Starting a small business can be a rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and the right strategies to succeed. From creating a solid business plan to organizing finances and finding the right support, this guide will help you establish a foundation for a thriving business. For entrepreneurs in Calgary, key resources like reliable bookkeeping services can make a significant difference. Here’s how to start a small business and set it up for lasting success. Developing a business plan A clear, well-researched business plan serves as a roadmap for your business. It outlines your goals, target market, competitive advantage, and financial projections. This plan will also help attract investors or secure loans. To create an effective business plan: Define your mission and vision: Explain why your business exists and what you aim to achieve. Identify your target audience: Determine who your customers are and what problems your business will solve for them. Analyze competitors: Study your competitors to understand what they offer and find ways to differentiate your business. Set realistic financial projections: Estimate costs, revenue, and profits. This will give potential investors confidence in your business. Choosing a business structure Selecting the right business structure is essential, as it affects your taxes, liability, and daily operations. Common options include: Sole proprietorship: Simple to set up, with minimal paperwork, but offers no separation of personal and business liability. Partnership: Ideal for two or more owners, allowing shared responsibilities, but partners share liabilities. Corporation: Provides liability protection, but involves more paperwork and regulatory requirements. LLC (Limited Liability Company): Offers liability protection without the complexity of a corporation. Choose a structure that best suits your needs, and consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with Calgary’s business regulations. Securing funding Most small businesses require some level of funding to get started. Consider various financing options to find the best fit: Personal savings or family support: Often the first source of funding for many entrepreneurs. Business loans: Many banks offer small business loans with varying interest rates. Grants and government programs: Explore government grants and programs specifically designed to support small businesses in Calgary. Angel investors or venture capital: For businesses with high growth potential, attracting investors may be an option. Registering your business To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business. This process involves choosing a unique name, filing the necessary documents, and obtaining a business license in Calgary. You may also need specific permits depending on your industry. Completing these steps ensures that your business complies with all local regulations. Organizing your finances Managing finances effectively is crucial for any small business. Accurate bookkeeping keeps your business organized, tracks income and expenses, and prepares you for tax season. Many small businesses in Calgary choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to handle these responsibilities, allowing owners to focus on growth. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can provide: Accurate financial records: Professional bookkeepers help maintain up-to-date records, which is essential for financial health. Compliance with tax laws: Calgary’s best bookkeeping services are familiar with local tax regulations, ensuring that you file correctly and on time. Insights for decision-making: With accurate records, you can make informed decisions on budgeting, spending, and investments. Creating a strong brand identity Building a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential. Your brand identity includes your business name, logo, colors, and messaging, as well as the experience you offer customers. Developing a consistent brand identity sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with customers. Here are some steps to create a strong brand identity: Design a logo and visual theme: Choose a professional logo, color scheme, and design elements that reflect your brand’s personality. Develop a unique brand voice: Whether it’s friendly, professional, or playful, keep your brand voice consistent in all communications. Focus on customer experience: Aim to provide exceptional service that keeps customers coming back and sharing their positive experiences. Building an online presence In today’s digital world, an online presence is crucial for reaching potential customers. Start by creating a professional website where customers can learn more about your products or services. Next, consider establishing a presence on social media platforms that suit your audience. Key components of a strong online presence include: User-friendly website: Make sure your website is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and includes essential information about your business. Social media profiles: Engage with customers and share updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Google My Business: Setting up a Google My Business profile helps customers in Calgary find you more easily. Building a support network Running a small business can be challenging, and having a network of support is invaluable. Surround yourself with people who can provide advice, resources, and encouragement. Consider these ways to build a support network: Join local business associations: Groups like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, resources, and workshops. Seek mentorship: Experienced business owners can offer guidance and insights that help you avoid common pitfalls. Hire professionals for specialized tasks: For financial and legal matters, work with professionals like accountants, lawyers, and bookkeepers. Tracking progress and making adjustments As your business grows, it’s essential to review your progress and adjust your strategies. Regularly assessing financial performance, customer feedback, and market trends can help you refine your approach and stay competitive. Working with one of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can make tracking your financial performance much easier, giving you insight into profit margins, cash flow, and budgeting. Consider these strategies for tracking progress: Set measurable goals: Establish specific goals for growth, such as revenue targets or customer acquisition numbers. Analyze performance data: Use financial statements, sales reports, and customer feedback to assess performance. Stay flexible: Be willing to make changes to products, services, or marketing strategies if they aren’t meeting customer needs. Conclusion Starting a small business takes effort, planning, and ongoing management. By creating a solid business plan, organizing your finances, and developing a strong brand, you can set your business up for success. In Calgary, many new business owners choose to hire a bookkeeper in Calgary to ensure accurate financial management and stay compliant with local regulations. Taking advantage of the best bookkeeping services in Calgary can free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success. With dedication and the right strategies, your small business can thrive in today’s competitive market.
