LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Daisy Chandley joined PFD in 2019 after graduating from the University of Oxford with a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She is an Associate Agent and assistant to Senior Agent Annabel Merullo and Head of Books Tim Bates as the UK sub-agent for New Directions Publishing in the US. Daisy is actively building a list of both fiction and non-fiction authors across a range of genres. With fiction, Daisy's wishlist roughly falls into three categories – if something feels like it overlaps between them, even better! 1) Sharp, original novels on the literary to upmarket spectrum, all the way from deeply dark and boundary-pushing books like Hurricane Season, Under The Skin or In The Cut to those balancing edge, heart and humour, like Detransition, Baby or A Visit From The Goon Squad. She loves irreverent wit, daring approaches in narrative or form, and seriously unsettling stories in equal measure, and if you can bring a few of those elements into one, it’ll go straight to the top of her. 2) Com-heavy rom-coms, whether in the dry but ultimately sob-inducing vein of Greta and Valdin or a Nora Ephron film, the escapist screwball delight of a Cary Grant classic, or the more unusual, genre-bending style of something like Palm Springs. Daisy is a sucker for Emily Henry and will always be happy to see an innovative take on tropey love stories, but is equally very keen to see to things a bit outside of the box, whether that’s integrating speculative elements, dark humour, or topical issues. In any case, humour and originality are my priority, and affectionately snarky bickering is the best way to make her fall head over heels with a couple. 3) Sleuths! Daisy is not the right person for police procedurals, but loves classic detectives and amateur sleuths. Whether it’s a delightful Knives Out or Nancy Drew homage or an intricate, unputdownable mystery on the darker side, the minute someone finds a good old fashioned clue, count her in! Overall, whether it’s a delightfully fun and scandalous page-turner or something really bold and experimental, if it’s stylish and smart – and maybe even a bit sexy – Daisy would love to see it. Daisy is definitely interested in literary speculative fiction, though not generally looking for hard SFF. Across the board, she is always looking for stories that explore sexuality, race, gender, and disability, and would particularly love to hear from writers whose voices and experiences aren’t given enough space in publishing. On the non-fiction side, Daisy is looking for bold new insights and underrepresented voices on popular science, nature writing, relationships, social issues and politics, and am always especially interested in fresh, playful and exciting writing on pop culture, love and the internet. She’d also love to see illuminating narrative non-fiction, whether a beautiful and lyrical exploration, or an enthralling and explosive deep-dive. A (large) handful of authors past and present whose work Daisy loves include Patricia Lockwood, Toni Morrison, Elif Batuman, Gillian Flynn, Shirley Jackson, Raven Leilani, Max Porter, Carmen Maria Machado, Virginia Woolf, Sayaka Murata, Kiley Reid, Sally Rooney, George Saunders, Joan Didion, Amy Liptrot, Ottessa Moshfegh, J.D. Salinger, Donna Tartt, Bret Easton Ellis, and Fernanda Melchor. Daisy is not the right fit for Children’s or YA authors. Daisy would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the first 2,500 words of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Daisy 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: Thursday 8th May 2025
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, SCIENCE FICTION / FANTASY After several years spent within publishing houses Bookouture, Canelo, Avon, One More Chapter and Head of Zeus, Hannah Todd became a Literary Agent at the Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency, before joining Janklow & Nesbit in January 2025. Her clients include Kirsty Greenwood, Charlie Gallagher and Leah Mercer. Hannah is keen to see commercial fiction across the board, but with a particular focus on romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy & mystery novels. She is drawn to books with exemplary characterisation, voice and strength of feeling. But don't let your characterisation overshadow the need for impeccable plot and if you can make her laugh or cry then you're onto a winner! Across the full light-dark spectrum Hannah especially loves SFF that features an unlikely band of heroes, like the Six of Crows series by Leigh Bardugo, Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastard series, Becky Chambers' The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, T. Kingfisher's Nettle and Bone,and the cosy themes/settings offered by Heather Fawcett and TJ Klune. Hannah's advice is make sure you have a clear USP and hook: If you are sending your reader to a magical academy, or if we're riding dragons or waving wands, that's great! But what makes your book feel different and fresh? An excellent voice is key, but what else makes your take on these tropes stand out? An example of a phenomenal book that has turned the magical academy trope on its head, with layers of excellent