Courses in Birmingham

LOOKING FOR: PICTURE BOOKS / CHAPTER BOOKS / MG / YA / NEW ADULT inc GRAPHIC NOVELS Gyamfia Osei joined ANA in 2023 as a Literary Agent in the UK department. She was previously an agent at The Good Literary Agency, where she began building her list of authors. Recent successes include a ‘significant’ 6-figure pre-empt for Busayo Matuluko’s YA debut ‘Til Death, a 5-way auction for Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam and the shortlisting of Ebinehita Iyere’s Girlhood, Unfiltered at the 2023 British Book Awards. At ANA, Gyamfia is focusing on on developing the agency’s list of children’s authors, while also representing a bespoke list of commercial adult fiction and narrative non-fiction. In the Children’s space, Gyamfia would love to find contemporary stories that are full of heart and joy-driven books across all genres (think Clare Weze, Kimberly Whittam and Elle McNicoll). Funny middle-grade and YA horror are currently at the top of her list and she is also keen to read more teen projects (think Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and Glow Up Lara Bloom) this year. She is very interested in finding a graphic novel or illustrated project for either MG or YA readers. In the older fiction space, Gyamfia enjoys well-plotted, fast-paced narratives with authentic characters who lodge themselves in her mind long after she’s finished reading (think Sadie, Verity and Girl A). She’s open to a broad range of genres, but would be particularly keen to see romantasy, cosy crime, contemporary romance and tightly plotted domestic noir. Please note that Gyamfia doesn’t consider literary fiction and, in the commercial space, she is not hugely interested in very high fantasy, trauma-focused stories or particularly gruesome horror.In the non-fiction space, she would be happy to consider commercial narrative non-fiction and cultural history projects (think Brit(ish), It’s Not That Radical and Everything I Know About Love). She is very open when it comes to Children’s non-fiction but would be particularly interested to consider unique cookbooks aimed at young chefs, books exploring mental health/wellness and projects that bring the experiences of marginalised children to the forefront. Gyamfia would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the opening three chapters (max 5,000 words). For picture books please send two texts and a covering letter. For non-fiction please supply a cover letter and proposal with up to 5,000 words of your sample text. Please send EITHER picture books OR another genre, not both in one submission. (In addition to the paid sessions, Gyamfia 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 26 November 2024

LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, YA THRILLER Saskia Leach is an Agent's Assistant at Kate Nash Literary Agency and is currently training to become a Junior Agent. She graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2020 with a BA degree in English and History, before joining Kate Nash Literary Agency in 2021. Saskia loves commercial fiction that features complex and dynamic characters and is fascinated by stories containing document inserts or written from multiple perspectives. Saskia enjoys commercial and book club fiction and is particularly looking for cosy crime from any period (whether contemporary like Janice Hallett and Richard Osman, traditional Golden Age murder mystery or historical), WW2 historical fiction in the vein of Heather Morris or Markus Zusak, twisty psychological thriller with a unique hook, LGBTQ+ romance, underrepresented voices and perspectives, YA thriller or romance, and locked-room thriller. Saskia 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, Saskia 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 to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice given in your Agent121. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 26 November 2024

LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Kate Barker has worked in publishing for over twenty years as an agent, commissioning editor and ghostwriter. Before setting up her own company, Kate Barker Literary Agency, she spent ten years at Penguin, where she was an Editorial Director for Viking, acquiring fiction and non-fiction. She has also worked for Orion, Curtis Brown and for digital publisher Bookouture. She is looking for commercial and reading group fiction for adults and would love to find an unputdownable thriller like Rosamund Lupton's Three Hours, a funny, heartbreaking contemporary novel like Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams or a romantic comedy with a unique premise like The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary. She also loves historical fiction and series crime. Kate would like you to submit a covering letter, one page synopsis and the first three chapters (Max 5,000 words) of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Kate 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 26 November 2024

LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Imogen Pelham has been at Marjacq since 2015, and has worked as a literary agent for more than a decade. She represents literary fiction and some upmarket commercial fiction, as well as a wide range of non-fiction. Imogen's looking for fiction with a strong premise, a surprise twist, or sharp humour. Recent favourites include Leave The World Behind by Rumaan Alam, Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny, and Sorrow & Bliss by Meg Mason. Her non-fiction list includes history, memoir, medicine and psychology. She is particularly interested in identity, the arts and investigative journalism. Imogen would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 - 2 page synopsis and the first 10,000 words of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Imogen 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 27 November 2024