HACCP Trainer. on site delivery nationwide
We write HACCP Plans and HACCP Documents
This course will provide delegates involved in tackling the financial underpinning of corrupt behaviour with the knowledge, concepts and practices necessary to understand and mitigate illicit financial flows.
The UK's first and only Level 4 qualification in Phlebotomy (equivalent to Ireland Level 6) FDSc (Foundation Degree Level) qualification Nationally Recognised certificate Dually accredited: Open College Network and CPD Covers both aspirated and evacuated systems Covers specialised blood collection systems & methods Classroom or Virtual Classroom learning options Comprehensive Training Kit is provided when booking our Virtual Classroom option (yours to keep) Complete your training from beginner to advanced level This course either follows on from our Introduction to Phlebotomy Course or can be combined with our introductory course as part of a course package (see below) Available to candidates who have completed (or are currently enrolled to complete) our Introduction to Phlebotomy Course or have previous phlebotomy practical experience.
THIS COURSE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 1: PERIPHERAL I.V. CANNULATION - IV THERAPIES COURSE (GPT008) 2: VACCINATION / INJECTION COURSE (GPT601) Learn how to administer injectables and intravenous therapies ... FAST-TRACK YOUR AESTHETICS TRAINING WITH OUR COMPLETE TRAINING PACKAGE 20% Multi-Course Discount Cover all stages from Level 1 through to Level 4 (FDSc) Cover your theory training online Complete your advanced practical training in 1 day Practical training in Classroom or Virtual Classroom Comprehensive Practise@Home training kits for VC Awards 2 accredited qualifications Dual Accreditations for all courses Covers all steps required to safely perform injectables Covers all steps required to safely perform IV therapies Practise IV on artificial arm with fake blood Practise injection techniques on realistic injection pads Learn beginner to advanced skills and techniques Basic understanding of English language required OPEN TO ALL APPLICANTS
This 18 weeks Virtual Airline Cabin Crew course delivered via Zoom. Lessons scheduled for once a week, evenings from 6:30pm to 9pm. 98% Employment rate after completion of the course. Virtual Airline Cabin Crew which is also known as Air Hostess, Flight Attendant and Stewardess course – Join your lesson from wherever you are. This intensive 18 weeks Virtual Airline Cabin Crew course designed for candidates who wish to: Travel the world and be paid for it Work in a friendly, collaborative atmosphere, 5000 metres above the sea level Build a global network This glamourous and exciting job requires lots of training and energy. Behind the beautiful smile of each flight attendant, stands a highly trained and skilled person who can deal with unforeseen situations on board. 98% Employment rate after completion of the course. How will you learn? Apart of our traditional class-based tuition, we also offer Virtual Learning courses. On our Virtual (live stream via Zoom) lessons, we provide the same quality of tuition as in the classroom. You only need a laptop, PC or tablet with either built in (or external) camera and microphone. The virtual platform is very interactive with a sense of real classroom at the Academy. You will study from the comfort of your own home and communicate with your tutor and classmates via video chat (by using your phone or computer camera) and you will receive outstanding tuition, qualification, and certification. We provide A-Z guidance starting from before and after the course. Your tutor will guide you through the online course to graduation which you will be welcome to attend. What a joy it would be to meet your tutor and classmates in real life!! You will have: According to the timetable- 1 lesson per week for 18 consecutive weeks. Exams and final exam based on which the certificate will be issued. On successful completion you will hold: Airline Cabin Crew certificate in Current Airline Training Standards and Equipment. Individual support on the journey from the course to a job placement Receive constant updates on recruitment and news from Aviation the world We will enhance your CV Full support on your job application process Gain an insight into the airline selection process and final one-to-one interview What is Flight Attendant? Flight attendant/Airline Cabin Crew/Stewardess/Air Hostess are the most visible, glamorous jobs of all airline employees. A Flight Attendant is someone whose primary duty is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during a flight. They are members of an aircrew team , who operate a commercial, business or even military aircraft while travelling domestically or internationally. Flight Attendant benefits: Getting paid for travelling the world Lifestyle Flexible Work Schedules Meeting Interesting People Free Food & Accommodation Excellent Compensation The uniforms Working Environment How to become successful Flight Attendant job candidate?Our Aviation Team understands each candidate who wish to become Airline Cabin Crew or start a career in Aviation. Airline companies look for individuals who share their values and can act as ambassadors for the company’s brand. Cabin Crew are the face of the airline company which means they deliver a fantastic service that makes airline world famous. Airline companies prefer candidates with knowledge of Cabin Crew role. Airline companies have selection day or online tests as a first stage of recruitment, after which, they