world building, a unique magic system and plot twists galore is The Will of the Many by James Islington. If you have something crafted this beautifully then Hannah wants to see it! Romantasy of varying spice levels, accessible to both romance and fantasy readers, is on Hannah's wishlist. And you can whisk her away with contemporary romance novels, romcoms, sweeping love stories that redefine the genre. Romcoms with great disability rep and LGBTQIA+ stories that focus on the joy of falling in love are high on Hannah's agenda. She particularly loves Emily Henry, Laura Wood and Abby Jiminez. Think more Nicholas Sparks than Sally Rooney, and Bonnie Garmus rather than Gabrielle Zevin. In this space, she is a big fan of Emma Donoghue, Bonnie Garmus and Jojo Moyes. Meet with Hannah to discuss your crime and high-concept thrillers with an unsettling ‘it-could-happen-to-me’ feeling, coupled with a twist that's unseen until its delivery. The book she most wants to find in this space is something like Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton in both its themes (real-world emotional suspense) and its execution. A mystery series that feels like a real 'romp' is something she loves to escape with too. With regards to all genres, Hannah is particularly interested in voices from underrepresented backgrounds: such as writers of colour, indigenous communities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with disabilities. Hannah does not the right agent to give advice on: Re-imaginings of the classics Books that feature characters putting on Shakespeare plays! Historical fiction Children's, middle-grade and YA Hannah would like you to submit a covering letter, one page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Hannah 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 6th May 2025
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION / NON-FICTION Ciara McEllin is building her list as a Junior Agent at Watson Little. She reads widely across book club, upmarket and literary fiction. Within these areas, she is drawn to novels that examine family and relationship dynamics, sexuality, identity, and vulnerability. Ciara is keen to hear from writers who take a fresh approach to these themes, whether that be a new perspective on a traditional narrative or a focus on characters and voices that remain underrepresented: think Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck, Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday or Monkey Grip by Helen Garner. She will always want to read beautifully written novels with a strong sense of place, tangible characters and an essence that stays with you – living deep in your bones – long after you’ve finished reading. Recent reads Ciara has enjoyed include: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad, Close to Home by Michael Magee, Siblings by Brigitte Reimann, Trespasses by Louise Kennedy, The Idiot by Elif Batuman, Highway Blue by Ailsa McFarlane and My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley. At the moment Ciara is particularly eager to see: - Sexy, sensual and seductive stories that explore desire and sexual boundaries not often represented in literature such as Little Rabbit by Alyssa Songsiridej, Cleanness by Garth Greenwell and Mrs. S by K Patrick - An atmospheric and existential thriller in the vein of Intimacies by Katie Kitamura, In The Cut by Susanna Moore and Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk - An intoxicating coming of-age-tale that captures the aliveness, intelligence and wildness of girlhood like Brutes by Dizz Tate, The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides and The Girls by Emma Cline - Books that are joyful or brutal, particularly those that are both, similar to Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel, Kick the Latch by Kathryn Scanlan and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan - Stories exploring an Australia or Ireland that is rarely seen in literature for example A Loving, Faithful Animal by Josephine Rowe and Wild Houses by Colin Barrett In non-fiction, Ciara enjoys narrative, memoir and essay collections. She is interested in hearing from experts, academics, critics and journalists writing about society, culture and food, and excited by writers seeking to revise, reshape or revolutionise the conversation in their area of expertise. Some of her favourite non-fiction titles include How To Survive A Plague by David France, The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye, the Living Autobiography Series by Deborah Levy, Last Witnesses: Unchildlike Stories by Svetlana Alexievich, King Kong Theory by Virginie Despentes; and she particularly enjoys the work of M.F.K Fisher, Annie Ernaux, Natalia Ginsburg and Helen Garner. Ciara is not looking for Children’s, YA or Fantasy. Ciara would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 -2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Ciara 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: Thursday 8th May 2025
