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The London branch of the Society of Young Publishers has launched a second mentoring initiative, SYPahead, featuring Sam Eades and Sarah Savitt and aimed at those wanting to progress within the industry.
The mentor programme for junior professionals already in a publishing role follows on from the successful launch of the society's scheme for those wanting to enter the sector.
Applications opened on Monday (30th July) and the scheme will run from September through to February 2019.
Eades, editorial director at Trapeze, and Savitt, Virago publisher, are among the mentors taking part. Brand and licensing director at King's Road Publishing Natalie Jerome is also participating along with Joanna Swainson, agent at Hardman and Swainson, Sarah Shrubb, audio publisher at Little, Brown, and HarperCollins publicity manager Sabah Khan.
Other mentors include Felice McKeown, head of digital marketing at Bonnier Zaffre, Ella Kahn, agent and co-founder of Diamond, Kahn and Woods, commissioning editor for gender studies at Palgrave Amelia Derkatsch and Orion senior marketing manager Cait Davies.
The scheme – which is focused on career progression within publishing – follows on from the SYPinto programme which launched in May for individuals not yet working in the industry. It was open to individuals who were not members of the volunteer-run collective but applicants for SYPahead must be society members, which costs between £18 and £30 annually.
Katrin Krusch, co-chair of the society’s London branch, said: “When conceptualising the scheme, we decided to open its first stream - SYPinto - to anybody to support our ongoing mission of improving inclusivity and access to the industry. With SYPahead’s focus on junior professionals already working in the industry, we felt we needed to give our members an exclusive benefit because their support enables our organisation to continue running and trying to make positive change in the industry.”
“Getting into publishing in the first place is a huge step but the journey doesn’t stop there.”, said Phoebe Morgan, branch co-chair. “We want to help those who are thinking about getting promoted, changing sectors, carving out careers for themselves, because a lot of the time I think people feel too scared to ask their peers. Having a mentor provides a neutral person and can make a real difference to the individual.”
The SYP was founded in 1949 and is open to anyone of any age, who is working in publishing or a related trade or hoping to be soon.
To apply for the scheme, visit the SYP website.