Build a rewarding career in content design Build a rewarding career in content design with a globally recognised, industry-approved qualification. Get the mindset, the confidence and the skills that will help you stand out in a rapidly growing industry. Why take this course: Be in demand. Certified qualifications will help you stand out in a fast-growing industry Build a career with impact. Design content experiences that will influence users worldwide Broaden your opportunities. Optimise your skills to get hired at leading companies Get qualified. Earn a university credit-rated certification approved by industry leaders Gain the confidence you need to succeed. Our mentors, career advisors and student community will support you all the way University credit-rated, industry-approved Our content design course is credit-rated by Glasgow Caledonian University and has been reviewed and endorsed by leaders in the tech industry. It covers everything you need to become a certified content design professional. Study method Online, self-paced Duration 10 weeks Access to content 12 months Qualification Professional Certificate in Content Design Awarded by Scottish Qualifications Authority trading as SQA Additional info Exam(s) / assessment(s) is included in price Tutor is available to students Description In this Professional Certificate in Content Design course you will learn: An introduction to content design. Understand what content design is and the role of a content designer. Principles of good content design Learn the core principles of content design and why it matters. Voice, tone and style Learn how voice, tone, and style can create a cohesive product experience. Understanding your users Uncover your audience's goals and content needs. Writing for interfaces Learn to write microcopy for buttons, notifications and other UI elements. The product mindset Develop a product mindset by learning about product design systems and tools. Testing content Learn how to test, evaluate and improve your content. AI for content design Learn how to use AI tools to become a more effective content designer. Working in content design Learn how to be the content champion within your organisation. Support at every step From day one, you’ll be part of a lively community of tutors, mentors and fellow students that support each other along the way. Student Success team Our friendly and responsive team will help you stay on track and keep you accountable. Course mentor Your course mentor is an expert content designer who brings years of practical insight. Student community Collaborate, share tips and build connections on our lively student Slack channels. Who is this course for? Writers and journalists who want to enhance their skills for the digital world UX and UI designers who want to become more rounded professionals Content designers looking for a formal qualification that validates their expertise Digital marketers who need content design skills to succeed in their roles Anybody with a writing, content or design background looking for a creative tech job Requirements Background You don’t need experience in design or technology to enrol in our courses. To get the most value from this course, you will need some experience in writing and a genuine interest in words and language. Commitment You do need to be motivated and committed. We set a high bar. Studying for one of our professional qualifications requires a certain amount of time, energy and focus. English language To take this course, you should be fluent in verbal and written English. If English is not your first language, you should have a proficiency of C1 as defined by the CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

LOOKING FOR: MG, YA, ADULT FICTION, ADULT NON-FICTION, NON-FICTION FOR 7+ Megan Carroll is looking for writers in a variety of areas, and from a wide range of backgrounds – she is particularly keen to hear from Black, Asian, and LGBTQIA+ writers. Her main areas of focus this year are adult fiction and non-fiction, as well as non-fiction for 7+, and MG and YA fiction. In Fiction, Megan is keen to see high-concept love stories (think The Flat Share or The Lock In) for both commercial and reading group readers. She’d love to see those familiar romance tropes – enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, love triangles, forbidden love etc. – with underrepresented characters at the centre. She is also looking for historical fiction and gothic horror (think Laura Purcell, Stacey Halls and Silvia Moreno-Garcia) – anything that has a creepy, uneasy undertone is likely for Megan’s list. Megan is also actively looking for upmarket fiction and would love to see layered family drama, contemporary stories about life today and darkly comic novels that explore a specific time, place or experience. In Non-Fiction, Megan is keen to hear from experts in their field talking about topics relating to film, music, true crime, popular culture, history and issues from largely unrepresented perspectives. She is keen to see memoir, narrative non-fiction and essay collections. In Children’s and YA, she is keen to see contemporary YA with humour, and romance at the heart – fun and emotional stories that appeal to the interests and issues of the teenage readers. She’d also love to see thrillers and horror stories for this age group too. It’s unlikely that high fantasy novels for YA readers will be right for her, but she is keen to see stories with fantasy elements in a real world setting. On the younger end, Megan is looking for funny, contemporary middle grade – think Louise Rennison and Karen McCombie – and anything creepy and spooky for 8-12 year old readers too. She’d love to find something like Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events and is keen to find original adventure stories in both fantasy and realistic settings. Megan 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, Megan 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: Monday 25 November 2024

