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: Monday 12th May 2025
Recognise the signs Setting boundaries Training on how to have healthy relationships Boundary setting Safety training Training on narcissistic behaviour Recognising mental abuse and manipulative behaviour Education on how to avoid coercive control relationships and avoid isolation How to become mentally stronger Suitable for victims of this behaviour or prevention Support and advice on implementing steps for a brighter future Twice a week 45 minutes 4 weeks https://relationshipsmdd.com/product/coercive-control-package-for-manipulative-relationships/
LOOKING FOR: MG, ADULT FICTION Jo Williamson has been in publishing for over 25 years. Having worked in Children’s books PR for Dorling Kindersley, HarperCollins and Orion, she started as an agent with Antony Harwood in 2008. She feels very privileged being with authors at the very start of their publishing journey and enjoys close working relationships with all her clients. From editorial help, general advice on the publishing world, guiding careers long-term and general cheerleading, she feels she has the perfect job. Although nothing is off limits and she loves being surprised by submissions. In middle grade children's fiction, Jo is particularly looking for books with heart, epic adventures with voice-led characters, and younger funny fiction with series potential. In adult fiction, page-turning Commercial Women’s and Book Club fiction are right up Jo's street, including psychological suspense, thriller, cosy crime and books that don’t quite fit the mould. Above all, she wants stories that linger long after the final page has been read. Jo is not the right fit for police procedurals. Jo 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, Jo 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: Monday 19th May 2025
Understand and explore what you and others do that develops and destroys working relationships. Course overview Duration: 2 days (13 hours) This is an exciting opportunity to dive into the very heart of human behaviour as we encourage you to explore what you and others do that develops and destroys working relationships. We start by getting you to determine where in your working life you need to develop effective relationships before guiding you through a process of analysing personalities and behaviours and then giving you the skills to create and maintain great relationships. Objectives By the end of the course you will be able to: Create a stakeholder map and analyse which relationships need to be developed Describe different personality types and how these can cause connection and conflict Develop behaviours that help build relationships Bring more assertiveness to your relationships Have courageous conversations and handle conflict should it occur Content Getting started The benefits of great working relationships Determining what you want specifically from your relationships at work Developing a stakeholder map to enable you to analyse who you need to build relationships with and how you might do this Defining your personal brand How your personal brand could impact relationships Understanding others Exploring different personality types Understanding how others are both similar and different to you Identifying when personality differences might cause conflict Better Behaviour Exploring the concept of transactional analysis How transactional analysis can help to build or break relationships Understanding life positions How life positions impact your behaviour and that of others How to use transactional analysis in creating better relationships Developing Relationships Understanding the common ways poor communication can cause problems in relationships Developing assertive communication Making human connections at work in order to build better relationships and create trust Maintaining Relationships Recognition and Tiny Noticeable Things How to have courageous conversations e.g. giving feedback A model for handling conflict when it occurs
Our one-day workshop aims to provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based knowledge to develop their theoretical and practical understanding of the importance of early communication between parents and infants. We also consider how to support parents’ bond with their babies when suffering with poor mental health. We explore how early experiences impact the child/parent relationship and how this influences brain development and the trajectory of infant mental health. We examine different types of crying and recognise the emotional impact this has on both the baby and carer and how participants can support parents in reading their baby’s behaviour and regulating their states. The workshop will also look at babies’ rapidly evolving sleep patterns and sleep cues and how staff can offer anticipatory advice to parents to encourage early good sleep habits. Workshop Aims To provide community staff with up-to-date evidence-based knowledge to develop an understanding of infant mental health, brain development and the importance of how early experiences impact on child/adult relationships. For professionals to develop an understanding of what babies are trying to say; to enable them to support parents in gaining confidence with tuning into and regulating their babies. To understand the evolving sleep patterns of babies up to a year old and how parents can support their baby to encourage early good sleep habits. Learning Outcomes By the end of this workshop participants will be able to: Understand how early relationships can influence the development of the infants’ brain and mental health. Explore crying babies and its impact on the baby and their carer. Understand the subtle cues of babies from birth onwards. Offer parents anticipatory advice to encourage early good sleep habits. Enable parents to respond to their baby’s cues in a sensitive, timely manner so the baby feels safe secure and loved; this is particularly important for parents who are struggling to bond with their baby, possibly as a result of postnatal depression or having experienced adverse childhood experiences themselves.
