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 16th September 2025
QA Level 2 Award In Food Safety For Manufacturing (RQF) Face to Face: Full day course Virtual Classroom: Spread over 3 sessions of 2½hr duration Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely Recommended by HSE and Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) Course Contents: The Importance of Food Safety Food Safety Laws Legal Responsibilities of Food Handlers Types of Contamination and the Associated Risks Bacteriology Food Poisoning Foodborne Illnesses An Introduction to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Personal Hygiene Work Flow, Work Surfaces and Equipment Cleaning and Disinfection Waste Disposal Pest Control Safe Food Handling Practices including Time and Temperature Controls Preparation Cooking and Reheating Chilling Cooling Thawing Hot holding Displaying food Core temperatures Food Preservation Storage Stock Control Procedures Benefits of this course: Businesses have a duty to their customers to produce food that is safe for consumption. There are one million cases of food poisoning in the UK each year. More than 6,000 are admitted to hospital. In 2014/2015, businesses in Chesterfield were issued 344 written enforcement notices. Derby received 1,116. Doing our Ofqual regulated, nationally accredited course ensures that nothing of importance is left out. EU and UK regulations state that all food handlers must receive appropriate training in food safety practices relevant to their duties. The Food Standards Agency says that 'Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely’. Our QA Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (RQF) is a nationally accredited qualification especially suitable for people working in, or planning to work in, the food retail industry, and complies with the training regulations. Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification: Our Food Safety For Manufacturing training course is a nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualification accredited by Qualsafe Awards. This means that you can be rest assured that your Food safety For Manufacturing certificate fulfils the legal requirements and is a very good way to make sure your employees are trained in Food Safety. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/2592/6
QA Level 2 Award In Food Safety For Retail (RQF) Face to Face: Full day course Virtual Classroom: Spread over 3 sessions of 2½ hr duration Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely Recommended by HSE and Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) Course Contents: The Importance of Food Safety Food Safety Laws Legal Responsibilities of Food Handlers Types of Contamination and the Associated Risks Bacteriology Food Poisoning Foodborne Illnesses An Introduction to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Personal Hygiene Work Flow, Work Surfaces and Equipment Cleaning and Disinfection Waste Disposal Pest Control Safe Food Handling Practices including Time and Temperature Controls Preparation Cooking and Reheating Chilling Cooling Thawing Hot holding Displaying food Core temperatures Food Preservation Storage Stock Control Procedures Benefits of this course: Businesses have a duty to their customers to produce food that is safe for consumption. There are one million cases of food poisoning in the UK each year. More than 6,000 are admitted to hospital. In 2014/2015, businesses in Chesterfield were issued 344 written enforcement notices. Derby received 1,116. Doing our Ofqual regulated, nationally accredited course ensures that nothing of importance is left out. EU and UK regulations state that all food handlers must receive appropriate training in food safety practices relevant to their duties. The Food Standards Agency says that 'Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely’. Our QA Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (RQF) is a nationally accredited qualification especially suitable for people working in, or planning to work in, the food retail industry, and complies with the training regulations.
QA Level 2 Award In Food Safety In Catering (RQF) Face to Face: Full day course Virtual Classroom: Spread over 3 sessions of 2½ hr duration Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely Recommended by HSE and Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) Course Contents: The Importance of Food Safety Food Safety Laws Legal Responsibilities of Food Handlers Types of Contamination and the Associated Risks Bacteriology Food Poisoning Foodborne Illnesses An Introduction to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Personal Hygiene Work Flow, Work Surfaces and Equipment Cleaning and Disinfection Waste Disposal Pest Control Safe Food Handling Practices including Time and Temperature Controls Preparation Cooking and Reheating Chilling Cooling Thawing Hot holding Displaying food Core temperatures Food Preservation Storage Stock Control Procedures Benefits of this course: Businesses have a duty to their customers to produce food that is safe for consumption. There are one million cases of food poisoning in the UK each year. More than 6,000 are admitted to hospital. In 2014/2015, businesses in Chesterfield were issued 344 written enforcement notices. Derby received 1,116. Doing our Ofqual regulated, nationally accredited course ensures that nothing of importance is left out. EU and UK regulations state that all food handlers must receive appropriate training in food safety practices relevant to their duties. The Food Standards Agency says that 'Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely’. Our QA Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (RQF) is a nationally accredited qualification especially suitable for people working in, or planning to work in, the food retail industry, and complies with the training regulations. Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification Our Food Safety in Catering training course is a nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualification accredited by Qualsafe Awards. This means that you can be rest assured that your Food safety in Catering certificate fulfils the legal requirements and is a very good way to make sure your employees are trained in Food Safety. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/2594/X
LOOKING FOR: MG, YA AND ADULT SCI-FI / FANTASY, CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION After graduating from St Andrews University with a degree in English Literature and Art History, Maddy followed her love of literature to an internship at non-fiction literary agency Graham Maw Christie. At GMC, Maddy worked her way up to Agent and built a list of authors who wrote for both for adults and children, spanning history, tarot, and nature writing. An avid reader of anything magical, Maddy joined Madeleine Milburn in 2022 to build a list specialising in SFF. Maddy would like to see SFF across all genres for all ages, including: grim dark, thriller, historical, romance, cosy fantasy, sci-fi, epic, YA fantasy, dark academia, contemporary fantasy, fantasy middle-grade, mythology, fairy tale and queer fantasy. Inspiring children’s non-fiction. She loves worlds to get lost in, adventures that transform what it means to be a hero, and unique magic that offers as many problems as solutions. She likes books that make her cry and books that change her mind. Above all, when she finishes a story about another world, she wants it to have taught her a lesson which helps her live in this one. She loves all fantasy, but favours richly imagined, complex worlds with a history to discover and a future to protect. Worldbuilding is one of her favourite aspects of this genre and she is always looking for a new, dense world with series potential. Think Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere or the Marvel Cinematic Universe – the bigger the better! Maddy also likes character-driven fantasy with a diverse cast to root for (or root against) and she wants to see a range of different relationships depicted authentically. She particularly like epics that dip into big, universal themes such as grief, climate change, or war and which ask impossible questions in the vein of R.F. Kuang or N.K. Jemisin. She is also excited by authors that play with form and language in a fantasy setting. In YA, she is looking for much the same as in an adult fantasy, but with younger protagonists and a closer focus on relationships. She wants to see the tropes she knows and loves in new and exciting forms and her favourite YA books often centre around belonging and becoming. She likes a dash of romance in everything, because she is sentimental that way, but it’s particularly important in the YA space. Sci-fi is a big passion of hers, especially when it comes with a strong hook. She is a huge fan of Becky Chamber’s The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet and Michaiah Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds. She likes space as a metaphor, and would love something that explores different alien species. Please send her your space operas and sci-fi romances which combine space, magic and mayhem! In fantasy middle grade, she favours whimsy and animal companions; she would love to follow a group of kids through magic school. She tends to look for plenty of humour with a strong friendship at the centre, and she wants middle grade stories which engage with the concerns of children growing up as well as offering an all-important escape (preferably on a dragon/unicorn’s back). She is also looking for children’s non-fiction for all ages. In this space, she wants something as creative as it is informative, and thinks diverse voices are increasingly important. Maddy would like you to submit a covering letter, one page synopsis and the first three chapters (Max 5000 words) of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Maddy 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: Wednesday 17th September 2025
There is no such thing as a typical Access to HE student. Our Access to HE Diplomas are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds. Courses are designed, in particular, for people who have been out of education for some time, especially those who left school with too few qualifications to be able to go straight to university.