LOOKING FOR: YA, ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Laura Williams is literary agent at the Greene and Heaton Literary Agency. She is seeking literary fiction, commercial fiction, psychological thrillers and high concept Young Adult. Laura is actively building a fiction list and a small non-fiction list. She is currently looking for literary fiction, edgy commercial fiction, psychological thrillers and high-concept contemporary young adult, as well as narrative non-fiction of all types. Her taste is quite dark, and she loves gothic, ghost stories, horror and anything sinister. She also loves books that make her cry, from big love stories to intense family dramas. She is open to historical or horror YA, but not magical or fantasy.  Meditative or moving novels about modern life, appeal to Laura, sad stories with love and the importance of caring for each other shining through. She also loves stories about female friendships or conversely groups of women who don't get on, such as the hugely fun BAD SUMMER PEOPLE by Emma Rosenblum. She is always on the lookout for a big tragic love story to make her cry happy or sad tears. At the more commercial end of fiction, think funny novels with warmth and romantic comedies with a bit of depth – think Marian Keyes. Most of all Laura is looking for novels she hasn’t read before – something unusual structurally or thematically, something that shines a light on a subject the author is passionate about, something that’ll break her heart or raise her blood in an entirely new way. Laura is always looking to promote diverse voices from across the globe, and is particularly keen on LGBTQI+ stories. Laura would like you to submit a covering letter, a 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, Laura 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 28 November 2024

Freelance Business Writer Course Overview Are you looking to begin your freelancing career or want to develop more advanced skills in freelancing? Then this freelance business writer course will set you up with a solid foundation to become a confident freelancer and help you to develop your expertise in freelancing. This freelance business writer course is accredited by the CPD UK & IPHM. CPD is globally recognised by employers, professional organisations and academic intuitions, thus a certificate from CPD Certification Service creates value towards your professional goal and achievement. CPD certified certificates are accepted by thousands of professional bodies and government regulators here in the UK and around the world. Whether you are self-taught and you want to fill in the gaps for better efficiency and productivity, this freelance business writer course will set you up with a solid foundation to become a confident freelancer and develop more advanced skills. Gain the essential skills and knowledge you need to propel your career forward as a freelancer. The freelance business writer course will set you up with the appropriate skills and experience needed for the job and is ideal for both beginners and those currently working as a freelancer. This comprehensive freelance business writer course is the perfect way to kickstart your career in the field of freelancing. This freelance business writer course will give you a competitive advantage in your career, making you stand out from all other applicants and employees. If you're interested in working as a freelancer or want to learn more skills on freelancing but unsure of where to start, then this freelance business writer course will set you up with a solid foundation to become a confident freelancer and develop more advanced skills. As one of the leading course providers and most renowned e-learning specialists online, we're dedicated to giving you the best educational experience possible. This freelance business writer course is crafted by industry expert, to enable you to learn quickly and efficiently, and at your own pace and convenience. Who should take this course? This comprehensive freelance business writer course is suitable for anyone looking to improve their job prospects or aspiring to accelerate their career in this sector and want to gain in-depth knowledge of freelancing. Entry Requirement There are no academic entry requirements for this freelance business writer course, and it is open to students of all academic backgrounds. As long as you are aged seventeen or over and have a basic grasp of English, numeracy and ICT, you will be eligible to enrol. Career path This freelance business writer course opens a brand new door for you to enter the relevant job market and also provides you with the chance to accumulate in-depth knowledge at the side of needed skills to become flourishing in no time. You will also be able to add your new skills to your CV, enhance your career and become more competitive in your chosen industry. Recognised Accreditation CPD Certification Service This course is accredited by continuing professional development (CPD). CPD UK is globally recognised by employers, professional organisations, and academic institutions, thus a certificate from CPD Certification Service creates value towards your professional goal and achievement. CPD certificates are accepted by thousands of professional bodies and government regulators here in the UK and around the world. Many organisations look for employees with CPD requirements, which means, that by doing this course, you would be a potential candidate in your respective field. Quality Licence Scheme Endorsed The Quality Licence Scheme is a brand of the Skills and Education Group, a leading national awarding organisation for providing high-quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. It will give you a competitive advantage in your career, making you stand out from all other applicants and employees.     Certificate of Achievement Endorsed Certificate from Quality Licence Scheme After successfully passing the MCQ exam you will be eligible to order the Endorsed Certificate by Quality Licence Scheme. The Quality Licence Scheme is a brand of the Skills and Education Group, a leading national awarding organisation for providing high-quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. It will give you a competitive advantage in your career, making you stand out from all other applicants and employees. There is a Quality Licence Scheme endorsement fee to obtain an endorsed certificate which is £65. Certificate of Achievement from Lead Academy After successfully passing the MCQ exam you will be eligible to order your certificate of achievement as proof of your new skill. The certificate of achievement is an official credential that confirms that you successfully finished a course with Lead Academy. Certificate can be obtained in PDF version at a cost of £12, and there is an additional fee to obtain a printed copy certificate which is £35. FAQs Is CPD a recognised qualification in the UK? CPD is globally recognised by employers, professional organisations and academic intuitions, thus a certificate from CPD Certification Service creates value towards your professional goal and achievement. CPD-certified certificates are accepted by thousands of professional bodies and government regulators here in the UK and around the world.

