My Year on the Committee

Posted on November 26, 2018 in UK

Welcome. Maisie here, the Managing Editor of the InPrint magazine. As was discussed over here, it is Society of Young Publishers volunteer season. With that naturally comes a new batch of volunteers with fresh ideas and energy. To preview what those considering applying to be on the committee next year can expect, I asked Carl Smith to answer a few questions about his role with the committee and what being part of the SYP team has meant for him.

Before we begin, a reminder that the SYP is for anyone within the first ten years of their publishing career. You don’t have to be just starting your journey to be a part of the community or join the committee. As long as you feel you can provide your time and support to our cause, we want to hear from you. Information is below on how to volunteer and what roles are available.

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Hi Carl. Thanks for being willing to do this, and can you start by telling us about your current job and a fun fact about yourself.

I’m an Editor for Severn House. We predominantly publish crime fiction, from psychological thrillers to cosy mysteries, though are now venturing into sci-fi and fantasy titles.

Fun fact: I have made a cup of tea for Dame Kelly Holmes… though, as I don’t drink tea (or coffee), it was probably rubbish and I don’t think she touched it. Understandable really.

How did you get started in publishing and what made you consider publishing as a career?

In this industry I’m probably an anomaly in that I never enjoyed reading when I was younger. I was brought up on a council estate in one of worst cities in the UK in terms of the educational league tables, which was reflected in my relatively poor GCSE performance and my getting an E in English Literature. In fact, I only took English at A Levels because I saw the subject as the lesser of every evil I could think of in a sudden decision to become a teacher.

Once I realised that vocation wasn’t for me, by then I’d grown to love reading and only then did it seem an obvious choice. By this time I was in my thirties. As for my start in the industry, after doing work experience in a few places I started working on the legal side of the editorial content for a financial publisher. That company was my home for three years as I progressed up their ladder.

What made you consider joining the committee and why as the Digital Content Officer?

Honestly, joining the SYP as a regular member saved me from a dark period in my life. I was made redundant from the aforementioned financial publisher and was struggling professionally and personally. Those on the committee and the members provided support at that time. Giving back was the least I could do.

Why this role? Time for honesty again… I was asked if I wanted to do it after initially planning on doing something else. I didn’t automatically think of undertaking this role but after we discussed it I am pleased it is what I ended up doing. Much like my first role in the industry, sometimes your ideal position isn’t the one you get but ultimately it turns out for the best. I would say this is what happened on both occasions for me. I learnt things in both that have stood me in good stead down the road.

Can you talk a bit about your experience of being on the committee? What does your role entail?

I look after the SYP website. That includes talking directly to all the companies who want to advertise roles with us. Part of that is trying to encourage them to join the #bookjobtransparency campaign, and then promoting those who do. On top of that I create a blogging schedule for the whole committee to follow in order to populate the site with content. The results of the Inclusivity Survey asked for more of such content. Whoever joins in this role next year can therefore bring fresh idea for expanding that [wink wink]. Included in this process is discussing article ideas with the committees across the UK and also numerous companies (see our recent collaboration with Usborne).

As you’d expect me to say, I have loved being on the committee. It’s not just a meaningless platitude though. On top of working with everyone else, I also got to work alongside Ain. She was a main factor in my becoming a member as when I met her I’d never even heard of the organisation. She told me about what the SYP did and encouraged me to attend a book club that was coming up, and from there I never turned back. But on top of that I’ve spoken to those around the UK working in publishing, from fellow committee members to other companies.

Has there been an experience that stood out for you over the year?

It ties to exactly what I just said. Getting to meet those I’ve known only via Twitter has been a big plus for me. The people make the experience and that has been the case.

Has your SYP work benefited you professionally or helped you develop personally?

Absolutely. Being on the committee and doing the above, I believe, is partly responsible for my joining the company I am with now. During my interview my SYP exploits were discussed at length, including the times I’d spoken to agents and other companies.

As already mentioned, being part of the organisation as a regular member and then on the committee has meant a lot personally. I have grown tremendously as a person.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering joining the committee in 2018?

Do it. Even if you desperately want to do one specific role and you are offered another, just do it with all your heart. If unsuccessful in joining the committee at the first time of asking, don’t lose hope. Stay a member and take part. You may realise you would prefer another role or spot things you could take part in next year. You may even come up with fantastic ideas that aren’t currently being implemented – outside perspectives are important to every organisation.

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You can find Carl on Twitter @thatpubblogger.

If this has piqued your interest and you’d like to join one of our local branch committees* in London, Oxford, the North, or Ireland, or become part of our UK committee, you can apply now via our website, where you will also find a full list of available roles. For more information, click here.

Maisie Linford

InPrint Managing Editor

*Please note that Scotland committee applications will open in spring 2019, while the South West will be open again at the end of 2019.