will take a closer look at applicants CV, skills and experience. If you completed Airline Cabin Crew course, your application will stand out and you can get an offer from the first round. Student – Cabin Crew Flying Support Group As a market leading Airline Cabin Crew Training Company with a wealth of experience in Aviation and recruitment, we constantly upgrading our course and going extra nautical mile to guide and support all our students to ensure they can reach their goals. Graduates who are already flying, offer their full support to us and new students. They share an insight of the airline they already fly with, and help new students through the process of joining them at that airline. It gives a flying start to a career to new learners. Why London Waterloo Academy? Top Airline Cabin Crew course provider in London 98% Employment rate after completion of the course With years of experience in Airline Cabin Crew industry, London Waterloo Academy has been recognised by major TV, radio channels who have invited our Aviation Team for expert advice or interview. We are recognised by major airline companies in Europe and overseas who have approached London Waterloo Academy to deliver internal cabin crew training, corporate training and to recruit our graduates as a result of their high qualification standards and knowledge. Our graduates are now flying with Etihad, Saudi Air, Hainan Airlines, Small Planet, British Airways, Qatar, EasyJet, Thomas Cook, Ryanair, Cubana de Aviación, Air France,Titan, Norwegian B737 Short Haul and many more. The vast global experience of our instructors This course has been developed in accordance with EASA PART-CC Working together – Starting a new career isn’t easy and often it can seem like a lonely and impossible process. Our Aviation Department stays behind each learner, supporting every step of the way, we give you all the tools, skills and assistance you need to succeed. Our success, built on the success of our students and a long list of graduates with successful stories. Course Entry Requirements: English Language at B2 (CEFR) level or above. There are no other special requirements for this Airline Cabin Crew course. We will teach you from scratch and support after the course when applying for the job. This course has been developed for all candidates, independent of their background, wishing to start a new career. Dates (choose one for your course): 14 March 2024 – 11 July 2024, Thursday classes 10 June 2024 – 7 October 2024, Monday classes 17 September 2024 – 14 January 2025, Tuesday classes 18 November 2024 – 17 March 2025, Monday classes Course duration – 18 weeks Classes – once a week Lesson Time – 6:30pm to 9pm – GMT (London time) Course fee – £529 (we offer flexible payment plan and accept weekly instalments) Registration fee – £300 (includes: examination, Airline Cabin Crew certificate in Current Airline Training Standards and Equipment)
Course Information Join us for a comprehensive refresher focusing on crucial Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements, including an emphasis on data integrity, recent developments, and emerging trends gleaned from MHRA inspections. The programme dives into specific domains such as risk assessment, OECD guidance on sponsor influence, and the advisory from OECD on QA. Additionally, delegates can benefit from a dedicated GLP clinic, facilitating discussions on understanding and upholding GLP compliance. Is this course for you? This course is tailored for study directors, principal investigators, test facility management, and QA professionals seeking to refresh their knowledge and responsibilities within the GLP framework. Tutors Tutors will be comprised of (click the photos for biographies): Vanessa Grant -, - Tim Stiles Consultant, Qualogy Ltd Programme Please note timings may be subject to alteration. Day 1 09:00 Registration, Welcome and Introduction 09:20 Development of Good Laboratory Practice A reminder of the history of GLP, its current scope and application, with a synopsis of current UK, European and international standards. 09:50 Roles and Responsibilities of Study Director, Test Facility Management, Principal Investigator, Test Site Management, Study Staff and QA A reminder of the roles and responsibilities with regard to the GLP management and oversight of the Test Facility and the management and control of the study, as defined by GLP. 10:30 Break 10:45 Workshop 1 Workshop 1 Roles and responsibilities 11:15 Influence of Sponsors The published OECD Position Paper No. 21 regarding Possible Influence of Sponsors on conclusions of GLP Studies is reviewed and discussed. 11:45 Data Integrity The fundamentals of data integrity according to the OECD Guidance No. 22 on Data Integrity is discussed along with the responsibilities of Study Director, Test Facility Management, and study staff in ensuring the integrity of the GLP study data. 12:30 Lunch 13:15 Quality Assurance and GLP OECD Advisory No. 23 (Revision of OECD No.4)- A walk through of the changes to the OECD Guidance on the role and activities of Quality Assurance 13:45 Quality Improvement Tools and GLP The tools that might be considered for GLP and their role and operation when used in Test Facilities- OECD Position Paper No.24 published July 2022 14:15 Workshop 2 Workshop 2 Change control 14:30 Risk Assessment How should we assess risk and how can we use the process to assist in evaluation audit findings? 15:00 Break 15:15 Current hot topics in GLP Explore the current issues in Industry and trends /types of Regulatory inspection findings 15:50 GLP Clinic An opportunity to discuss any other issues regarding understanding and maintaining GLP Compliance. 16:30 Close of Course Extra Information Course Material This course will be run completely online. You will receive an email with a link to our online system, which will house your licensed course materials and access to the remote event. Please note this course will run in UK timezone. The advantages of this include: Ability for delegates to keep material on a mobile device Ability to review material at any time pre and post course Environmental benefits – less paper being used per course Access to an online course group to enhance networking. You will need a stable internet connection, a microphone and a webcam. CPD Points 7 Points Development Level Learn