You must not miss out on the four Writer Business courses if you want to thrive in your workplace and stand out from the crowd. Writing is one of the four domains of language, and it is widely used in business communication in different forms. In this Writer Business course, we have combined four highly valuable courses, namely - Level 5 Proofreading & Copy Editing Level 5 Report Writing Course Level 4 Copywriting Minute Taking Writer Business - Level 5 Proofreading & Copy Editing course will give you in-depth knowledge of proofreading and why it is necessary. It will also cover the aspects of copy editing. If you complete this course, you will be able to proofread and edit any writing at your workplace. Thus, through this course, your area of expertise will be widened, and subsequently, your value as an employee will be increased. Writer Business - Level 5 Report Writing Course also has various advantages. In any organisation, there are various types of reports to be written, for example, project reports, project proposals, partnership proposals etc. With this course, you will become an expert Report Writer. Writer Business - Level 4 Copywriting is highly trending. Copywriters are behind the catchy advertisements you see on different platforms. Imagine you are writing such copies and as a result, the sales get increased in a great number! With this course, you can learn all the basics, tips and tricks of copywriting. Writer Business - Minute Taking is also important. In any organisation, you need to attend or facilitate numerous meetings. And, in the meeting, one dedicated person needs to record the details of the meeting. Here comes minute taking. If you know how to take minutes of any meeting, you will get a competitive edge over your coworkers. Won't you love to unlock all the contents of this Writer Business Course? Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, you will be able to - Become an expert in proofreading and copy editing. Write different types of business reports. Write sales copies. Write copies of ads for different mediums, including TV, Website, Email marketing etc. Take minutes of meetings effectively. Why Choose Writer Business from Us Self-paced course, access available from anywhere. Easy to understand, high-quality study materials. Course developed by industry experts. MCQ quiz after each module to assess your learning. Automated and instant assessment results. 24/7 support via live chat, phone call or email. Free PDF certificate as soon as completing the course. Others Benefits Include Writer Business Course 4 PDF Certificate Free Free Retake Exam 24/7 Live Support Lifetime Access Course Curriculum [ Course 01 ] Level 5 Proofreading & Copy Editing Module 01: An Overview of Proofreading Module 02: Use of the Style Guide Module 03: Spelling and Grammar Module 04: Paper-based Proofreading Module 05: On the Screen Proofreading Module 06: Basics of Copy Editing Module 07: Copy Editing - the Use of Language Module 08: Copy Editing - Checking Accuracy and Facts Module 09: Copy Editing - Legal Checks Module 10: Career Development [ Course 02 ] Level 5 Report Writing Course Module 01: Introduction to Report Writing Module 02: The Basics of Business Report Writing Module 03: The Practical Side of Report Writing (Part-1): Preparation & Planning Module 04: The Practical Side of Report Writing (Part-2): Collecting and Handling Information Module 05: The Practical Side of Report Writing (Part-3): Writing and Revising Report Module 06: The Creative Side of Report Writing (Part -1): A Style Guide to Good Report Writing Module 07: The Creative Side of Report Writing (Part -2): Improving the Presentation of Your Report Module 08: Developing Research Skills Module 09: Developing Creativity & Innovation Module 10: Develop Critical Thinking Skills Module 11: Interpersonal Skill Development [ Course 03 ] Level 4 Copywriting Module 1: Introduction to Copywriting Module 2: Writing to Get Attention Module 3: Writing to Communicate Module 4: Writing to Sell Module 5: Getting Ready to Write Module 6: Writing Print Advertisements Module 7: Writing Direct Mail Module 8: Writing Brochures, Catalogues, and Other Sales Materials Module 9: Writing Commercials and Multimedia Presentations Module 10: Writing for the Web Module 11: Writing Email Marketing [ Course 04 ] Minute Taking Course Module 01: Introduction to Minute Taking Module 02: The Role of a Minute Taker Module 03: Minutes Styles & Recording Information Module 04: Techniques for Preparing Minutes Module 05: Developing Active Listening Skills Module 06: Developing Organizational Skills Module 07: Developing Critical Thinking Skills Module 08: Developing Interpersonal Skills Module 09: Assertiveness and Self Confidence Module 09: Assertiveness and Self Confidence Module 10: Understanding Workplace Meetings Assessment Method After completing each module of Freelance Writer Business, you will find automated MCQ quizzes. To unlock the next module, you need to complete the quiz task and get at least 60% marks. Once you complete all the modules in this manner, you will be qualified to request your certification. Certification After completing the MCQ/Assignment assessment for this course, you will be entitled to a Certificate of Completion from Training Tale. It will act as proof of your extensive professional development. The certificate is in PDF format, which is completely free to download. A printed version is also available upon request. It will also be sent to you through a courier for £13.99. Who is this course for? This Writing Skills course is ideal for all. This Writer Business course is highly valuable if you want to be a successful executive in your workplace. It is also needed for business owners, managers, supervisors, freelance writers. Requirements There is no specific requirement to enrol for this Writer Business course. However, you must have a strong desire to learn new things and apply those in your relevant field. Career path This Writer Business course will open the door for many positions! Such as - Freelance Writer Copywriter Proofreader Business Executives Executives in TV, Media Communication Executives in different organisations Certificates Certificate of completion Digital certificate - Included

