Interning at The Hay Festival with Sophie James

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]

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 Reviewhttps://thedublinreview.com/Penguin Sandycovehttps://www.penguin.co.uk/about/publishing-houses/penguin-general/sandycoveLilliput Presshttps://www.lilliputpress.ie/collections/allTranscript 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]

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 linksRozie Kelly:Instagram: @rozeamee6https://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/ 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, 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=ukHead of Zeus:Instagram @headofzeusX @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_londonX @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 speaks to Ingrid Emerick and Leslie Miller, the co-founders of Girl Friday Productions: a hybrid publishing house based in America. We deep-dive into what hybrid publishing is and how the industry has shifted in the last few decades. We also talk about the services Girl Friday offers, such as book coaching, and the intersection between editing and writing. Hope you enjoy!Check out Girl Friday!https://www.girlfridayproductions.com/Mentioned in this episode: University of Washington Editing Certificatehttps://www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/editingFind the transcript here:https://thesyp.org.uk/podcast-transcripts-2022/Hosted and edited by Isabelle "Izzi" Cooper (SYP Ireland podcast officer)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 speaks to Emma Steel - Head of the Every Cherry Imprint a Sweet Cherry Publishing. Emma talks candidly on representation for SEND disabilities within the publishing industry, how she transitioned from a long-standing teaching career into leading an imprint and how Every Cherry aims to bring reading to those who might struggle. Emma Steel:linkedin.com/in/emma-steel-1a7bb6273Mentioned in this episode:Every Cherry: https://www.everycherry.com/Sweet Cherry Publishing: https://sweetcherrypublishing.com/Stories For Your Senses: https://www.everycherry.com/category/stories-for-your-sensesSymbolised Range:  https://www.everycherry.com/category/symbolised-classicsHosted and edited by Gemma Mathers (SYP UK Podcast Officer)Twitter: @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, Sarah speaks to Johanna Clarke – Outreach Lead, Senior Contracts Advisory and podcast host for the Society of Authors (SoA). Johanna speaks about how the SoA works to support authors, along with their role in the broader publishing landscape. Johanna also provides advice about getting into the publishing industry, including an anecdote that proves true the advice we hear time and time again: networking does work!Mentioned in this episode:The Society of Author’s website: The Society of AuthorsUpcoming events: Events from 16 January – 2 February – The Society of AuthorsPrevious event recordings: #SoAatHome on Vimeo The SoA Advisory Clinic via SoA Sounds:Spotify: SoA Sounds | Podcast on SpotifyLibsyn: SoA SoundsApple: SoA Sounds Podcast — Apple PodcastsOr by searching “SoA Sounds” wherever you get your podcasts.Hosted and edited by Sarah Allen-Sutter (SYP London 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, Annika talks to Tee Hodges, the founder of Typewronger, which is an independent bookshop, typewriter repair shop, and small press in Edinburgh. They discuss the ins and outs of independent publishing, first steps into small press work, and the importance of relationship building and community in every aspect of the literary world.TypewrongerWebsite: www.typewronger.comInstagram: @typewrongerWhat's On at Typewronger: www.typewronger.com/home/eventsMentioned in this episodeEdinburgh Zine Fair: sites.google.com/a/typewronger.com/edinubrghzinefairGlasgow Zine Fest: www.glasgowzinelibrary.com/glasgow-zine-festSt. Margaret's House: www.stmargaretshouse.org.ukEpisode transcriptTranscript: thesyp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SYP-Typewronger-Interview.pdfHosted and edited by Annika 'Niki' Cleland-Hura (SYP Scotland 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, Jess speaks to Sophie James about her Events Management Internship at The Hay Festival which took place earlier this year. Sophie speaks openly about her experience, providing insight into what the role involved, what she leart from this experience, and how it has helped her to secure her current job role. She also offers advice for those looking to gain similar experience and discusses her perspective on the publishing industry in Wales. Mentioned in this episode:Visit Wales Website:https://www.visitwales.com/things-do/events/festivals/introducing-hay Hay Festival Global Website:https://www.hayfestival.com/home Hosted and edited by Jessica Davies (SYP Wales Digital Content Officer)Twitter: @SYP_WalesIntagram: syp_wales