SPN staff changes

The Small Press Network (SPN) has announced the appointment of Tim Coronel as general manager. Coronel, who was previously communications manager for the network, takes over from Matthia Dempsey, who has held the role since 2016 and will continue to co-ordinate this year’s Independent Publishing Conference (to be held at The Wheeler Centre from 22–24 November). Michaela Skelly, secretary of the SPN board, is responsible for conference sponsorships.

‘Matthia and I work well together and this has been a natural transition,’ Coronel said. ‘I’m working on organising more professional development events to help our members and continuing to build the member benefits on offer. Meanwhile, Matthia and Michaela will deliver another must-attend conference.’

In welcoming Tim to the role, SPN chair Michael Webster thanked Matthia for her contribution to the association’s development and success over the past few years, highlighting the growth in membership and services, including the annual conference, mentor program, Christmas catalogue and the revised ASA author contract. ‘She’ll be missed, but we are delighted that’s she’s agreed to remain connected to SPN.’

SPN has also appointed five Associate Producers to help produce and deliver this year’s Independent Publishing Conference. They are Jessica Harvie, Coral Huckstep, Ellen Stephens, Megan Kerr and Beverly Brigham. The Associate Producers will work closely with Dempsey, Coronel and Skelly in coming months.

Independent Publishing Conference funding secured for three more years

SPN is also very happy to announce that the Copyright Agency has approved funding to support the annual Independent Publishing Conference until 2021.

‘Our conference is now established in the publishing industry’s calendar and we couldn’t have done it without the Copyright Agency’s assistance,’ Coronel said. ‘We are extremely grateful for their continuing support for SPN and for all the other publishing projects supported by the Cultural Fund.’