Independent Voices in Publishing

In this episode of Inside Publishing, Sara Young and Tom Barker interview Isabella Barber from Comma Press and James Keane from Northodox Press about the Northern Fiction Alliance (NFA). Founded in 2016, the NFA now includes nearly 30 independent publishers promoting Northern literature and providing development opportunities. Isabella highlights Comma's focus on insider perspectives and international voices, while James emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community in Northodox's publications. Both discuss the impact of the NFA on Northern publishing and the significance of place in their work. Upcoming releases include Comma's "Book of Bradford" and Northodox's "Ravenglass" and "Green Laughing."Northern Fiction AllianceInstagram: @northernfictionalliance Comma Press Website: https://commapress.co.uk/ X: @commapress  Instagram: @commapressNorthodox Press Website: https://www.northodox.co.ukX: @northodoxpress Instagram: @northodoxpressoffcialMentioned in this episodeWoWfest: https://writingonthewall.org.uk/wowfest/ Hosted and edited by Sara Young (SYP UK North PodcastOfficer)Twitter: @SYP_UKWebsite: https://thesyp.org.ukIf you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake inthe show, drop us a line at [email protected]

In this episode Gemma sits down with Elizabeth Kellingley, winner of the Trailblazer Award 2025 and Bloomsbury's Accessibility Manager. They discuss winning the Trailblazer Awards at the London Book Fair, how Elizabeth is working to make the industry more accessible and the incredible dyslexic friendly novels Bloomsbury have released! Links: Elizabeth Kellingley: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-kellingley-7569b0133/Dyslexic Friendly Books:https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/superpages/fiction/bloomsbury-dyslexia-friendly-editions/Host Credits and SYP Links:Hosted and edited by Gemma Mathers (SYP UK Podcast Officer)Instagram: @SYP_UKTwitter: @SYP_UKWebsite: thesyp.org.ukIf you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at [email protected]

Description of Episode In this episode, Molly speaks to Polly Silk -- longtime international rights professional, and current lecturer and head of the MA Publishing Media at Oxford Brookes University. We dive into the current state of international rights in publishing, the details of what a day-to-day job in rights might look like, perks and challenge points of rights careers, and even answer the question: what exactly is international rights management? Interviewee Information and Links Polly Silk Oxford Brookes MA Publishing Media website: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/publishing-media Oxford International Centre for Publishing Instagram: @oxfordpublishingHelpful Links: Mentioned in this Episode LinkedIn: linkedin.comThe Bookseller: thebookseller.com Episode Transcript https://otter.ai/u/75RZZ4MMzsaHwX2Si18SBT6_zqI?utm_source=copy_urlHost Credits and SYP Links Hosted and edited by Molly Frisch (SYP Oxford Podcast Officer) Instagram: @oxford_syp Twitter/X: @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 [email protected]

In this episode, Gemma interviews Ama Badu, commissioning editor of children’s and YA fiction at Faber and Faber. We talk about the collaboration between authors, illustrators and publishers, and the journey of a book to acquisition. We discuss the FAB Prize and what makes for a prize-winning entry. Ama gives advice on working in children’s publishing, and for those seeking a career change into the industry. Ama Badu:LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ama-baduInstagram @noir.renaissanceFaber: Instagram @faberchildrensThe FAB Prize: https://www.faber.co.uk/about-faber/the-fab-prize/?srsltid=AfmBOooWaNxvC_Gg8yPfuu7o_icLkwirgoboEBvyMGMa4ga8Bb8Mdx3oBooks mentioned:My Hair - Hannah Lee (author), Allen Fatimaharan (illustrator)The Rapping Princess - Hannah Lee (author), Allen Fatimaharan (illustrator)Bad Queer - Gayathiri KamalakanthanFaber Illustrated ClassicsLost Love Songs - Ingrid PersaudGlasgow Boys - Margaret McDonaldNikki Giovanni, Poems: 1968-2020Episode transcript:https://otter.ai/u/DXwhe3lTCH8FA4rmb37zp0Cv5aE?utm_source=copy_urlHosted and edited by Gemma Jackson (SYP London Podcast Officer)Instagram @syp_londonX @SYP_UKWebsite https://thesyp.org.ukIf you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at [email protected]

In this episode Gemma sat down with Katie Isbester, Founder of Claret Press. Katie breaks down her publishing journey, from her first job to creating her own Micro-publishing business Claret Press, issues of accessibility within the industry and her recent book: Secrets of Micropublishing.Links:Claret Press: https://www.claretpress.com/Secrets of Micropublishing by Katie Isbester: https://www.claretpress.com/book/secrets-of-micropublishingEpisode TranscriptHost Credits and SYP LinksHosted and edited by Gemma Mathers (SYP UK Podcast Officer)Instagram: @SYP_UKTwitter: @SYP_UKWebsite: thesyp.org.ukIf you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at [email protected]

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.IntervieweesThe FLIP The FLIP - Female Leadership in PublishingTwitter @_TheFLIPInstagram @femaleleadershipinpublishingLinkedIn : 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-2025The FLIP interview with Dr Zaahida Nabagereka: https://www.the-flip.co.uk/interviews/dr-zaahida-nabagerekaPenguin Lit In Colour Campaign: https://www.penguin.co.uk/about/social-impact/lit-in-colour/aboutThe Runnymede Trust: https://www.runnymedetrust.org/The London Book Fair: https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en-gb.htmlBradford Literature Festival: https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/Hosted and edited by Sara Young  (SYP North Podcast Officer)Twitter: @SYP_UKWebsite: https://thesyp.org.uk If you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at [email protected]

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 Bookshttps://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: @sypirelandIf you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at [email protected]

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 CollierBookcareers 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_urlHost Credits and SYP Links Hosted and edited by Molly Frisch (SYP Oxford Podcast Officer)Instagram: @oxford_sypTwitter: @SYP_OxfordWebsite: 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 [email protected]

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 @flyonthewallpressWebsite: https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/ Mentioned in this episode:Northern Publishers' Fair: https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/northern-publisher-s-fairRadical Book Fair: https://www.facebook.com/RadicalBookFair/?locale=en_GBNorthern Fiction Alliance: http://northernfictionalliance.com/aboutFly 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_UKWebsite: https://thesyp.org.ukIf you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake inthe show, drop us a line at [email protected]

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-leightonSpellbound: https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/spellbound/georgia-leighton/9780857505910Recorded and edited by Gemma Mathers (SYP UK Podcast Officer)Twitter: @SYP_UKWebsite: https://thesyp.org.ukEpisode Transcript: https://thesyp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SYP-In-Conversation-with-Georgia-Leighton-Transcripts.pdfIf you have any questions about this episode or wish to partake in the show, drop us a line at [email protected]