Inside Publishing – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, Gemma interviews Sofia Saghir - Campaigns Manager at Riot Communications, a PR agency specialising in arts, culture and entertainment. Sofia discusses the difference between delivering campaigns while working in-house vs at an agency. Also she talks about the range of coverage needed for a successful PR campaign and how the growing importance of BookTok is changing the media landscape. She shares how her career began on her book blog, along with some invaluable advice for aspiring PR and publishing professionals. 

Sofia's links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-saghir-5505b5230/

Riot Communications: https://www.riotcommunications.com/

Episode Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/HwOya2CCO8GJoznkxbKUSOQrsaY?utm_source=copy_url

Hosted and edited by Gemma Jackson (SYP London Podcast Officer)

Instagram @syp_london

X @SYP_UK

Website https://thesyp.org.uk

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

In this episode, Tamara speaks to Meaghan Cahill –– Production Assistant at Bloomsbury, and alumnus of the Columbia Publishing Course (CPC) –– about her experience of CPC. Meaghan talks candidly about the course, highlighting its benefits, the application process, the day to day activities it involved, and how it has helped launch her career into publishing.

Mentioned in this episode

Columbia Publishing Course: https://journalism.columbia.edu/cpc-uk 

Episode transcript 

https://turboscribe.ai/transcript/7692148163608044315/pod-3-edited

Hosted and edited by Tamara Letts (SYP South West Podcast Officer)

Twitter/X: @SYP_UK

Website: https://thesyp.org.uk

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

This this episode, Sara interviews Yan Zhuchen-Mander and Cassie Rocks from The Flip, a non-profit promoting transparency and equality in publishing. The Flip, founded in 2019, highlights diverse voices on challenging topics like menopause and mental health. Yan and Cassie discuss their roles in publishing and the importance of visibility, mentorship, and advocacy in publishing. The Flip's recent workforce survey focuses on neurodiversity, AI, and caring responsibilities. Both share their current reads, highlighting diverse narratives and impactful nonfiction.

Interviewees

The FLIP 

The FLIP - Female Leadership in Publishing

Twitter @_TheFLIP

Instagram @femaleleadershipinpublishing

LinkedIn : the-flip 

Mentioned in this episode:

Harper Collins Elevate: Twitter: @ElevateHC_     Instagram: @elevatehc_

People of Publishing: https://www.publishers.org.uk/people-of-publishing/

Bookseller Rising Star: https://www.thebookseller.com/rising-stars-2025

The FLIP interview with Dr Zaahida Nabagereka: https://www.the-flip.co.uk/interviews/dr-zaahida-nabagereka

Penguin Lit In Colour Campaign: https://www.penguin.co.uk/about/social-impact/lit-in-colour/about

The Runnymede Trust: https://www.runnymedetrust.org/

The London Book Fair: https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en-gb.html

Bradford Literature Festival: https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/

Hosted and edited by Sara Young  (SYP North Podcast Officer)

Twitter: @SYP_UK

Website: https://thesyp.org.uk 

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

In this episode, Izzi interviews Des Doyle; the marketing and publicity manager at New Island Books. We talk through the process of marketing a book from start to finish, how social media and the rise of book influencers have impacted publicity, and how working in book selling is preparation for a career in publishing. Hope you enjoy! 

Mentioned in the episode:

New Island Books

https://www.newisland.ie/

Hodges Figgis 

https://www.hodgesfiggis.ie/

Transcript available here:

https://thesyp.org.uk/podcast-transcripts-2022/

Hosted and edited by Isabelle "Izzi" Cooper (SYP Ireland Podcast officer)

Follow SYP Ireland on Instagram: @sypireland

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

Description of Episode 

In this episode, Molly speaks to Suzanne Collier –– publishing professional, longtime friend of the SYP, registered career development professional, and author –– about job searching in publishing. Suzanne talks about her journey in the publishing industry, job searching insights/tips for any current or aspiring professionals, and her recent book How to Job Search in Publishing: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide. 

Interviewee Information & Links 

Suzanne Collier

Bookcareers Website: bookcareers.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bookcareers/ 

Helpful Links: Mentioned in this Episode 

How to Job Search in Publishing: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide by Suzanne Collier: https://www.bookcareers.com/htjs/ 

Inside Book Publishing by Giles Clark and Angus Phillips: https://www.routledge.com/Inside-Book-Publishing/Phillips-Clark/p/book/9781032516554 

bookcareers.com podcast episodes: https://www.bookcareers.com/category/podcasts/ 

Episode Transcript 

https://otter.ai/u/mTn-DABnxthgt3qg-MuXCeW2lZw?utm_source=copy_url

Host Credits and SYP Links 

Hosted and edited by Molly Frisch (SYP Oxford Podcast Officer)

Instagram: @oxford_syp

Twitter: @SYP_Oxford

Website: https://thesyp.org.uk/branch/oxford/ 

Outreach 

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

Overview: Isabelle Kenyon, Managing Director of Fly on the Wall Press discusses what it is like to set up and run an independent press. Isabelle also shares her journey from theatre marketing to publishing, with invaluable insight on how to DIY your own space within the industry. Discover what is next for the award winning Manchester based press, as well as Isabelle's recommended reads.

