The Publishing Post and The Society of Young Publishers are thrilled to annouce the shortlist of the inaugural First Chapter Award. The award celebrates the determination and passion of early- and pre-career book and publishing professionals whose valuable contributions are critical to their teams, companies or the industry at large. The First Chapter Award seeks to celebrate individuals who have demonstrated passion, teamwork and dedication to the industry, as well as their own professional goals.
Following a panel discussion among wide range of industry judges, the following applicants have been selected as part of the shortlist for 2024:
Laura Swift – Editorial Co-ordinator, Manchester University Press: Laura Swift is an Editorial Coordinator at Manchester University Press, progressing from Editorial Assistant in three years. Passionate about equity in publishing, they lead accessibility and diversity initiatives, developing a Higher Education list focused on social justice. Laura actively mentors junior staff and aims to enhance MUP’s commitment to accessibility and social justice.
October Jones – Children's Librarian, GLL Wandsworth (Roehampton Library): October Jones is a passionate and dedicated children’s librarian with a deep commitment to their literary community. October transformed Downham Library with The Bigger Picture initiative, introducing the community to comics and graphic novels. Known for championing spooky books, October also organises borough-wide programs benefiting children, young people, and families.
Eiman Munro – Volunteer: Eiman Munro is a community leader passionate about preserving heritage and amplifying Iraqi voices. She co-founded Hidden Histories CIC and secured over £70,000 in funding for Iraqi writers in Brent. Eiman supports aspiring writers through workshops and publishing projects, ensuring their stories are celebrated for future generations. She also volunteers with her local library to deliver books to those with access needs.
Sam Nicholls – Assistant Editor, Bloomsbury: Sam Nicholls is a passionate advocate for Global Majority writers in publishing, driving real change in just three years. He has implemented new budgeting methods, decolonised commissioning, and centred diverse voices in marketing. As a key player in the Runnymede Trust’s Lit in Colour initiative, Sam supports educators and amplifies marginalised playwrights.
Helen Hancocks – Founder and Owner, Shelf Editions: Helen Hancocks, founder of Shelf Editions in Lincoln, is a passionate bookseller and illustrator. She champions picture books for all ages, curates unique titles, and supports local events like the Lincoln Book Festival. Helen also publishes The Shelf Review magazine, fostering connections between illustrators, authors, and the community through workshops and exhibitions.
Tara Hiralal – Sales Executive, Facet Publishing: Tara Hiralal is a dedicated sales publishing professional at Facet Publishing, focusing on rights management and revenue growth due to a lack of rights department in the company. She developed a Rights Guide, supports all team members, and manages the royalty run. Tara is actively involved in mentoring, aims to become a Sales and Rights Manager, and aspires to open her own publishing house.
Ause Abdelhaq – Editor, Pan Macmillan: Ause Abdelhaq is a passionate book editor amplifying underrepresented voices. He has acquired impactful works, including Chris Smalls’ memoir, The Eyes of Gaza, and The Glass Cliff. Ause advocates for workplace inclusion, serving on Pan Macmillan’s RISE Network board, mentoring young professionals, and championing equal opportunities and fair wages.
Sorina Marinescu – Owner, Blue Sheep Books: Sorina Marinescu is the founder of Blue Sheep Books in Wednesbury, where she turned her passion for reading into a thriving community hub. She started selling books online and opened her brick-and-mortar store to support those in a deprived area in the West Midlands. As a proud LGBTQIA+ advocate, Sorina creates a safe space for underrepresented voices and provides opportunities for local youth through work experience and affordable books for schools.
Christy Beale – Senior Production Editor, Boydell and Brewer: Christy Beale joined the industry in 2021 and has since been promoted to Senior Production Editor. Christy advocates for accessibility in ePubs, ensuring compliance with WCAG and the European Accessibility Act. An active member of the DEI committee, Christy fosters an inclusive workplace culture and drives employee engagement initiatives.
SYP UK co-chairs Eleanor Gaffney and Michaela O'Callaghan said: “We were astounded by the stellar quality of applications to the award, and are so thrilled to see such a variety of individuals on our shortlist. The books and publishing community is a broad church, and the First Chapter Award aims to shine a light on the interconnected nature of the industry as well as recognising passionate, high-achieving folk from a variety of job roles and backgrounds. Thanks so much to all of our judges, and we look forward to rewarding the winners’ achievements at the SYP Autumn conference.”
Chelsea Graham, Founder of The Publishing Post said: "Reading and judging the applications for the First Chapter Award was an incredibly inspiring experience. The breadth of applicants and all that they had achieved was exceptional. I am thrilled that the award is able to recognise and celebrate these individuals and their sheer determination and dedication to the publishing industry."
The award ceremony for the First Chapter Award will take place at the SYP Autumn Conference on Saturday 30 November. The conference will take place at Kingston University and will explore the theme: Publishing Past, Present and Future. General release tickets are now on sale for the conference. Tickets and more information on panels and speakers can be found here.
Society of Young Publishers
The SYP is a membership organisation whose aim is to provide a supportive network and be a trusted source of information for anyone, of any age, hoping to get into or ahead in publishing or a related trade. The SYP is made up of seven regional committees (Ireland, London, North, Oxford, Scotland, South West and Wales) and a UK committee responsible for overseeing the overall strategy of the group and producing the InPrint magazine.
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