A one-day training course for all staff in special schools and colleges, to increase confidence and skills providing RSE and pastoral support to learners.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Program: In-House Training This learning series is designed to enable participants to fulfill the important role of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and to incorporate the Lean Six Sigma mindset into their leadership skills. Green Belt is not just a role, it is also a competency required for leadership positions at many top companies. This learning series is designed to enable participants to fulfill the important role of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and to incorporate the Lean Six Sigma mindset into their leadership skills. With a real-world project focus, the series will teach the fundamental methodology, tools, and techniques of the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control Process Improvement Methodology. This course is delivered through sixteen 3-hour online sessions. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Identify strategies for effectively leading high performing process improvement teams Analyze whether projects align with business strategy Apply process improvement methodologies to DMAIC steps, based on real world scenarios Explain ways to appropriately respond to process variation Distinguish among best practice problem solving methodologies Evaluate and effectively communicate data-driven decisions, based on real world scenarios Introduction Lean Six Sigma & quality The vision The methodologies The metric Project Selection Why Projects Random idea generation Targeted idea generation CTQs (Critical to Quality) & projects Project screening criteria Quick improvements Introduction to Define Project Planning Developing the core charter Developing a project charter Facilitation Process Management Business process management Top-down process mapping Voice of the Customer Voice of Customer Stakeholder analysis Communication planning Kicking off the project Define Summary Introduction to Measure Data Collection Fact-based decision making Data sampling Operations definitions Data collection plan Measurement system analysis Graphical Statistics for Continuous Data Meet Six SigmaXL Graphical & statistical tools Data stratification Graphical Statistics for Discrete Data Pareto analysis Dot plots Plotting data over time: Looking for patterns Variation Concepts Variation is reality Special Cause and Common Cause variation Example of standard business reporting Individuals Control Chart Process Capability Genesis of process capability Calculating the metrics of Six Sigma Yield metrics: Measuring process efficiency Cost of Poor Quality The Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) Cost of Quality categories Calculating the Cost of Poor Quality Measure Summary Introduction to Analyze Process Analysis Introduction to process analysis Value-added analysis Cycle time analysis WIP & pull systems Analyzing bottlenecks and constraints Cause & Effect Analysis Fishbone/Ishikawa diagram 5-Whys analysis Graphical & statistical tools Advanced Analysis Why use hypothesis rests? Hypothesis tests Correlation and regression analysis Analyze Summary Introduction to Improve Solutions Creativity techniques Generating alternative solutions Solution selection techniques Introduction to Design of Experiments Introduction to DOE DOE activity Error Proofing Failure mode & effect analysis Poka-Yoke Project Management Fundamentals Successful teams Project roles Conflict management Standardization Standardization The Visual Workplace 5S Piloting & Verifying Results What is a pilot? Evaluating results Improve Summary Introduction to Control Statistical Process Control Review of Special & Common Cause variation Review of Individual Control Chart P-Chart for discrete proportion data Transition Planning Control plan Project closure Control Summary Summary and Next Steps
Improving Communications UK offers an Advanced Presentation Skills course designed to enhance public speaking abilities and improve the use of presentation software. This course provides delegates with the opportunity to refine their skills in a supportive environment. As delegates deliver their presentations, they are coached on key areas such as body language, posture, word choice, confidence, eye contact, volume, and reducing verbal tics and filler words. This comprehensive approach ensures that delegates can effectively engage their audience and convey their message with clarity and confidence. The course also focuses on enhancing content and visual aids, typically using software like PowerPoint. Delegates learn how to: Clearly state their purpose Reduce text on slides Create user-friendly messages Select impactful graphics to support their message By the end of the course, delegates will be able to deliver organised and engaging presentations that motivate audiences, craft streamlined messages, enhance their stage presence, and convince listeners with compelling evidence in speech and visuals. This course is ideal for those seeking to improve their presentation skills and make a lasting impact. The Advanced Presentation Skills course is a 4-hour interactive virtual class for up to six delegates. Upon registration, delegates will receive online login instructions prior to the class date. This format allows for a personal and interactive learning experience from the comfort of one's own home.
