4 gains from volunteering as SYP London blog officer

Posted on December 1, 2025 in London

It’s not only presents that we wrap up this time of the year. In addition to being a month of good intentions, December also calls for assessments and re-evaluations. It was around this time last year that I applied to volunteer as a SYP blog officer, and then forgot about it altogether. Not that I wasn’t keen, but because you learn to keep your expectations to a minimum when you’re used to filling out forms for certain roles. One year later, I’m very glad I sent that application through and was selected, as volunteering with the SYP London Committee has made my 2025 more insightful, interesting, and purposeful.

Today I’d like to summarise the reasons why, both as a “thank you” to everyone I’ve met on this journey, and as an encouragement to those who have never got involved and yet feel tempted.

Here is an essential list of what I have gained from my experience as a SYP blog officer:

I’ve met inspiring people and learnt from them

Within the London committee:

I must admit that Iàve felt a little intimidated during the first committee meetings. Back then, my knowledge of SYP and the behind-the-scenes of it was very limited, whilst everyone else in the team looked pretty full on (but this is pretty much what happens every time you start a new job, isn’t it?). Eventually, as I became more familiar with how the organisation worked, I also realised what an opportunity it was to be teamed up with people who had already one year or two of volunteering experience with SYP, most of them significantly younger than me but professionally competent. From my fellow committee members, I’ve received tips, support, an introduction to key contacts, and learnt what teamwork really means.

Outside the London Committee:

I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to develop my own ideas and write about topics I’m passionate about, and the creative freedom SYP has allowed me. Creating blogs for this website has led me to connect with interesting individuals and promote their projects. For example, I was thrilled to feature on this website an East London literary circle that I’ve attended for a while, interview great professionals in the industry, and also delve more into Indie projects. Also, on multiple occasions, the help of the content lead has been key, whose patience went as far as proofreading some of my scariest drafts.

2. I’ve attended great events either for free or at discounted fees

One of the paradoxes of publishing is the high cost of certain events and services, which at the same time target hopeful individuals who are still unemployed or struggling to set their foot in the industry. Thanks to my position as a SYP volunteer, this year I’ve been able to attend The London Book Fair and the Wimbledon Book Fest, and also hear lectures and seminars held by professional editors and writers. (NB: This is also one of the perks you get from being a subscriber, not necessarily a volunteer)

3. I’ve collected bylines

Which was the whole point, wasn’t it?

Perhaps my position is a bit unusual, as I don’t aim to work in publishing, even though my creative projects have a lot to do with the industry, so writing about it has given me a deeper insight. Also, everyone else who takes up writing as a side gig (while working other unrelated jobs) knows the importance of getting some work showcased on a well-known website.

4. I’ve made mistakes and learnt from them

At one point this year, I went ahead with a piece I’d had in mind for a while; unfortunately, I didn’t take the time to check my sources. I guess I acted in a rush, carried away by my own enthusiasm. It might be a volunteer job, but it’s still a job; my mistake led to a potentially sticky situation, had it not been handled with such professionalism and grace by my supervisors. Surely the outcome would have been very different “in the real world”, so I also owe to SYP the opportunity I’ve been given to make mistakes and understand that attention to detail is key when you work in communication. I’ll never forget how risky superficiality can be.

A big thank you to everyone I met this year, and good luck to whoever will be here in my place next year!

By Annapaola Paparo