Advice for singles and if you are in a relationship Your own dedicated coach 2 x 50 min chats per month Coaching on relationships Support and advisory tools on strategies Emotional intelligence knowledge and information Someone to talk to all year round Dating advice for singles X 2 phone sessions https://relationshipsmdd.com/product/m-d-d-consistent-relationship-support-package/
What important conversations are your team members avoiding? Side-stepping difficult conversations can trap a team in unresolved problems, strained relationships, and missed chances for growth, which blocks progress and cultivates a lack of trust. But many people avoid difficult conversations or handle them poorly because they’re afraid to address uncomfortable issues and feel unprepared to respond to the emotional reactions that inevitably arise. Navigating Difficult Conversations: Turn Tension Into Progress takes a targeted approach to helping people to manage emotional tension and conduct conversations in a way that enables all parties to stay engaged in collaborative dialogue. Participants will shift their mindset from fearing and avoiding difficult conversations to seeing them as the way to make progress on important issues. And they’ll develop the skills to build trust and respect in every relationship as they navigate sensitive topics. Who Should Attend? This programme is for anyone who finds the thought if having a challenging or difficult conversation, something to be very nervous of, even to the point of avoiding the issue. We recommend that participants have first attended our Aspire programmes, Management Essentials and Performance Coaching, as they provide a strong foundation to the topic, which this session then builds upon. In Navigating Difficult Conversations participants will discover how to balance Courage and Consideration throughout the conversation by: Sharing their Purpose—the issue they need to make progress on—and Positive Intent—how they want the other person to benefit from the conversation Responding to emotional reactions using the skills: Pause, Don’t Panic Observe, Don’t Judge Ask, Don’t Assume Outcomes This module will help participants: Create a strong foundation for difficult conversations by setting a clear and collaborative tone that balances their own and others’ needs. Understand that emotional reactions are a natural, human response—and notice them as a signal that the conversation needs an adjustment to stay on track. Practice a range of tactics to respond in the moment to help everyone stay engaged and make progress.
Duration 2 Days 12 CPD hours This course is intended for Professionals desiring to improve working relationships and maximize cooperation and productivity will benefit from this course. Overview After completing this workshop, students will be able to: Describe the importance of effective work relationships Identify the interdependencies between you and your colleagues Communicate effectively to create rapport and connect with others Identify and maintain your network of professional relationships Develop collaborative, trust-based relationships that achieve meaningful results In the interdependent workplace, we rely on each other to get things done. A professional network isn?t something we can take for granted ? mapping work relationships can be a complex task and understanding different behavioral styles takes effort - but it pays off! Good working relationships means more than just reducing conflict and misunderstandings. It also means building trust, increasing influence, and benefitting from the knowledge and advice of co-workers and senior managers. This workshop will help you develop relationship building skills so you can communicate who you are, what you need, and why you need it in a way that builds trust, respect, and a professional reputation. The Importance of Work Relationships Expectations of Work Relationships The Value of Relationships Effects of Work Relationships Mapping Your Work Relationships A Network of Relationships Mapping Work Relationships Languages of Appreciation Identifying Interdependencies Clarifying Purpose Systems Thinking Analyzing Independencies Bridging Work Styles Understanding Behavioral Styles Strengths and Trouble Spots Bridging Different Styles Building Your Network Relationships, Communication, and Results Networking Principles Reputation Management Collaborating For Success Understanding Personalities Aspects of Trust Recognizing Blind Spots Additional course details: Nexus Humans Building Successful Work Relationships (Second Edition) training program is a workshop that presents an invigorating mix of sessions, lessons, and masterclasses meticulously crafted to propel your learning expedition forward. This immersive bootcamp-style experience boasts interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative hackathons, all strategically designed to fortify fundamental concepts. Guided by seasoned coaches, each session offers priceless insights and practical skills crucial for honing your expertise. Whether you're stepping into the realm of professional skills or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course ensures you're equipped with the knowledge and prowess necessary for success. While we feel this is the best course for the Building Successful Work Relationships (Second Edition) course and one of our Top 10 we encourage you to read the course outline to make sure it is the right content for you. Additionally, private sessions, closed classes or dedicated events are available both live online and at our training centres in Dublin and London, as well as at your offices anywhere in the UK, Ireland or across EMEA.
