Behind the Books Bi-Weekly Update 26 January 2026

I recently had a meeting with my mentor, and we covered a lot. The SYP mentorship has been incredibly valuable, not only in terms of guidance, but also for opening doors and helping me make meaningful connections. Even though it might feel like a small step, the publishing industry is very close-knit, so being introduced and recognised really does matter.

I shared a list of people whose careers I admire and who I felt would be helpful to speak with. In response, my mentor kindly connected me with two professionals who are doing very well in the industry: a Senior Talent Acquisition Manager and an Editorial Director. Both have generously offered to give me some of their time and share advice on anything I might need help with.

Here are the key topics my mentor and I discussed before the meetings:

How to write an email to someone you want to connect with

Key elements to include:

• A brief introduction (who you are)

• How you found them / the connection

• Why you’d like to speak to them specifically

• A clear, polite ask (coffee or virtual chat)

• A time frame + your availability

Example:

Hi (Their Name),

I hope you’re well. My name is (Your Name), and (Name of mutual contact) kindly shared your details with me as part of the SYP mentoring scheme. Thank you so much for agreeing to connect, I really appreciate your time.

If no mutual contact: I discovered your profile while researching careers in publishing and was keen to get in touch. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my message.

I wanted to contact you because I find your career path into publishing, and your work at (company/imprint), particularly inspiring.

I am currently working towards a career in the publishing industry and would love the opportunity to gain some insight from someone with your experience. It would be incredibly valuable to learn from you and hear about your journey.

If you would be open to it, I would love to meet for a coffee in the coming weeks. If your schedule is busy, I would also be very happy to arrange a short virtual meeting instead, whatever works best for you.

Please let me know if this might be possible, and I will happily work around your availability.

Thank you again, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Warm regards,

(Your Name)

How to prepare before a meeting

Beforehand:

• Read their LinkedIn profile carefully

• Learn their career path, role, and company

• Prepare questions that only they could answer

Strong question prompts:

• “Have you noticed any common mistakes that candidates make that aren’t obvious to them?”

• “What parts of your job are hard to see from the outside?”

• “What did you not realise about this role until you were in it?”

• “What skills or qualities do you feel are most lacking in applications?”

Prepare a range of questions so the conversation can flow easily, whether the meeting lasts 10 minutes or an hour.

After the meeting

Within 24–48 hours:

• Send a short thank-you email

• Mention one specific thing you found interesting or helpful

• If it feels appropriate, add them on LinkedIn with a short note.

This helps you stand out and keeps the connection warm.

Example:

Hi/Dear (Their Name),

Thank you so much for meeting with me today, I really appreciate you taking the time. Your advice was incredibly insightful, and I found it especially valuable to hear so openly about the realities and culture of the publishing industry. Being welcomed into that conversation meant a great deal to me.

I also really enjoyed our discussion about (topic you discussed), particularly (what you explored about it). Hearing your perspective helped me rethink my own understanding and gave me a new way of approaching (why it was meaningful or useful to you).

Thank you again for your generosity and openness. I would love to stay in touch, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.

Warm regards,

(Your Name)

Keep your mentor in the loop (if they helped you make the connection)

It’s good practice to update your mentor when you contact someone they introduced you to. This shows professionalism, gratitude, and respect for their network.

Let them know:

• Who you contacted

• Who responded

• What you discussed and any key takeaways

• What came from the conversation (advice, opportunities, next steps)

This is especially important when you are using contacts they have shared with you, as it helps them continue to support you and advocate for you effectively.

And to all my lost bookworms,

Stay Steadfast x