Event Review: SYP Oxford 75th Anniversary Party

On the first evening of August, the European Office of Princeton University Press (PUP) in Oxford hosted a vibrant celebration: the SYP Oxford’s 75th Anniversary Party. This milestone event marked 75 long years of fostering young talent and driving innovation in the publishing industry, drawing together a dynamic mix of emerging professionals and aspiring newcomers eager to make their mark.

A brief history of the Society of Young Publishers

Oxford, often considered the epicentre of academic publishing, provided the perfect backdrop for the occasion. The city is home to some of the largest and most influential publishing houses and boasts prestigious educational programs in English literature, publishing, and creative writing. Its close proximity to London, coupled with a more relaxed pace and lower cost of living, makes Oxford an attractive destination for publishing hopefuls looking for a balanced alternative to London.

The evening was a blend of networking and celebration, though it was evident that diversity among attendees could be improved. Nonetheless, the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by both the SYP officers and the PUP team made the event a memorable experience. It was a delight to finally meet in person some of the familiar faces I’ve known only through LinkedIn and to connect with new, like-minded individuals who share a passion for the publishing world.

SYP Oxford's celebrations at the PUP office.

This anniversary party was not just a commemoration of the past but a promising glimpse into the future of publishing—a future that continues to be shaped by the energy and ambition of its young members. To gain deeper insights into the SYP's mission to support the next generation of publishing professionals, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alisha Raggatt and Isabelle (Izzy) Cowles, the dynamic Co-Chairs of the SYP's Oxford branch.

Tugce: Could you tell us a bit about yourselves and how you met the SYP?

Alisha: I am Alisha and I am the Co-Chair of SYP Oxford. This is my second term as Co-Chair. Last year was the conference year and it had a lot of challenges. I work full-time as Production Controller at Hachette in the London office. I discovered the SYP through university. It came on my radar when I was doing my master’s at Oxford Brookes University. I met people through the master’s degree, and then I saw the SYP newsletter and I applied. I met a lot of people through SYP networking events like these. It was intimidating at first but I met some great people. It has been really fun so far.

Isabelle: I am Izzy. I did my master’s at Oxford Brookes and met SYP through that. I was conference captain for last year’s Autumn Conference and I have been working at Bloomsbury as a Rights Executive for a year now. 

Tugce: What role do you see the SYP playing in supporting young publishing professionals and those trying to break into the industry?

Alisha: I think we managed to shift ourselves into quite a diverse space. We are officially offering support and guidance for those in the first ten years of their careers, which is a lot broader than people realise.

Isabelle: I think the Mentorship Scheme is a really good opportunity to gain a network in publishing. Having a mentor means you can get support in your CV and cover letter. It is very scary trying to get into publishing but the mentorship and networking events we organise bring people together.

Alisha: The Mentorship has three paths as well which means it is designed to help more diverse talent. We have Into, for those breaking into the industry, and Ahead, for those already working in publishing and want to further their careers, and Launch, for those looking to start a freelance business. And we recently started the SYP Bridges program to offer a two-way exchange of knowledge across different generations.

SYP Oxford's 75th Anniversary Party at PUP offices in Oxford. 

Tugce: Many foreign nationals with impressive experience are striving to break into the UK publishing industry, along with international students studying publishing degrees in the UK who hope to stay and build their careers here. What is the SYP doing, or what could it do, to specifically support foreign nationals as they navigate their careers within the UK publishing industry?

Alisha: It is a very timely question because we are planning a panel for the 2024 Autumn Conference focusing on inclusivity and DEI initiatives with speakers who will hopefully touch on these issues.

Isabelle: We come across foreign nationals with amazing CV’s but publishers are unable to offer them even interviews if the role is a permanent one and they don’t have enough time on their visas. A lot of international students I had my master’s with experienced similar situations and many of them moved back. Hopefully, more publishers will work on this issue because it is a conversation that needs to be held, for sure.

The enthusiasm and dedication of individuals like Alisha and Izzy underscore the vital role that the SYP play in nurturing the next generation of publishing professionals. The SYP’s commitment to diversity, mentorship, and creating opportunities for young talent is shaping the industry’s future to be more inclusive and accessible.
Looking ahead, it will be exciting to see how the SYP continues to innovate and support aspiring publishers, particularly those from diverse and international backgrounds.