RQF level 1 Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health Each year approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition and at least 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace. Research has shown that work is the biggest cause of stress which can stop people performing at their best. Mental health conditions are often hidden due to stigma and fear of discrimination and research has shown that a culture of fear and silence around mental health is costly to employers. The HSE guidance 'First aid needs assessment’ refers to mental health in the workplace. This 4-hour qualification provides learners with the knowledge to recognise a range of mental health conditions, how to start a supportive conversation and when and how to signpost a person to seek appropriate professional help. Learners will know how to recognise and manage stress. Learners will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions as this can only be carried out by healthcare professionals but will gain the knowledge to identify when a person may have a condition and know where they can go to get help. Suitability - Who should attend? Here are some examples of who may benefit from attending the RQF Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health: Employees and workers: This course is relevant for individuals in any industry who may encounter colleagues or clients experiencing mental health difficulties. It can be particularly valuable for human resources personnel, line managers, supervisors, or team leaders responsible for the well-being of employees. Teachers and educators: Professionals working in schools, colleges, or other educational institutions can benefit from this training to better understand and support the mental health needs of students. Healthcare and social care workers: Individuals working in healthcare or social care settings, such as nurses, care assistants, support workers, or counsellors, can enhance their understanding of mental health issues and improve their ability to provide appropriate support. Community and voluntary workers: People involved in community or voluntary organizations, including youth workers, social workers, volunteers, or community leaders, can gain valuable insights into mental health awareness and support. Personal relationships and caregivers: The Level 1 training can also be beneficial for individuals who have personal relationships with someone experiencing mental health challenges. This may include family members, friends, or caregivers who want to enhance their understanding and offer appropriate assistance. It is important to note that the Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health RQF is an introductory course and does not qualify participants to provide formal mental health interventions or therapy. However, it serves as a foundation for further training and can contribute to creating a more mentally healthy and supportive environment in various settings. Outcome / Qualification etc. Upon successful completion of the RQF Level 1 Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health course, participants can expect to achieve the following outcomes: Increased Awareness and Understanding: Participants will develop a basic awareness and understanding of mental health and mental health issues. They will gain knowledge about common mental health conditions, their signs and symptoms, and the importance of mental health in overall well-being. Recognition of Mental Health Signs: Participants will learn to recognize common signs of mental health issues in themselves and others. They will gain an understanding of the importance of early identification and intervention in promoting mental health and seeking appropriate support. Reduced Stigma and Improved Attitudes: The course aims to challenge stigmas and stereotypes associated with mental health. Participants will develop a more empathetic and supportive attitude towards individuals experiencing mental health challenges, promoting a positive and inclusive environment. Enhanced Communication Skills: Participants will learn basic communication skills for engaging with individuals experiencing mental health issues. They will gain an understanding of the importance of active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication in providing initial support. Signposting and Seeking Help: Participants will be equipped with knowledge about available resources, services, and support networks for mental health. They will learn about signposting individuals to appropriate professional help and self-help resources. Self-Care and Well-being Strategies: The course may provide participants with practical strategies for maintaining their own mental well-being. They may learn basic self-care techniques and stress management strategies to support their own mental health. Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate indicating their achievement of the RQF Level 1 Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health qualification. It's important to note that the Level 1 course provides a basic introduction to mental health awareness and first aid. It is not intended to provide participants with the qualifications or skills to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Instead, it aims to promote mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and provide individuals with the knowledge to offer initial support and signposting to individuals in need. The Level 1 course can serve as a foundation for further learning and progression in the field of mental health. Individuals may choose to pursue higher-level courses or qualifications to develop more advanced skills and knowledge in mental health first aid or other related areas. Training Course Content MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION Session content Trainer/assessor introduction Learner introductions Course information • Administration • Learning outcomes and assessment criteria • Reasonable adjustments • Certification • Complaints and appeals • Assessment information Session duration 15 minutes MODULE 2 WHAT IS FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH? Session content Definitions Role and responsibilities of a First Aider The impact of mental health issues Mental health stigma Statistics Session duration 25 minutes MODULE 3 IDENTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Session content Mental health continuum Mental health risk factors Early warning signs Session duration 25 minutes MODULE 4 PROVIDING ADVICE AND STARTING A CONVERSATION Session content How to start a difficult conversation Non-judgemental listening skills When to contact the emergency services The First Aider’s own health and emotions Session duration 40 minutes MODULE 5 STRESS Session content What is stress? Causes of stress Effects of stress Coping strategies Session duration 25 minutes MODULE 6 MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS Session content Depression Anxiety Psychosis Eating disorders Suicide Self-harm Session duration 70 minutes MODULE 7 ASSESSMENT AND COURSE CLOSURE Session content Written assessment paper Course administration Course closure Session duration 40 minute Course delivery details Classroom-Based A minimum of 4 hours spread over at least one day. Ideally, the course should be run in one day, but must be completed within 2 weeks of starting the course, with each training session a minimum of two hours. Online/Virtual classroom The qualification has 2 assigned guided learning hours (GLH) and 5 hours total qualification time (TQT). GLH indicates the number of contact hours that the learner will have with the trainer/assessor. TQT includes GLH but considers unsupervised learning and is an estimate of how long the average learner will take to achieve the qualification. Why choose Madeleys First Aid Plus Founded in 2021 after Louise left 30 years in the NHS as an Advanced practitioner in A&E/ITU, had spent 1.5 years in Covid ITU Won FSB Best start-up business in the West Midlands in May 2023 Now trained 100's of delegates in Physical and Mental Health First Aid Expenses Travel costs and lunch required, there are many cafes and sandwich bars here in Much Wenlock to buy your lunch, you may eat it in the training room. All training material, books, qualification certificates are included in the price. Continuing Studies After completing the RQF Level 1 Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health course, individuals can consider various progression options to further their knowledge and skills in mental health support. Here are some potential pathways: RQF Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health: This qualification builds upon the knowledge gained in the Level 1 course and provides a more comprehensive understanding of mental health issues and how to provide appropriate support. It covers topics such as recognizing mental health conditions, promoting well-being, and providing initial support to those in crisis. RQF Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health: For individuals who aspire to take on leadership or supervisory roles in mental health support, the Level 3 qualification is a logical progression. It provides in-depth knowledge and skills to supervise and manage a team of individuals providing first aid for mental health. Continued Professional Development (CPD): Engaging in ongoing CPD activities is essential for staying updated with the latest developments in mental health support. Individuals can attend workshops, seminars, or conferences related to mental health, trauma, or specific areas of interest within the field. Applied Practice: Applying the knowledge gained from the Level 1 course in real-world settings is crucial for developing practical skills. Individuals can seek opportunities to work or volunteer in environments where mental health support is needed, such as community organizations, schools, or helplines. Mental Health Support Training Programs: There are various specialized training programs available that focus on specific aspects of mental health support, such as suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, or supporting individuals with specific mental health conditions. These programs can provide individuals with additional expertise and deepen their understanding of specific areas within mental health support. Higher Education: Individuals who wish to pursue a more in-depth study of mental health can consider higher education programs in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields. These programs provide comprehensive knowledge and training in mental health support and may lead to professional certifications or degrees. It's important for individuals to research and explore progression options that align with their specific career goals, interests, and local requirements. Different countries or regions may have varying certification or training requirements for mental health support roles, so it's advisable to check with relevant regulatory bodies or professional associations for specific guidance.