Ask an Expert: Suzy Astbury, Managing Director of Inspired Selection

Posted on April 30, 2018 in UK

Getting a job in publishing can be a long and delicate process. Thinking back, how did you decide a job in the industry was for you? Did you come to know the publishing market through others who already worked with books? By stumbling across the opportunity at university? Or perhaps, like me, you discovered the opportunities in the industry a few years after university after working as a bar manager! Whichever way it was, you might have found your approach to applying for roles in this industry has needed a lot of individual tailoring in comparison to applying for other jobs. So how can you go about adjusting those applications?

You probably know by now having a Twitter presence, attending networking events and keeping up to date on the latest reads is crucial to getting into the industry, as well as progressing in it. However, how to make important connections online, to find the ‘right’ events to attend and how to portray your interest in a subsection of publishing — be it Trade, Non-fiction, Academic or STM — can still be a difficult wall to break through. It can be a frustrating business paving your own career path, be that whether you are at the very beginning or further along and looking for a promotion, and you may be finding it is taking a long time to find those quality connections. So how do you succeed in doing so?

When it comes to searching and applying for new roles in this industry, it can be a tough slog. Facing rejection after rejection is, unfortunately, also commonplace in this competitive industry. More often than not that rejection isn’t a reflection on your own abilities, but rather that someone else just happened to make that lasting connection, or caught an employer’s attention, over and above the one hundred other applications yours was amongst. Because of that, sometimes applying for job after job can become demoralising – especially if you are (of course) working to live in another less-fulfilling role, or aren’t working at all and you don’t necessarily want to eat beans on toast for the eighteenth time in a row. You can find career-changing information from blogs such as Publishing Interns amongst others, but you can’t beat chatting to someone with experience to address your personal questions about the process. But how can you find someone with such experience willing to answer your questions?

The answers to the questions above are where we at the Society of Young Publishers come in. We create events that help you to meet those making waves in the industry, improve your online connections and help you put yourself in the best position to attain your dream role. That’s why our Ask an Expert series has been created. It’s your chance to connect with ‘experts’ in their field and ask any questions you might have been harbouring for some time. No question is too small — or too big! And, it just so happens, our next expert has ten years’ worth of recruitment experience to help you make those connections and make your applications stand out.

For our next event, Suzy Astbury (@Suzy_a) has kindly agreed to be our expert. Suzy works as a managing director at Inspired Selection, a company that matches potential publishers with roles that best suit candidates’ skill sets and socio-economic needs. From entry-level to senior executive positions, Inspired Selection uses recruitment specialists with a background in publishing to help job seekers find a perfect fit. It’s a company that is not only professional, but interactive and passionate. When matched with a specialist you will receive a tailored approach to job searching including one-to-one advice and help with CVs, cover letters and salary negotiation. Suzy currently headhunts candidates and works on executive search assignments so she is well versed in exactly what makes a great publisher.

Previous to working at Inspired Selection, Suzy worked in the publishing industry for five years at both The Quarto Group, selling and marketing non-fiction books, and Michael O’Mara Books, working with a range of titles as a foreign rights executive. Having applied for and worked in multiple positions she has not only seen the job market from a recruitment perspective, but also as a potential candidate. She knows: the struggle is real.

Recently, Suzy also worked as part of a team to reorganise the Borough Book Bash. It’s a free networking event that allows you to connect with others in the industry. As this monthly event is low-key and less intimidating than more formal networking events that include speakers or agendas, it’s the perfect place to begin making contacts with others, especially if you’ve yet to work in publishing. (See, the Ask an Expert session hasn’t even begun and you’ve already been let in on an industry event tip – no need to thank us.)

Events such as the Borough Book Bash are made for those of you who don’t know anyone in publishing, or those looking to make those quality connections mentioned earlier. Although this particular event is only held in London, the industry is slowly opening up to different demographics. Less-formal networking events like these are great for first-time networkers, especially if you are trying to break into the industry via a less traditional path (bar manager, don’t forget!). If the thought of going to such events makes you run for the hills as you feel you don’t know how to network, then Suzy will be able to provide lots of networking tips during this Ask an Expert session so that you are prepared to attend the Borough Book Bash or any similar event in the future.

If you are looking for tips on how to create that perfect CV or cover letter for any position in the publishing industry, or if you are looking to take the next steps in your career and you are just not sure how to sell yourself for the jump, you can chat directly to Suzy on 21 May on The Network. Whether you are soon to attend your first interview or you’ve finally called your boss to arrange a meeting to discuss your potential, Suzy can provide you with lots of expert advice following her varied experience in the industry and speaking from a recruitment perspective. You have the chance to ask how a prospective publisher is going to see you prior to your next career move. Could you do with clearing your vision and accessing key information in a pressure-free environment? Of course you could.

If you can’t make 21 May, don’t fret. You can post your questions in advance and you will be notified when your question has been answered. If you aren’t a member but want to take part in this great opportunity to chat with Suzy, you can sign up here, and view other SYP benefits here.

Now is your chance to crack into the publishing industry or boost an already bookish career. Don’t let this chance pass you by, join us for first-rate advice and perhaps you’ll even come across a question you never knew you had!

Good luck and have fun,

Julie (@JuliePeppiatt)

Communications Manager

Society of Young Publishers