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Clare set up the Liverpool Literary Agency in 2020 to help address inequality and underrepresentation in the publishing industry. With more than 15 years’ experience of writing and editing professionally, including the publication of two novels, Definitions (2015) and We Are of Dust (2018 - which has received development funding from the Liverpool Film Office for a TV adaptation), she has developed an in-depth knowledge of what commissioning editors and publishers expect to see from a submitted manuscript. With a background in PR and marketing, alongside teaching on creative writing programmes, Clare also has extensive experience in pitching and promoting writers and has been nominated for the Romantic Novelist Association Agent of the Year Award! Clare would love to see historical fiction, crime fiction, psychological thrillers and women’s fiction, but she is open to all great writing with a strong hook in any area (excluding non-fiction, children’s and YA). She actively encourages submissions from writers who have been traditionally under-represented. Clare would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Clare 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 14th May 2025
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Program: Virtual In-House Training This learning series is designed to enable participants to fulfill the important role of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and to incorporate the Lean Six Sigma mindset into their leadership skills. Green Belt is not just a role, it is also a competency required for leadership positions at many top companies. This learning series is designed to enable participants to fulfill the important role of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and to incorporate the Lean Six Sigma mindset into their leadership skills. With a real-world project focus, the series will teach the fundamental methodology, tools, and techniques of the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control Process Improvement Methodology. This course is delivered through sixteen 3-hour online sessions. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Identify strategies for effectively leading high performing process improvement teams Analyze whether projects align with business strategy Apply process improvement methodologies to DMAIC steps, based on real world scenarios Explain ways to appropriately respond to process variation Distinguish among best practice problem solving methodologies Evaluate and effectively communicate data-driven decisions, based on real world scenarios Introduction Lean Six Sigma & quality The vision The methodologies The metric Project Selection Why Projects Random idea generation Targeted idea generation CTQs (Critical to Quality) & projects Project screening criteria Quick improvements Introduction to Define Project Planning Developing the core charter Developing a project charter Facilitation Process Management Business process management Top-down process mapping Voice of the Customer Voice of Customer Stakeholder analysis Communication planning Kicking off the project Define Summary Introduction to Measure Data Collection Fact-based decision making Data sampling Operations definitions Data collection plan Measurement system analysis Graphical Statistics for Continuous Data Meet Six SigmaXL Graphical & statistical tools Data stratification Graphical Statistics for Discrete Data Pareto analysis Dot plots Plotting data over time: Looking for patterns Variation Concepts Variation is reality Special Cause and Common Cause variation Example of standard business reporting Individuals Control Chart Process Capability Genesis of process capability Calculating the metrics of Six Sigma Yield metrics: Measuring process efficiency Cost of Poor Quality The Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) Cost of Quality categories Calculating the Cost of Poor Quality Measure Summary Introduction to Analyze Process Analysis Introduction to process analysis Value-added analysis Cycle time analysis WIP & pull systems Analyzing bottlenecks and constraints Cause & Effect Analysis Fishbone/Ishikawa diagram 5-Whys analysis Graphical & statistical tools Advanced Analysis Why use hypothesis rests? Hypothesis tests Correlation and regression analysis Analyze Summary Introduction to Improve Solutions Creativity techniques Generating alternative solutions Solution selection techniques Introduction to Design of Experiments Introduction to DOE DOE activity Error Proofing Failure mode & effect analysis Poka-Yoke Project Management Fundamentals Successful teams Project roles Conflict management Standardization Standardization The Visual Workplace 5S Piloting & Verifying Results What is a pilot? Evaluating results Improve Summary Introduction to Control Statistical Process Control Review of Special & Common Cause variation Review of Individual Control Chart P-Chart for discrete proportion data Transition Planning Control plan Project closure Control Summary Summary and Next Steps
LOOKING FOR: MG, YA, ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Una is a Rights Agent at Susanna Lea Associates and am starting to build a client list. She grew up in London and graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in English in 2021. At university, Una was particularly interested in contemporary West African and South Asian literature. She started as an agent's assistant at SLA London in 2022 and now handles some translation rights and provides support with editorial work and submissions. Una's favourite reads always set her at ease right away and draws her in with impressive and accessible storytelling, memorable characters or an original hook. Una enjoys writing which expands her worldview, makes her laugh out loud or keeps her on her toes with its twists and turns. She welcomes submissions from debut authors and would be keen to read across a wide range of genres and styles. She is looking for literary, upmarket and book club fiction, and is always drawn to stories that explores the challenges and complexities of love and relationships in all its forms —within families, between friends or in romantic relationships. Una loves the way in which familial relationships are dissected in The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright and the impact of the local community in Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson. She is always drawn to novels with a strong sense of community, whether they are unified by geography, culture, or in other unexpected ways. Una has always loved reading international and translated fiction and welcomes submissions from authors writing contemporary fiction that engages with cultures and traditions from around the world, such as in voices of the deities in Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi or the subversive tales of Sayaka Murata. She is not looking for children’s or YA titles, science fiction or high-concept fantasy, but is open to submissions from authors writing in the speculative fiction space, and books with fantastical or otherworldly elements, be that magical realism or supernatural horror, such as Mona Awad's campus novel with a twist, Bunny. Una would also love to read more writing that engages with the natural world and reminds us of the limitations of human understanding. In non-fiction, Una enjoys books that furthers her understanding of wider societal issues — nature and the environment, culture, and little-known history. Her recent non-fiction favourites are Eve by Cat Bohannon, Doppelgänger by Naomi Klein and Unearthed by Claire Ratinon. Una would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the first three chapters or 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Una 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 13th May 2025