Industry Insights: Interview with Stephanie Shroot, Commissioning Editor at Sage

By Raisa Akthar, Meg Dyakova and Willow Horner

We talked with Stephanie Shroot about the often overlooked scientific publishing industry. She shares her journey from getting a chemistry degree to becoming a Commissioning Editor with Sage Publishing.

Did you always know you wanted to work in scientific publishing or did it happen by chance?

I didn’t always know I wanted to work in scientific publishing. My background is in chemistry, where I completed my PhD at the University of Hull, publishing my results in an academic journal. During that time, I became increasingly interested in how research is communicated, who gets visibility, and how knowledge reaches audiences beyond academia.

My entry into the publishing space wasn’t entirely direct. I began my career as a Medical Reviewer, working closely with scientific and medical content across a range of formats. While this role sat outside traditional academic publishing, it gave me valuable experience in reviewing complex material, ensuring clarity and accuracy, and understanding how scientific information is communicated to different audiences.

Through this experience, I became increasingly interested in the broader publishing process, particularly how research is curated, developed, and disseminated. From there, I realised I was particularly drawn to the strategic and developmental side of publishing, thinking about journal growth, research trends, and how to shape collections that respond to real-world issues.

Since then, I’ve progressed into roles at Sage, where I now work as a Commissioning Editor focusing on Open Access journals and Special Collections. Outside my role at Sage, I’ve also developed a platform focused on amplifying women’s health research (which you can follow on Instagram here). This project reflects my broader interest in visibility, innovation, and equity in publishing.

What is the average day as Sage’s Commissioning Editor?

One of the things I enjoy most about being a Commissioning Editor is that no two days look the same. Broadly, my role focuses on developing journals strategically, particularly through commissioning Special Collections and identifying emerging research areas.

A typical day might include meeting with editors to discuss journal performance and future direction, identifying topics for new collections, and working with researchers to develop proposals. There’s also a strong relationship-building element, where I connect with academics, take time to understand their work, and support them in bringing high-quality research to publication.

A big part of how I approach this is by humanising authors and researchers. Taking the time to see the person behind the paper has made it much easier and more enjoyable to build meaningful relationships within journal communities. That said, this doesn’t happen overnight; it has taken time to learn my journals, understand their audiences, and build trust within those communities. Patience and consistency are key, but over time, that investment really pays off.

Alongside this, I work closely with data and digital tools to inform strategy, and I’ve been involved in initiatives that explore new ways of engaging research communities, including platforms like Cassyni (you can explore this here), discovering how digital formats such as webinars can expand the reach and accessibility of research.

It’s a role that combines strategy, communication, and subject knowledge, and requires balancing long-term planning with day-to-day coordination. If you’re interested in a more detailed breakdown, I’ve written a blog post outlining a typical day in my role (you can read it here).

What skills/experiences have been valuable in your rapid career growth so far?

Strong communication is essential; being able to work effectively with authors, editors, and internal teams is a core part of almost every publishing role.

Adaptability has also been important. Publishing is evolving quickly, particularly with the growth of Open Access and increasing focus on impact and accessibility. Being open to change and willing to explore new approaches has enabled me to take on opportunities beyond my core role.

For example, in my current role, I’ve co-created and manage a Guest Editor newsletter, collaborated closely with marketing teams to increase engagement, and worked with colleagues across teams to improve visibility of journal performance and inform commissioning decisions. I’ve also contributed to digital engagement initiatives, including webinar-based approaches, to help connect researchers and expand the reach of published work.

I would also highlight the importance of being proactive. Building a personal platform focused on women’s health research, contributing to initiatives like Cassyni at Sage, and engaging with broader publishing conversations have all helped me expand my perspective and approach.

Finally, it’s important to recognise that there isn’t one “right” way to do this job. Everyone brings different strengths, and successful teams are built on that diversity. I’ve found that leaning into my own approach, particularly focusing on relationships, communication, and innovation, has been key to my growth.

Do you have any advice for our readers who are interested in pursuing scientific publishing or individuals considering a career change into the industry?

For anyone interested in scientific publishing, I would recommend focusing on both knowledge and visibility. Understanding the publishing landscape, including peer review, Open Access, and journal metrics, is important, but so is finding ways to demonstrate your interest and engagement.

Gaining experience where possible is helpful, whether through internships, student publications, or contributing to platforms like The Publishing Post. Even small experiences can help you build confidence and understanding of how the industry works.

I’d also encourage people to be proactive in building their network. Connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, attending events, and engaging with publishing content can open opportunities and provide valuable insights. Everyone starts somewhere, so don’t be afraid to start that conversation or ask that question… you never know what doors it might open.

Finally, don’t worry if your path isn’t linear. Many people enter publishing from different backgrounds, and transferable skills such as communication, organisation, and critical thinking are highly valued across the industry. Following your own path, being patient, and playing to your strengths will ultimately set you apart.

(Views are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.)