An effective Access Control System can form an integral part of an effective security system. At Hi-Tech Training our course is designed to give participants a practical knowledge of the operation and installation of Access Control Systems. Our experience has taught us that in order to gain the required skills an installer needs to learn through as much practical training as possible. This course involves 50% “Hands-On” training which involves building, setting up, testing and troubleshooting faults using core elements of modern Access Control Systems. At the end of the course, an interested and hardworking participant will have a good solid foundation of knowledge of what access control is all about.
LOOKING FOR: PICTURE BOOKS, MG, YA, ADULT FICTION Clare Wallace joined the Darley Anderson Agency in January 2011 and is building both the Darley Anderson Children’s Agency and the Darley Anderson Illustration Agency lists as well as taking on adult fiction for debut authors. Clare is particularly looking for funny chapter books for younger readers at the moment, as well as contemporary MG, YA fantasy, romance, and rom coms, especially with underrepresented protagonists. For picture books she has the widest taste, from daft to lyrical, rhyming to prose. As well as being busy with the children’s and illustration agencies, Clare is open to debut adult fiction submissions that could be described as book club, rom-com, romance, saga, reading group, fantasy or historical fiction. She often doesn’t know what she’s looking for until she finds it (although she is not the person for steampunk or space opera). She represents picture books, middle-grade, teenage and YA and debut adult fiction. The clients Clare represents include Perdita & Honor Cargill, Caroline Crowe, Tom Ellen, Martyn Ford, Stewart Foster, Olivia Hope, A M Howell, Polly Ho-Yen, Rachel Ip, Beth Reekles, J.P. Rose, Lindsay Galvin, Dave Rudden, Deirdre Sullivan and Efua Traoré. Whatever the age range, Clare loves a big hook, a lot of heart, and a standout voice. She loves to discover memorable new characters, bold and unique voices, strong concepts and gripping storytelling. This list gives a good indication of Clare's taste but if your submission doesn’t fit a description here, it doesn’t mean Clare doesn’t want to receive it. Clare would like you to send a covering letter, a one page synopsis and the first three chapters (Max 5000 words) of your manuscript in a single word document. For picture books, please submit a covering letter and up to three completed texts. Please send EITHER picture books OR another genre, not both in one submission. (In addition to the paid sessions, Clare 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: Thursday 13th March 2025
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 three chapters (or 5,000 words whichever is longest) 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: Wednesday 12th March 2025
This one-day course is a must for anyone considering or already working within a construction or civil engineering environment. This course provides Health and Safety awareness and is endorsed by Build UK as a standard training for all operatives on site. Aims To give a clear understanding of Regulations & Legislation that applies to construction work and is an ideal refresher for any operative that has previously completed training in Health & Safety. Course Content • Accident prevention • Health & Safety law • Control and management of the site and your how your role fits in with this • Risk assessments and method statements • Performing safely on site • Reporting unsafe acts to prevent an accident • Individual & employee responsibilities • What to do if you think anyone’s Health and Safety is being put at risk Assessment At the end of this course, all delegates will have a clear understanding of the requirements of Health and Safety Legislation and their responsibilities to comply with them. Candidates will need to complete a multiple-choice exam at the end of the CITB course. They will also need to engage and interact with others throughout the day. Certificate This certification for this course is valid for 5 years and is endorsed by Build UK as a standard training for all operatives. The certificate is part of CSCS Green Card requirements. To remain certified in this area, you will need to retake the course before the expiry date or have completed an NVQ2 or higher in your skills set. Instructions Please note all Health & Safety Awareness courses with the venue “Remote Learning” will be delivered by a tutor over a video call. This training will be delivered and assessed in English language; therefore, a good standard is required to complete the course. Further attendee information will be sent in a separate email, please check your inbox.