Course Overview The innovative Mastering Project Management Skills for Technical Writer has been compiled with the assistance and expertise of industry professionals. It has been carefully crafted to meet the business requirements needed for an outstanding contribution to this role and the career path beyond it. By enrolling in this tutorial, a significant advantage can be gained by the student for securing their dream job and building an excellent reputation in this sector. This popular Mastering Project Management Skills for Technical Writer has been designed to help dedicated individuals train to become the absolute best in this business field. Many other entrepreneurs and talented students have already completed this course, and others like it, empowering them to move onto satisfying and rewarding careers. This unique Mastering Project Management Skills for Technical Writer course is perfectly suited for those dedicated and ambitious individuals who are committed to genuinely becoming the best in the business. The Mastering Project Management Skills for Technical Writer is recognised and accredited by CPD standards, so all contents are guaranteed to be accurate and reputable, adding valuable competencies and qualifications to a CV, making anyone stand out from other potential candidates or business rivals. For added convenience, the Mastering Project Management Skills for Technical Writer consists of a range of educational modules that allow study sessions to be organised at any time and any place When the final assessment of the Mastering Project Management Skills for Technical Writer has been completed, a certificate of completion is supplied to evidence newly acquired skills and knowledge. This will provide a significant boost for job-seeking or entry into a new and exciting career path. The valuable qualification from the Mastering Project Management Skills for Technical Writer course can help to make all the difference in a dynamic employment sector and can also be validated on our website. We are aware that a student's lifestyles and work ethics may not allow much time for a dedicated study session, so the Mastering Project Management Skills for Technical Writer has been specifically designed to be taken at a personally selected pace, and the hours that are suited to each individual. Full access is immediately available after registration, and this can be achieved via any online device, and at any global location you are sighted at. Our fully-trained tutors are committed to helping you throughout the course, and will instantly respond to any queries that are sent to them via email.