Podcast · Business

Inside Publishing

by The Society of Young Publishers · English · Business

The Society of Young Publishers are pleased to present Inside Publishing, the podcast series interviewing industry experts on everything publishing.

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 42 min
Latest: 14 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Sep 2026 · 45 min

Folklore, Speculative Fiction & Independent Publishing with Nathaniel Spain

In this episode, Megan speaks with Nathaniel Spain, writer, designer and publishing professional based in Tyne and Wear, and editor of independent micro press Carnyx Press, which he launched in 2025. Nathaniel talks about wearing multiple hats as editor, designer, illustrator and typesetter, and why he’s drawn to speculative fiction—from folklore and mythology to metaphor-rich stories that let us explore contemporary issues and sensitive subjects at a slight remove. They discuss Oaths and Off...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

31 Aug 2026 · 34 min
From SYP North to Bloomsbury: Demystifying production with Emma Leask
In this episode, Tom speaks with Emma Leask, Production Editor at Bloomsbury Academic and former Chair of SYP North. Emma shares her route into publishing after moving away from a law degree to a master’s in publishing, stepping up from production assistant to production editor at Bloomsbury Academic, working across lists including theology, music and sound studies, politics, international development, and anthropology. She demystifies production as a project-management role at the heart of t...
17 Aug 2026 · 55 min
Academic Publishing and Marketing with Philip Powell-Mills
In this episode, Sophie speaks to Phillip Powell-Mills, a marketing manager at The International Bunch, a marketing consultancy and agency for academic publishing. Philip discusses his route into the industry, the complexities and misconceptions of his role and his work as a mentor with ALPSP (Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers). Mentioned in this episode: The International Bunch - https://www.internationalbunch.com/ ALPSP - www.alpsp.org Follow on: Facebook, Lin...
20 Jul 2026 · 51 min
Book Festivals and Literary Communities with Rebecca Wilkie
In this episode, Megan speaks with Rebecca Wilkie, Senior Programme Manager (Festivals & Events) at New Writing North and Director of Durham Book Festival. Rebecca shares her journey from growing up in Liverpool to studying and working in London, moving from literary agency The Agency (London) Ltd and BookTrust into the subsidised arts, and eventually leading literary events across the North East. She reflects on class and regional inequality, highlighting the importance of creating oppor...
22 Jun 2026 · 24 min
Launching New Cross Press with Shaun McMullen
In this episode, Gemma talks to Shaun McMullen about New Cross Press, his brand new press launched earlier this month. With a background in law, Shaun discusses how his career has influenced his approach to starting his own business. He talks through the process of publishing Horsefly, the first book on their list. Shaun also gives an insight into the behind the scenes of forming your own press, how he connected with the small press community, sharing advice along the way. New Cross Press lin...
11 May 2026 · 58 min
Access and Opportunities in Publishing with Will Mackie
In this episode, Megan speaks with Will Mackie, Senior Programme Manager at New Writing North and co-leader of the MA in Publishing at Northumbria University. Will shares his journey from editorial roles into talent development and how he now supports emerging writers, particularly in the North of England. We explore structural imbalances in UK publishing and discuss how education, prizes and partnerships can help open up the industry. The episode also highlights the unique partnership betwee...
27 Apr 2026 · 32 min
Careers in Translation: An Interview with Julia Sanches
In this episode, Gemma speaks with literary translator, Julia Sanches. She translates from Spanish, Portuguese and Catalan, and has been shortlisted for the International Booker Prize. As well as discussing her career journey, we talk about her views on literary prize culture, how she approaches a project and why translation deserves more recognition in the UK and the US. Books mentioned: Macunaíma by Mário de Andrade, translated by Katrina Dodson Cane by Jean Toomer The Golden No...
13 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Interview with First Chapter Award winner, Muminah Koleoso
In this episode, Gemma is joined by Muminah Koleoso, a First Chapter Award 2025 winner. She is a poet, writer and the founder of the Sister Station podcast. They discuss her career journey, the growing online poetry community and the challenges of a London-centric publishing industry. Muminah also shares insight into her creative process, and how her love of reading and storytelling motivates her daily. Muminah’s Instagram @minahsmusings SYP Website https://thesyp.org.uk Instagra...
30 Mar 2026 · 52 min
The Scots Revival with Len Pennie