Interviewees social media and links:

Isabelle Kenyon:
Instagram: @kenyonauthorservices @flyonthewallpress
Website: https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/

Mentioned in this episode:

Northern Publishers' Fair: https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/northern-publisher-s-fair

Radical Book Fair: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalBookFair/?locale=en_GB

Northern Fiction Alliance: http://northernfictionalliance.com/about

Fly On The Wall Press summer party: https://fly-on-the-wall-press.eventcube.io/

Episode transcript:

Hosted and edited by Sara Young (SYP North UK Podcast Officer)

Twitter: @SYP_UK
Website: https://thesyp.org.uk

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in
the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

In this episode, Gemma speaks to debut author Georgia Leighton ahead of the release of her novel Spellbound. Georgia talks about her writing process, the influences behind Spellbound, her experience publishing a novel and her journey into the industry as a marketing manager. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Georgia Leighton: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/302827/georgia-leighton

Spellbound: https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/spellbound/georgia-leighton/9780857505910

Recorded and edited by Gemma Mathers (SYP UK Podcast Officer)

Twitter: @SYP_UK

Website: https://thesyp.org.uk

Episode Transcript: https://thesyp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SYP-In-Conversation-with-Georgia-Leighton-Transcripts.pdf

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

In this episode, Izzi speaks to Brendan Barrington, the editorial director of Penguin Sandycove and the founder of the Dublin Review. We cover his extensive career in editing, and what it means to be an imprint of a larger publishing house and how it compares to small, independent publishing, and what the pros and cons of each are. We also discuss how Ireland fits into the international publishing landscape. Hope you enjoy!

Mentioned in this episode:

The Dublin Review

https://thedublinreview.com/

Penguin Sandycove

https://www.penguin.co.uk/about/publishing-houses/penguin-general/sandycove

Lilliput Press

https://www.lilliputpress.ie/collections/all

Transcript available here:

https://thesyp.org.uk/podcast-transcripts-2022/

Hosted and edited by Isabelle "Izzi" Cooper (SYP Ireland Podcast officer)

Follow SYP Ireland on Instagram: @sypireland

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

Overview: Sara Young interviews Rozie Kelly about her debut novel "Kingfisher," published by Saraband Press on April 3. Rozie discusses her journey as a writer, and highlights the importance of prizes like the Northbound Book Award and the PFD Queer Fiction Prize for emerging writers. She also touches on the supportive Northern writing community and her ongoing research for a new novel project.

Interviewees social media and links

Rozie Kelly:

Instagram: @rozeamee6

https://linktr.ee/rozeamee 

https://saraband.net/contributor/rozie-kelly/

Mentioned in this episode:

Saraband Publishers: https://saraband.net/ @saraband-books.bsky.social.

Northbound Book Award: https://saraband.net/northbound-award/

PFD Queer Fiction Prize: https://petersfraserdunlop.com/about-us/pfd-queer-fiction-prize/ 

Transcript Available at:

https://thesyp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/In-Conversation-with-Debut-Author-Rozie-Kelly-Transcript.pdf

Hosted and edited by Sara Young  (SYP North Podcast Officer)

Twitter: @SYP_UK

Website: https://thesyp.org.uk 

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com

In this episode, Gemma speaks to Shannon Hewitt, senior marketing manager at Head of Zeus, a London-based publisher with six imprints that cover a range of fiction and non-fiction books. We talk about the process of creating, planning and delivering effective book campaigns. Shannon shares the different elements of a marketing campaign, as well as how departments across the publishing house interact to launch a book. Later, we discuss how to make your cover letter stand out amongst a busy job market and the skills that you need to embark on your marketing career. This episode is very kindly sponsored by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Shannon Hewitt:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-hewitt-546697108/?originalSubdomain=uk

Head of Zeus:

Instagram @headofzeus

X @HoZ_books

Bloomsbury:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/

Episode transcript:

https://otter.ai/u/Dlk4Jx5aRuA6gXxfPJROBUXU6-A?utm_source=copy_url

Hosted and edited by Gemma Jackson (SYP London Podcast Officer)

Instagram @syp_london

X @SYP_UK

Website https://thesyp.org.uk

If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at podcast.syp@gmail.com