Inside Publishing

In this episode, we turn our attention to the charitable sector of publishing in a discussion with Dave Williams, spokesperson for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). This charity supports people with sight loss in the UK and today’s show primarily focuses on their audiobook service, Talking Books. We track its long history of supporting its users in accessing reading materials, the 21st century technology employed, and the parameters for creating inclusive content.Dave Willi...

In this episode, Averie speaks to Kate Seiler – External Affairs Manager at the Edinburgh International Book Festival – about running and maintaining a popular book festival. Kate talks candidly on the Book Festival’s success, as well as its plans for a greener future. We also cover online events, how the Book Festival has adapted since the pandemic and the Business of Books series, which highlights the people and publishing processes behind the books that are promoted at the Edinburgh Intern...

In this episode, Sophie speaks to Isi, who runs instagram account @thebibliotucker, and Giulia, who works for book marketing agency Bookers. We discuss the rise of book influencing over recent years, what makes a good book influencer account and how social media has changed in the publishing industry. IsiInstagram: @thebibliotuckerTwitter: @isituckerGiuliaTwitter: @Giulia_MaggioriWebsite: https://www.bookersagency.com/Mentioned in this episodeBookTok Festival at Waterstones Piccadilly | Event...

In this episode, Sophie speaks to Lyndsey Mayhew, Associate Director at The Book Publicist, about working in publicity in publishing. Lyndsey talks about about her varied career history, what it was like moving across different departments, as well as what makes a good PR campaign. We also discuss some great tips on how to get your first job in publishing and how to contact publishers. Lyndsey MayhewTwitter: @LyndseyMayhewWebsite: http://www.thebookpublicist.co.uk/ Mentioned in this epi...

In this episode, Kathryn speaks to Anne Glennie – founder and director of Cranachan Books – about children’s publishing in Scotland. Anne talks candidly on the importance of representation in children’s publishing, as well as how children’s books can benefit older readers. We also cover changes in book reading and buying habits since the start of the pandemic and other aspects of running a children’s publishing house, like the creative process of working with writers as well as illustrators a...

In this episode, Emma speaks to Habiba Desai and Sara Razzaq, creators of Northern indie press Fox and Windmill, who have recently released their first book Into the Wilds. We discuss the process of setting up a press, the importance of being passionate about the work you do, as well as some of the challenges faced so far, and lessons they’ve learnt along the way. Brought to you by SYP North, we discuss the work they’re doing to promote marginalised voices with a focus on their percepti...

In this episode, Joyce Dignam (Ireland’s Podcast Officer) is joined by Laura Cassidy, one of the co-founders and editors at Banshee Press. They discuss the nitty-gritty of bringing a publication from submission to print, what it's like to be a writer and editor, and the challenges of running a literary journal and independent press. Mentioned in this episodeBanshee Press: https://www.bansheelit.com/aboutArts Council of Ireland: https://www.artscouncil.ie/home/The Four Faced Liar: https:/...

In this episode, Shiv speaks to Farzana Khan - a Production Controller for Hachette Kids - about the production problems that the publishing industry is facing currently. We talk about budgets, Brexit and strains to the supply chain Lastly, we cast our focus to the future and speculate on what publishers & consumers alike can expect in 5 years time from book production in the UK.Farzana KhanTwitter: @fkhan381Mentioned in this episodePublishers Association: https://www.publishers.org.uk/ T...

In this episode, Joyce Dignam (Ireland’s Podcast Officer) is joined by fellow committee members Margaret Farrelly & Talitha Duncan-Todd. The three unpack the question of whether Irish hopefuls are destined for the UK given its hub status for publishing. They weigh up the opportunities, advantages & drawbacks of relocating for a job, and what someone stands to gain returning to Ireland once they've had a role in the UK.Mentioned in this episodePublishing Ireland https://www.publishingi...

In this episode, Averie speaks to Angela Gilchrist, Editorial Director of The People’s Friend and one of the hosts from the Reading Between The Lines podcast. Angela discusses how Reading Between The Lines was created, the differences between modern short stories and short stories that were written in the early Twentieth century and what makes a good podcast. We also cover the lack of podcasts created for the publishing industry and how they could be an asset to both publishers and their cust...

In this episode, Sophie speaks to Molly Masters, Co-Founder and Director of Books That Matter and Brave Girls Book Club. Molly discusses why she decided to create Books That Matter, her experience of appearing on Dragon's Den, and the importance of reading and why it was so important throughout the pandemic. We also cover the importance of female representation in publishing, as well as hearing some exciting future plans for Books That Matter.Molly MastersTwitter: @booksthatmatterWebsite: www...

In this episode, we delve into the importance of unions in the publishing industry with Zainab Juma - Mother of Chapel at Penguin Random House. We question how unionised publishing is as an industry, the affection professionals have for the industry and whether that equates to fair transaction of labour. We also address the exodus of editors leaving the industry, the strength in numbers that a union provides, and the myth that working in publishing ‘for the love of books’ is remuneration enou...

In this episode, Shiv speaks to Laura Jones - Co-Founder of 404 Ink, Interim Publisher at Dead Ink and all-round plate spinner - about freelancing in the publishing industry. Laura talks candidly on the highs and lows of being your own boss; from the geographical freedom it supports and the passion projects that can be pursued, as well as the stresses of starting out & one of the reasons we all go to work: the money. We also cover the challenges of creating a healthy work-life balance and...

In this episode, SYP Oxford's, Caroline Guillet, talks to Kathleen Farrar, Managing Director Group Sales & Marketing and Jude Drake, Head of Sustainability from Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. They chat about the importance of having a strong sustainability strategy as a publishing company, initiatives such as Publishing Declares (Publishers Association), working with suppliers to reduce emissions, partnerships with the Woodland Trust and Reforest’Action and finally the impact of working from ...

In this episode, SYP Ireland's Elizabeth Goldrick had the pleasure of speaking with Gráinne O’Toole and Nidhi Zak of Irish independent press, Skein Press. Established in 2017, Skein Press is a writer-centred publishing house that supports writers traditionally underrepresented in Irish literature by publishing beautiful, thought-provoking books. Skein are also committed to seeing greater diversity in the in-house team. They provide opportunities that encourage those traditionally exclud...