Here’s Why You Should Join the SYP North Committee
Posted on January 5, 2024 in North
Are you curious about what goes on behind the scenes with the SYP North Committee? Would you like to meet other northern publishing hopefuls and gain valuable work experience? Perhaps you’ve already considered submitting an application but need that final encouragement. If you’re still on the fence about signing up this year, perhaps we can convince you otherwise. Take a peak at some testimonials from our 2023 committee members.
Why did you decide to apply for the SYP North committee?
Georgina: After landing my first role in the publishing industry, I wanted to broaden my publishing experience for future roles. I also saw that SYP North host fantastic events every year, and it was great to be involved with some of these; the events brought together publishing hopefuls and showcased that publishing is starting to grow in the North, which is highly important.
Karoline: I decided to apply because I wanted to gather as much publishing-related experience as possible. I was in the middle of my internship at the York Literature Festival, so I was very much in love with event planning. This passion has blossomed during my time at the SYP.
Karoline Tübben, Events Officer
Laura: Obviously, I have a keen desire to join the publishing industry at some point, specifically in a marketing role, so I thought that applying to join the North committee as a Digital Content Officer made sense. It would allow me to write blogs, immerse myself further in the industry, and learn new skills like podcast editing and recording. I was especially interested in applying for the North committee as I wanted to develop resources and content that assist publishing hopefuls nationally and specifically empower Northern hopefuls looking for opportunities closer to home.
Eleanor: I decided to apply to be a digital content officer right at the last minute when a role came up outside of the usual application widow and, to be completely honest, I had only just discovered the SYP and all of its localised branches, just a week or so before. I’ve always been someone who loves to throw herself into new things, and having recently decided to change career paths from journalism to publishing, I was looking to find a role that would introduce me to the wider industry but would still feel close-knit, friendly and close to home. Eight months later, I couldn’t have asked for a better first step in my career!
What’s one thing you’ve learned in your role that will further your career development?
Eleanor: When I first took on my role, I was so eager and excited to come up with blog ideas and get writing; coming from a journalism background, this is what I felt comfortable and familiar with, and I was looking forward to sharpening my existing skills. However, since recording my first podcast with the SYP, I have found a new passion for audio content. I have so many untried ideas and exciting guests I’d love the interview, and I’m thankful to have learned audio editing in such a practical setting.
Eleanor Bowskill, Digital Content Officer
Karoline: There are many soft skills or subskills, or whatever you want to call it, involved in event planning, such as email writing, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, negotiation, creativity, proactiveness, organisation, and so much more. Although I don’t work in publishing at the minute, I need all of the skills mentioned above daily, be it for event planning or not.
I’ve also become much better at networking because even though we reached out to the speakers via the official SYP email before the event, Shelby and I got to chat with them via email and on Zoom, so afterwards, I felt brave enough to reach out to them on Twitter or even via email in case I had any questions either about what they’d said or general career questions.
Laura: I have developed so many skills in the past year – this is a reminder to update my CV! I can’t stress how important this opportunity has been for developing my teamwork and communication skills. As one of the Digital Content Officers, we did a lot of cross-branch collaboration to ensure that podcasts/blogs covered something different and were uploaded on time. This has honed my experience in working cohesively towards common goals, which will undoubtedly be important in most jobs.
Georgina: My role has firstly provided me with admin and handling the finances for the committee. In addition to this, I have also developed analytical and strategic planning skills when opening up a new bank account, as well as communication and interpersonal abilities.
Do you have a favourite moment so far? Is there a particular event or piece of content that
you’re most proud of?
Laura: I am really proud of the first podcast I recorded with Becca Parkinson from Manchester University Press. When I applied for the role, the podcasting side of things really interested me but also terrified me. I had never recorded or edited a podcast before, although I have a little bit of video editing experience. Once I got into the call with Becca and hit record, though, it all felt so easy, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to do it – this is definitely something I’d like to do again!
Laura Lewis, Digital Content Officer
Eleanor: I’ve really enjoyed re-launching the book club. It’s been a great opportunity to showcase authors based in the North, chat about books and gain some more experience in online event planning! It’s always great to find remote volunteering opportunities, but it’s nice when you get the chance to meet new people (virtually).
Karoline: I loved every event we hosted, truly, but I’d say the last one in collaboration with Hachette UK was an incredibly insightful celebration of the North of England, which was very hope-inducing and needed given that there are so many publishing hopefuls who do not want to be forced to make The Move – me included – we want to have our options open and be able to prioritise our quality of life when making career moves.
Georgina: My favourite moment on the committee was having the opportunity to chair the Pathways to Publishing panel at the NYA Lit Fest event hosted by UCLan Publishing. This allowed me to network with others in the industry and speak to amazingly talented YA authors from around the UK who published their first books this year.
What will you miss the most about being on the SYP North committee?
Karoline: I’d have to say the community. Just getting to know the girls has been one hell of a highlight. Everybody is so supportive and kind, and it’s been a joy to work alongside them.
Eleanor: The team have been everything I could ask for and more, especially as I came in a bit later. I felt so welcomed and included, and I’ve learned so much from an amazing group of talented individuals. I want to say I will miss podcasting, but I’m sure I will find a way to fill this void in my life, even if I have to start recording my internal monologue.
Georgina: I’ll miss working with a fantastic team; everyone was lovely to work with and hosted great events throughout the year. I will also miss representing SYP North at events like the Pathways to Publishing event at the Portico Library in Manchester.
Georgina Bulga, Treasurer and Secretary
Laura: Does it sound too soppy to say I will miss the 2023 committee in general? I’ve really enjoyed working with like-minded individuals who are passionate about publishing, particularly publishing in the North. I’ve enjoyed bouncing my ideas around the team and receiving so much positive and constructive feedback – it’s been an amazing networking experience, and I’m glad to have worked alongside some wonderful people this year.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your fellow young publishers who are looking to get involved?
Laura: Have a look at the 2024 roles and apply! Even if some aspects of the role seem unfamiliar or a bit scary (like podcasting was in my case), you’ll be working with such a supportive group, and you could find a new passion that will take you into branches of publishing you hadn’t considered before. And I’m sure I can speak for the whole committee when I say if you have any specific questions about the roles, we would be more than happy to shed some insight!
Georgina: Have a look through the different committee roles that we offer, and choose the role that would provide you with the relevant experience for your future goals in the publishing industry. Also, feel free to contact SYP North if you have any questions when applying, the committee would be happy to help!
Karoline: Apply. Ignore your inner saboteur and just apply. Oh, and don’t be shy, reach out to any of us. I’m sure we’ll be more than happy to answer more questions – I’ll definitely help with the application process if anybody needs it!
Eleanor: I think that because publishing has a reputation as being really competitive and difficult to break into, it’s a lot easier to second-guess things and avoid putting yourself out there altogether. In short, my advice is: don’t do that! Beginner-level, voluntary roles are just that, there’s no need for any prior experience or a wealth of industry knowledge, just a passion for publishing.
Make sure to submit your application by 11:59 on Sunday 7th January.
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