Looking forward to #SYPConf20! SYP LDN speaks to Leyla and Jane of The Publishing Post

Posted on October 30, 2020 in London

Things are a little different this year! Ahead of our Turning the Page Conference in November, we’re chatting to some publishing folk you may recognise. Today, we sit down with Leyla Mehmet and Jane Link of The Publishing Post to see what they’re excited for ahead of Conference.

For those of us who might not know, could you please tell us a little bit about who you are and what you both do in publishing?

Jane: I’m currently studying an MA in Comparative and African Literature at the School of Oriental and African studies and I’m hoping to go into publishing after graduation. My dream is to run my own publishing company dedicated to publishing African and African diasporic writers. So, working in publishing is the perfect way to gain knowledge and experience of the industry. Over lockdown, I’ve been researching, learning, and making connections through some freelance writing and editorial work for different publications like Split Lip Magazine, as well as creating and coding my own website (bigblackbooks) dedicating to Black bookish and literary content.

Leyla: I’m also a student, currently in my final year studying English and hoping to enter the publishing industry after graduation. I am a member of the Publishing Hopefuls FB Group! I’ve been doing a range of publishing-related volunteering including writing for The Publishing Post and supporting the marketing and copy-editing activities of two small independent presses.

Have you attended an SYP Conference before? If yes, what year did you attend and how was it? If no, was there anything which put you off in previous years?

Jane: I’ve attended so many fantastic webinars by the SYP since I came across them earlier this year but I’ve not attended their Conference before. I lost my virtual publishing conference virginity at the ALPSP and loved the discussions about the particular barriers to, and recent conversations about, diversity in scholarly publishing. I ‘went’ to Frankfurt Book Fair and loved the series on world market insights in different national publishing industries. I’m based outside the UK so the increase in online events since the start of the pandemic has allowed me to attend more events and gain knowledge that was harder to access beforehand.

Leyla: I’ve not been to a SYP Conference before, so I am really looking forward to this being my first! There wasn’t anything that put me off at all – honestly, I didn’t even know these SYP Conferences existed, otherwise I definitely would have attended. I only became an SYP member at the start of this year but, looking back, I wish I had become one much earlier because I have known for a long time that publishing is the industry I want to go into after graduation and SYP are doing such fantastic things not only to help publishing hopefuls, but also professionals already in the industry who want to advance in their career.

What are you most excited about ahead of this year’s Conference?

Jane: The programme looks so strong and informative! While I’m hoping to attend several live, the fact that every webinar will be available to watch back in my own time is a life-saver and gives me the opportunity to learn a lot more about everything from how to deal with contracts to nailing my application materials. I am also excited to see what a Conference in COVID times will be like, especially as this programme offers a chance to network with aspiring and early career publishing professionals, and continue the conversations we’ll experience together!

Leyla: I’ve heard great things about previous Conferences so I’m really excited to attend this year. I’m looking forward to learning more and hearing new perspectives on issues affecting the industry. There’s such a variety of events and I can’t wait to go to them – virtually of course!

Are there any panels in particular that you’ll be keeping an eye on? What are they and why have they caught your eye?

Jane: I’ve got my eye on ‘Creating Community in Publishing’, ‘Authentic Voices in Publishing’, and of course ‘A Spotlight on Dialogue Books’. While it will be great to gain direct insight into the wonderful work that Dialogue Books does, I’m really excited to hear more about how we judge authenticity in publishing in light of recent debates around growing censorship in the industry. I’m working my way through some of the textbooks used on publishing courses and so I’m keen to make thorough notes at the contracts and audio sessions.

Leyla: ‘Creating Community in Publishing: Innovation and Inclusion’ immediately stood out to me as I really want to learn how the industry is working towards becoming more inclusive! ‘Authentic Voices’ also caught my eye – again due to the focus on inclusivity and diversity which is so greatly needed. The ‘Rethinking Diversity’ study revealed how publishing has traditionally been set up with white, middle-class people as the core audience – and how many publishers are reluctant to expend resources for, or simply don’t know how to reach, diverse audiences. It’s really worrying and we definitely need change.

How do you think attending SYP Conference will support you and your publishing career going forward?

Jane: This is a really affordable opportunity to learn a lot about the publishing industry’s processes and I’m excited to make the most of it! It’s a great chance to connect and network with SYP members through both conference calls and social media. At the minute, I’m trying to learn everything about the industry through reading, watching, and listening. This conference is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Thank you SYP for putting it together.

Leyla: It will not only help with future applications, especially with SYP’s panel for CV and Cover Letter advice but will also allow me to have a greater awareness of issues and topics relevant to the publishing industry right now, which can additionally have a positive impact on applications in order to support with my progression from a publishing hopeful, to a publishing professional (hopefully!).

Join us on the 9^th-13^th November. Have you got your tickets yet? Head over to our shiny new Conference website and grab yours!