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Marilia Savvides founded The Plot Agency in 2024. She began her career in publishing at Peters Fraser and Dunlop, where she spent eight years, first as International Rights Agent, and later as Literary Agent, building her own list of authors. In 2019, she joined 42MP, where she worked as Literary Agent for four years, helping to launch and set up the Book Division. She is particularly interested in fiction that is beautifully written and cleverly constructed, but still accessible to a wide readership. She is often drawn to darker tales that weave together excellent characters and an impossible-to-put-down story, from immersive book club novels with a splash of suspense, crime and thrillers, accessible horror, and speculative, genre-bending or dystopian stories. She also adores smart, witty contemporary rom-com in the style of Emily Henry. In the thriller, crime and mystery space she is interested in most areas, except military thrillers and organised crime/ mafia / mob stories. Big hooks and clever set ups are a big bonus! She adores Karin Slaughter (especially her standalone novels) and Gillian Flynn. In the book club / reading group space, she’s particularly drawn to fiction in the vein of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng, and absolutely fell in love with Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, both for the incredible voice, and the exquisite use of structure and time. Complicated family dynamics, empathetic and smart approaches to controversial issues, stand out protagonists (like Elizabeth Zott in Lessons in Chemistry or Bernadette in Where D’You Go Bernadette), long buried secrets, complicity, the road to justice, and impossible decisions, are all themes she finds herself drawn to. In the horror space, she’s a sucker for amazing female-centric stories in the vein of Yellowjackets, and the kind of contemporary, accessible horror that Stephen King always nails. She wants to get lost in a world that feels within reach of ours. In the speculative and dystopian spaces, she’s interested in genius ideas that set up big questions or reflect the most broken (and sometimes hidden) parts of society. She loves Octavia Butler, Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, and also adored The Leftovers, Station Eleven, Wanderers, and The Power. The what-ifs of life and fiction fascinate her. In the grounded sci-fi space, she’d love to find a smart, immersive, and accessible story like The Martian. She doesn’t represent fantasy or romantasy. In regards to sci-fi, unless it’s very grounded and has crossover potential to a mainstream audience, it’s not for her. In the romance space, she’s particularly drawn to smart, complex and witty characters, where the chemistry is jumping off the page. She loves contemporary settings and all the tropes, though the voice and characters must come first to make the reading experience fully immersive. She wants to be cackling, and rooting for the characters with all her heart. She is very hands-on editorially, and loves working with her authors to shape their manuscripts, and brainstorm ideas. The best part of the job is discovering debut authors, and helping them find a home for their books. Marilia would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 - 2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single Word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Marilia is kindly offering one free session for low income/underrepresented 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 16th September 2025
Highfield Level 1 Award In Food Safety In Catering (RQF) Half day course Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely This Level 1 Award in Food Safety in Catering helps to prepare people for working in a low-risk role, where some food handling takes place. Course Contents: The Importance of Food Safety Legal responsibilities of food handlers Personal hygiene Contamination and cross contamination The importance of keeping one's work areas clean Pest control Basic bacteriology Benefits of this course: Businesses have a duty to their customers to produce food that is safe for consumption. There are one million cases of food poisoning in the UK each year. More than 6,000 are admitted to hospital. In 2014/2015, businesses in Chesterfield were issued 344 written enforcement notices. Derby received 1,116. Doing our Ofqual regulated, nationally accredited course ensures that nothing of importance is left out. EU and UK regulations state that all food handlers must receive appropriate training in food safety practices relevant to their duties. The Food Standards Agency says that 'Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely’. This Highfield Level 1 Award in Food Safety in Catering (RQF) is a nationally accredited qualification especially suitable for people working in, or planning to work in, the food retail industry where some food handling takes place Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification: This Level 1 Food Safety in Catering training course is a nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualification accredited by Highfield Qualifications. This means that you can be rest assured that your level 1 Food safety in Catering certificate fulfils the legal requirements and is a very good way to make sure your low-risk employees are trained appropriately in Food Safety. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/2615/3
Highfield Level 1 Award In Food Safety In Retail (RQF) Half day course Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely This Level 1 Award in Food Safety for Retail helps to prepare people for working in a low-risk role, where some food handling takes place. Course Contents: The Importance of Food Safety Legal responsibilities of food handlers Personal hygiene Contamination and cross contamination The importance of keeping one's work areas clean Pest control Basic bacteriology Benefits of this course: Businesses have a duty to their customers to produce food that is safe for consumption. There are one million cases of food poisoning in the UK each year. More than 6,000 are admitted to hospital. In 2014/2015, businesses in Chesterfield were issued 344 written enforcement notices. Derby received 1,116. Doing our Ofqual regulated, nationally accredited course ensures that nothing of importance is left out. EU and UK regulations state that all food handlers must receive appropriate training in food safety practices relevant to their duties. The Food Standards Agency says that 'Food business operators are required by law, to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in line with their work activity and should enable them to handle food safely’. This Highfield Level 1 Award in Food Safety in Retail (RQF) is a nationally accredited qualification especially suitable for people working in, or planning to work in, the food retail industry where some food handling takes place Accredited, Ofqual regulated qualification: This Level 1 Food Safety in Retail training course is a nationally recognised, Ofqual regulated qualification accredited by Highfield Qualifications. This means that you can be rest assured that your level 1 Food safety in Retail certificate fulfils the legal requirements and is a very good way to make sure your low-risk employees are appropriately trained in Food Safety. The Ofqual Register number for this course is 603/2617/7