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Louise Buckley has worked in publishing for well over a decade. She was inspired to enter the publishing industry after completing an MA in Creative Writing and then spent a hugely enjoyable year working as a bookseller for Waterstones, wishing that she could have a hand in publishing books. After a year working at Dorling Kindersley, she then spent almost five years working in the commercial fiction division at Pan Macmillan, where she published a mix of commercial bestsellers and award-winning authors. Most recently, she was an Associate Literary Agent at Zeno Agency Ltd. As an agent she represented a roster of commercial and literary fiction, including Anne Griffin’s When All is Said, which spent five weeks at number one in Ireland and sold into 17 territories. She is delighted to be working with Hannah at Hannah Sheppard Literary Agency. Louise is looking for:- Literary and upmarket fiction that focusses on the underdog, the repressed, the suppressed. Louise is especially interested in novels that represent working-class people or children going through difficult circumstances (think Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal or Boys Don’t Cry by FÍona Scarlett). Irish literary and book club fiction. Think Claire Keegan, Louise Kennedy or Anne Griffin. In commercial fiction she loves novels set during the Second World War, such as The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christi Lefteri or The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart. Louise recently read and loved The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson and would love to see anything in the same ‘older person going on a journey’ category, a more recent The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Louise had a lot of fun publishing a ‘pet fiction’ novel as an editor (Molly and the Cat Café) and would love to find an author who can write an Alfie the Doorstep Cat/Dog. She has a soft spot for novels featuring time-travel or parallel universes, a ‘what if’ that plays around with conventions. At the literary end this would be books like Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes or This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. At the more commercial end Louise loved Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch and Oona Out of Order by Martina Montimore. She also enjoys novels set in the real world but featuring a hefty dose of magic or the supernatural. They can be commercial or literary, present-day or historical. Think Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch, Threadneedle by Cari Thomas, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness or The Gifts by Liz Hyder. And also cosy fantasy in the vein of Legends and Lattes or The House in the Cerulean Sea. Cosy or humorous crime. Recently, Louise absolutely loved Over My Dead Body by Maz Evans. When she was an editor Louise published the hit Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll and would love to represent incisive, intelligent suspense written by authors such as Jessica Knoll and Gillian Flynn, or something a little more subversive and blackly comic like My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite. More generally, Louise would also love to see novels with a disabled protagonist or someone (like herself) who is living with an invisible disability. As an ex-primary school teacher, she also warmly welcomes submissions from teachers, especially if the submission falls into one of the other categories she has listed. Following-on from this, she enjoys reading stories that follow a ‘beating the system’ narrative. Horror. Louise is currently really enjoying the horror resurgence and would love some more horror for her list. She is looking for all types of horror from the more literary, suspenseful horror along the lines of Andrew Michael Hurley to the more commercial like Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix. Louise is also a big fan of horror mash-ups, especially body transformation horror such as Nightbitch, and horror mixed with, say, vampires, in the vein of Hungerstone or The Lamb. She would also love to see some dark academia. Think If We Were Villains or In My Dreams I Hold a Knife, and is a huge fan of gothic horror, so would love to see something that’s a modern-day Shirley Jackson or Rebecca. Louise is NOT looking for: -romance -romantasy -epic, traditional fantasy -space opera -straightforward women’s fiction -children’s fiction of any kind -non-fiction Louise 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, Louise 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 18th March 2025