglia.ac.uk/campus_publishing