SYP Scotland Networking Event at the Mad Hatter, Edinburgh: “With a Foil Finish”

September 28th, 2015 by Patrizia Striowsky | Posted in Blog | Comments Off on SYP Scotland Networking Event at the Mad Hatter, Edinburgh: “With a Foil Finish”

For many of us new Publishing students here at Stirling, the networking event of SYP Scotland at the Mad Hatter was our first chance to meet people from or interested in the industry outside of university – and we were eager to use this opportunity! A warm welcome by the members of the SYP awaited us, accompanied by a friendly atmosphere, tea and lovely little cakes.

I had the chance to speak to several members of the committee, as well as fellow students from Edinburgh Napier. I can‘t go into detail about all the discussions we held yesterday, but I would like to give those of you who couldn’t make it a small example selection at least! A particularly interesting topic for me was comparing the designs of German bookcovers to the designs of UK bookcovers: I always found most book designs of my home country to be dull and uncreative, and was surprised to hear that several German publishers have voiced the same concern on occasion… but why not change something about it when you are in charge of design? This is a question I will certainly have to investigate further in the course of my studies! 

We also discussed the shrinking number of editorial departments of publishing houses. As more literary agencies now offer substantial editing work before sending a manuscript to a publisher, some publishers open their own literary agencies (including not only book, but film and other media agents as well). An internship at a literary agency could therefore be another valuable experience.

 I would also like to point out a great opportunity that was announced yesterday, and is now online on the SYP Scotland Twitter as well: “The Society of Young Publishers Scotland are thrilled to be partnering with the Saltire Society to give you the chance to be on a shadow judging panel for four of their Award categories this year!” To apply, just follow the link and submit your application. Try to do this as soon as possible, as the deadline is Sunday, the 4th of October.

Another announcement that is interesting for Publishing students is the SYP’s mentoring scheme (this year’s MLitt students might remember Heather McDaid telling us about it during our induction session). Applications should include a CV and information on your field of interest in the publishing industry and will be open sometime in November, so keep an eye on the SYP Scotland homepage and Twitter for more information!

 

 

Johan Sheridan, MLitt Publishing Studies, 2015-16

September 24th, 2015 by Johan Sheridan | Posted in Student Profiles | Comments Off on Johan Sheridan, MLitt Publishing Studies, 2015-16

7fae1b4f-dd06-48c2-8ae3-3ba799f0292aBorn in England to international parents who raised me in New Jersey, I at first eschewed higher education. I moved to New York the day after high school graduation in order to run a business with my childhood friends. My abilities as a writer allow me to broadcast any message with pinpoint precision, and my dedication to executing every assignment thoroughly, quickly, and gladly ensures that I am always an asset. Even so, my greater strengths lie in supporting others as an advocate or editor.

Dedicated and passionate about literary expression, I have freelanced as a writer, editor and designer for individual clients, creative offices, and marketing agencies in San Diego, New York, and remotely. I have worked in-house in roles ranging from Copy Editor and Production Assistant to Office Manager and Creative Director. My professional experiences have honed well my skills as a communicator and designer, and I feel just as at ease with massive, intricate projects as I do with daily minutiae. Aggressively detail-oriented, I thrive under pressure, providing vital support by identifying and solving those problems others tend to overlook. I count myself lucky whenever met with the opportunity to train, mentor, or learn from fellow writers and artists. I unfailingly offer and elicit thoughtful, constructive and direct feedback (a euphemism for “aggressive criticism”), especially wherever literary devices, figurative language, or overarching structure are concerned. I consistently facilitate fantastic results through polishing, tightening, and elevating the works of others.

With a passion for syntax and an eye for design, I have gleefully internalized even the most obscure of grammar points in American English. Pushing myself to hone my skills, I’ve developed proficiency in software platforms like Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive through a blend of formal education, on-the-job training, and self tutoring. I call myself a writer, having earned my bachelor’s degree in English with minors in Creative Writing and Journalism, and my resume boasts diverse experience in graphic design, advertising, customer service, management, teaching, editing and writing. Armed with webdesign fundamentals and a precise, distinctive style, I cultivate creative, exciting, and thoughtful websites, promo, press, short stories, periodicals, social media, academic papers, and instruction manuals, as well as meticulous reporting of corporate election results, financial statements, meeting agendas, and more. Et cetera. That part was so boring.

Used to the pressures of an environment that expects my best on a daily basis, I demand of myself consistency, authenticity and innovation, and my strength lies in my versatility. The breadth of my interdisciplinary background allows me to improvise easily, applying my dogged work ethic to every task.