43146 BA courses

LOOKING FOR: YA/NA FANTASY, SFF, HORROR, ADULT FICTION John Baker (he/him) joined the Bell Lomax Moreton agency in 2019, cultivating a list shaped around his passion for science fiction, fantasy, and horror, though has lately also branched out into action/adventure fiction. John focuses on authors writing in the Adult, New Adult, and YA spaces. John leads the wider agency's film & TV desk, is the Secretary of the Association of Author’s Agents, and the co-chair of the AAA’s Bridge Committee. He also serves on the Kingston University MA Publishing Advisory Board. Under the umbrella of speculative fiction, John is looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, romantasy, or literary speculative fiction. He has built a reputation as a champion of underrepresented voices and stories, be it from creators hailing from the global majority and their diasporas or neurodiverse authors, and naturally gravitates towards this kind of storytelling. In short, if he’s never read a story like yours before, he wants to see it. Adult fantasy: John loves beefy epic fantasy, especially non-Anglo Christian-inspired. Give him an immersive world, a fresh magical or mythic system, and an exciting cast of characters and he’ll be happy. He is a broad church in the genre so loves a political fantasy, swords and sorcery, courtly intrigue, monster hunting and dastardly villains. John is keen to find an urban fantasy that feels fresh and fun and he’s a sucker for a heroic quest narrative. He’s also very open to fantasy that isn’t easily categorised, but it is playing in that world. John is keenly hunting for more historical fantasy, especially inspired by modern history. He’s had fun with mythological retellings in the past, but as ever, let’s make sure it’s shining the spotlight on new stories. He would also love fantasy that centres on types of relationships less celebrated in fantasy, such as established and secure married couples, or siblings. NA/YA fantasy: In this genre, most importantly, John wants to have a good time, whether it’s swoon-worthy kisses in lush ball gowns, or gruesome gore and monsters, so send him pacy, plot-filled adventures. He’d love more books that teenage boys would love: Skullduggery Pleasant forever! Romantasy: The thriving new romantasy genre comes with its own set of challenges, so John wants to know what makes your romantasy different; what will set it out from the (very crowded!) market. Give it completely barmy stakes, cool and unique new settings, or a love story that will make your jaw drop. To be clear, he’s happily sorted for a human person meets a fae creature in the spooky woods. Also, cosmic romance is the genre of the future. Give him romantasy in space. Easy. Horror: John and horror are old friends. He loves horror inspired by myth and folklore, subversive weird horror that leaves your eyebrows in your hairline, historical horror that pulls from ghastly true stories, and anything that you’ll be reading with the light on. He also loves a gothic element and is particularly looking for horror with a strong romantic throughline, fun YA horror, and female & NB horror authors. Science fiction: SF is coming back! And John has been shouting about that. He loves to see an adventurous found-family romp through space or an epic, crunchy space opera. Speculative near-future is fun too, in the vein of Black Mirror’s more uplifting episodes, (e.g. San Junipero). He loves YA science fiction as well; the more creative the better. Literary: John is open to finding more rich magical realism or something character-led yet supernatural and would love a high-concept mystery, in the vein of Stuart Turton. He also loves spec fic that uses the speculative lightly as a way of confronting a deeper truth in society today. Weird stuff: John wants books that will blow people’s minds and defy categorisation. This is hard to describe, but think Gideon The Ninth, The Library At Mount Char, This Is How You Lose The Time War. John loves a pitch that leaves the editors baffled but intrigued. Action/Adventure, Historical Adventure, Espionage: John is branching out into non-speculative adventures, such as John Le Carré, Lee Child, Ian Flemming, and Mick Herron. More as his taste develops, but the hunt is on! Not looking for: military sci-fi or hard SF, or anything with biblical “character wakes up in purgatory/heaven/hell” narratives. The right comedic fantasy has yet to hit his inbox, but please don’t comp Douglas Adams or Sir Terry. John would like you to submit a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the first two chapters of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, John is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print).  By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 15th July 2025

An short online course learning simple pattern drafting skills. Develop a darted bodice and sleeve blocks, used to create easy fitting garments of your own design.

Presentation Skills 1 Day Workshop in Cambridge

Presentation Skills 1 Day Workshop in Southampton

Presentation Skills 1 Day Workshop in Dunfermline

Date: Monday 14 July 2025 Time: 4.00pm – 4.45pm Presenter and organisation: Catherine Lippe, Registered Nutritionist, and Claire Theobald, British Nutrition Foundation Brief description: Following the recent launch of guidance published by the Department for Education on nutrition in the Early Years foundation stage, join Catherine Lippe, an experienced Early Years Nutritionist and Feeding Therapist, and Claire Theobald as they explore how to create supportive food environments that foster positive eating habits and long-term health for children in their early years. Claire will also outline how Early Years practitioners can embed nutrition messages from an education perspective, so putting things into practice through practical food-based sessions and other activities. It’s ideal for Early Years practitioners across the UK, aligning with key national guidance including Early Years Foundation Stage Nutrition (England), Setting the Table Guidance (Scotland); Nutrition Matters for the early years (Northern Ireland) and Food and nutrition guidance for childcare providers (Wales). What will be covered? Building healthy food foundations during the early years Encouraging positive attitudes towards food Practical strategies to support food acceptance at mealtimes Embedding nutrition messages from an education perspective Links to Food – a fact of life resources. Suggestions for further reading and sources of information. Why attend? Hear tips and practical examples for effective approaches to healthy eating in Early Years. Understand the importance of the early years educator’s role at mealtimes. Opportunity to ask questions of Catherine and Claire about early years nutrition and putting it into practice. Update knowledge to enhance teaching and learning and everyday practice. Signposts to free editable resources for use in the classroom will be highlighted. Sources of further support and information will be made available. A certificate of attendance will be provided – useful as evidence for your professional development and performance management. The webinar supports the Food teaching in primary schools: a framework of knowledge and skills, backed by government, and the Characteristics of teaching food and nutrition education in primary schools. Audience: UK trainee and practising Early Years practitioners.

Communication Skills 1 Day Training in Dunfermline

Official BRCGS Professional 3-Day Fast Track program. Delivered online (Zoom) by a live BRCGS Approved Training Partner. Exam and Certificate fee included in the price.

Customer Service Essentials 1 Day Training in Solihull

Customer Service Essentials 1 Day Training in Dunfermline