In this episode, Nuala speaks to Scots poet and language activist Len Pennie to discuss the landscape surrounding learning or re-learning our native, minority languages across the UK. In the second episode of a three-part series, Len continues the conversation begun by my conversation with Pàdriag. We discussed preconceived notions surrounding Scots, Scots as a language for love and not just anger, and whether we should always be speaking our minority languages even when bilingual? Len ...
8 Dec 2025 · 25 min
All Things Publicity with Sofia Saghir, Campaigns Manager at Riot Communications
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 asp...
27 Oct 2025 · 43 min
A Deep Dive into the Columbia Publishing Course with Meaghan Cahill
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://turb...
13 Oct 2025 · 36 min
Interview with Lauri Kubuitsile, author of The Scattering
In this episode of Inside Publishing, Gemma interviews Lauri Kubuitsile, author of The Scattering. We talk about her experiences as an author who has worked with many publishers, her views on genres as a marketing tool and why she doesn’t have a literary agent. Her historical novel, The Scattering explores the lives of two women and their experiences of two historical atrocities in Southern Africa at the beginning of the twentieth century: the Herero and Nama genocide, and the Anglo-Boer war....
6 Oct 2025 · 43 min
The Gaelic Revival with Scottish Makar, Pàdraig MacAoidh
In this episode, Nuala speaks to Pàdraig MacAoidh - Scotland's Makar, academic, and broadcaster - to discuss the growing movement behind the revival of the Gaelic language. As part of a three-part series, Pàdraig opens the conversation by discussing his relationship to Gaelic, the creative process of adapting such an old language to his contemporary environment, and the opportunities for Gaelic speakers in the industry today. We also uncovered some of the challenges facing its resurgence, inc...
29 Sep 2025 · 44 min
Interview with Lottie May: All Things Bookselling
In this episode, Tamara speaks to Lottie May - Project Manager and Bookseller at Mr B's Emporium in Bath - about her experiences in bookselling. Lottie discusses her career path from a book lover (beginning in historical fiction), to a BA in History, to a now bookseller, project manager, and sometimes publisher at Mr B's. We also discuss the typical work day at Mr B's, from in house reading spas (essentially, literary therapy), to curating subscriptions for customers, to celebrity sightings a...
15 Sep 2025 · 33 min
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 p...
8 Sep 2025 · 49 min
The Trailblazer Awards with Elizabeth Kellingley
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/discov...
1 Sep 2025 · 35 min
The World of International Rights with Polly Silk
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 Informat...
18 Aug 2025 · 32 min
Interview with Ama Badu, commissioning editor at Faber
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-badu Instagram @noir.renais...
11 Aug 2025 · 58 min
In Conversation with Katie Isbester, Founder of Claret Press
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-micropublishing Episode Transcript Host Credits and SY...
3 Aug 2025 · 38 min
In Conversation With The FLIP
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 cur...
21 Jul 2025 · 30 min
Marketing and Publicity with Des Doyle
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://t...
7 Jul 2025 · 32 min
Job Searching in Publishing with Suzanne Collier
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 ...
23 Jun 2025 · 32 min
In Conversation with Isabelle Kenyon, Fly On The Wall Press
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 W...
9 Jun 2025 · 42 min
In Conversation with Georgia Leighton, debut author of Spellbound
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...
26 May 2025 · 54 min
Imprints, Independents, and Ireland with Brendan Barrington
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....
12 May 2025 · 37 min
In Conversation with Debut Author, Rozie Kelly
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&n...
28 Apr 2025 · 30 min
Marketing Fiction at Head of Zeus with Shannon Hewitt
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...
14 Apr 2025 · 52 min
Hybrid Publishing and Book Coaching with Girl Friday Productions
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 ...
24 Mar 2025 · 46 min
Every Cherry Publishing with Emma Steel
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-1a7bb6273 Mentioned in this episode: Every Cherry: https://www.everycherry.com/ Sweet Cherry Publi...
27 Jan 2025 · 39 min
The Society of Authors with Johanna Clarke
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: T...

About Inside Publishing

The Society of Young Publishers are pleased to present Inside Publishing, the podcast series interviewing industry experts on everything publishing.

Inside Publishing is a English business podcast from The Society of Young Publishers. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Society of Young Publishers
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 42 min
Latest episode: 14 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1508489172

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