The Society of Young Publishers (SYP) is a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to helping aspiring publishers break into the industry. We also support junior publishing professionals to progress their careers.
Volunteering with the SYP means you will be making a positive difference to the industry, all whilst helping others, developing new skills and gaining valuable contacts and friends.
As a volunteer you are also given complimentary membership during your volunteering term with the SYP. You will have access to a variety of membership benefits (including a free InPrint magazine subscription, partner discounts, access to our jobs boards and so much more). We value the hard work and commitment of all our volunteers, and want you to gain as much as possible during your volunteering term.
If you are a publishing hopeful, or within the first ten years of your publishing and book career, you are eligible to serve on a committee. There is no age limit, and you do not need to be studying/have studied publishing, or have any publishing experience to apply. All you need is a passion for the industry, and an understanding of the values and work of our organisation.
Applications open every year for new SYP committee members. You can serve on the committee for up to three years (you will need to reapply each year). This ensures that we can allow as many new voices as possible to be heard.
Positions on the UK Committee are open to applicants based anywhere within the UK and Ireland, whilst applications to the regional branches require you to be based within those specific areas. Please note that if you are based outside of the UK, unfortunately you can’t be an SYP volunteer.
Please note that while committee positions are voluntary, it does require a commitment for the year in order to keep the society running successfully. Each position will involve participating in committee meetings, as well as contributing to possible events or online ventures.
To apply, please select the link to the relevant regional committee from the list below and complete the application form. If you would like to apply for two roles (either on the same committee or different ones) please complete two separate forms.
If you have any questions about applying for a committee position, please read through the SYP Volunteer FAQs page here. If your query hasn’t been answered, get in touch at sypchair@thesyp.org.uk.
The Society of Young Publishers especially encourages people of under-represented communities to apply. Barriers of entry into the publishing industry are particularly felt by people from under-represented backgrounds/experiences and the SYP is a great opportunity to get some experience to add to your CV. We particularly encourage you to apply if any of the following applies to you: people from Black, Asian, Latine, and mixed/multiple ethnicities; men, trans, and non-binary people; aged 30+ years old; people who consider themselves disabled, including those with physical disabilities; people who are neurodivergent; and people who consider themselves to come from a low-income or working class background.
Listen to what our 2024 volunteers have to say about volunteering with the SYP!
Frequently Asked Questions in relation to volunteering with the Society of Young Publishers.
Our committee members form the heart of the Society of Young Publishers. They keep our organisation running smoothly, and help to shape its direction. With a vast range of volunteer …
Explore our advice and guidance applying to volunteer at SYP
This is the application page to volunteer for a position on the SYP Ireland Committee.
This is the application page to volunteer for a position on the SYP London Committee.
This is the application page to volunteer for a position on the SYP North Committee.
This is the application page to volunteer for a position on the SYP Oxford Committee.
This is the application page to volunteer for a position on the SYP Scotland Committee.
This is the application page to volunteer for a position on the SYP South West Committee.
This is the application page to volunteer for a position on the SYP UK Committee.
This is the application page to volunteer for a position on the SYP Wales Committee.