In 2026, SYP South West is running the Into and Ahead streams of the mentorship scheme.
Click here to apply to the mentorship Into stream.
Click here to apply to the mentorship Ahead stream.
SYP South West Mentors 2026
Zoë Forbes
Editorial, Bristol University Press
I am an editor with almost eight years of experience in academic publishing across the humanities and social sciences. While studying at Newcastle University I completed an internship at Agenda Publishing which give me the impetus to apply for an Editorial Assistant role at Routledge. In 2021, I moved west to Bristol University Press where I joined as a Senior Editorial Assistant. I am now an Assistant Commissioning Editor on the Politics, International Relations and International Development lists and manage our book series in these areas. Recently I also gained experience while covering a Commissioning Editor role on our Criminology and Law lists where I worked on a variety of books spanning scholarly monographs, edited collections and more accessible books aimed at policy makers and practitioners. My experience in a range of different editorial roles and subject areas has given me knowledge of what skills and experience is helpful when aiming to progress through these career stages.
Ellen Pearce
Senior Commissioning Editor, Bristol University Press
I have worked in academic publishing since 2016, starting out as an editorial intern at Edward Elgar Publishing. I am now a Senior Commissioning Editor for business, management and economics at Bristol University Press, having joined BUP in 2022. I commission books for academics, students, business professionals and the general nonfiction reader. Before entering publishing, I studied history at Manchester. Outside of work I play netball, and I love to read and travel.
Hayley Symonds
Sales & Publishing Director at Paper Engine/HHUK
Sales & Publishing Director at Paper Engine, an independent publisher of novelty products, and print and design partner for key UK trade publishers (Usborne, Pan Mac, Nosy Crow, PRH, and more). Specialising in concept, design, production, and delivery for novelty and luxury books (including pop-up, moving, and sound). With a decade of experience in Sales and Brand Partnerships at Penguin Random House. Focus on Non-Trade publishing across all Adult markets and Children’s novelty.
Laura Chamberlain
Design Manager, North Parade Publishing
Jamie Middleton
Commissioning Editor, BBC Sky at Night Magazine
Jamie Middleton is an editor and writer who has been editing and creating content for magazines and websites for over 25 years. He is currently BBC Sky at Night Magazine’s commissioning editor. As well as writing about astronomy, he has helped create websites about tech and innovation like TechRadar.com, Innovate UK and TechSPARK, written programmes for music festivals, books on inventions and architecture, TV listings magazines, and edited publications about cars such as Lexus, Toyota and Jaguar. In his spare time he writes fiction books and poetry.
Megan Farr
Children’s Publishing, PR, & Marketing, Bath Spa University & Chicken House
Megan Farr is a Lecturer in Publishing at Bath Spa University, currently completing her PhD in the field of Children’s Publishing in Wales. Her 25-year journey in the industry began with work experience at Seren Books, where she now serves on the Board of Directors. Throughout her career, Megan has held roles in PR, marketing, and communications across children’s publishing houses, including Barefoot Books, Little Tiger Press, Macmillan Children’s Books, Hot Key Books, Firefly Press, Graffeg, and Chicken House. Megan has also worked for New Welsh Review magazine and literature promotion organisations BookTrust and Literature Wales.