LOOKING FOR: MG, YA, ADULT FICTION / NON-FICTION Kesia Lupo joined Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2024 after 11 years working across the publishing industry. She started out as an editorial assistant at Pan Macmillan London in 2013, transitioning to children’s fiction in 2015 when she moved to Chicken House (a UK imprint of Scholastic), where she worked her way up from junior to senior editor. Here she acquired and edited bestselling, internationally successful and prize-winning fiction for middle grade (MG) and YA readers. In 2023 she transitioned over to the US and agenting, working with the Bindery Agency before finding a home with DMLA. At DMLA, Kesia is building a list leaning 60/40 towards MG and YA fiction, with the rest consisting of adult fiction and a smattering of adult non-fiction. She is especially, but not exclusively, interested in underrepresented voices, whether BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, disabled writers or other identities not listed here. Across all age-groups, she’s seeking: Fantasy/Science Fiction: High fantasy, low fantasy, cosy fantasy. Particularly interested in fantasy and SF inspired by underrepresented cultures with unique world-building. Romantasy is fine but the fantasy elements MUST be strong! Horror: Psychological and paranormal horror in particular but will consider slashers. Kesia loves gothic horror and is not generally fazed by gory content. Thrillers: Upmarket thrillers with a unique spin. Loves plot twists! Historical: Open to everything with a strong hook and informed by excellent research. Would love to find non-Eurocentric historical fiction. For adult fiction only, she’s seeking: Bookclub/women’s fiction: Voice-driven, high-concept novels across these categories. Romance: Upmarket romance with a great one-line pitch. Happy with spice. For adult non-fiction, she’s interested in accessible political, cultural or historical topics with broad appeal. Please don’t self-reject – if you are unsure about whether your story might be a good fit, Kesia would rather see it. In one single word document, Kesia 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, whichever is shorter. (In addition to the paid sessions, Kesia 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 27th January 2025
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Nicky Lovick has worked as an editor for over twenty years, working for top five publishers. She is now an agent at WGM Talent, building the books list. She is looking for commercial fiction, from upmarket women’s fiction, bookclub, romance, domestic noir and psychological thrillers, to crime series. She loves hooky stories such as Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid and Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware set in confined settings, such as hotels. She’s always on the lookout for romcoms with a fresh, contemporary feel to them such as Emily Henry’s Book Lovers. Also historical fiction with a twist and sweeping family sagas. Nicky wants you to make her laugh, make her cry or keep her hooked. Nicky would like you to submit a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the opening three chapters of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Nicky is kindly offering one free session for low income/underrepresented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print). By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 14th January 2025
Embark on a captivating journey through the realms of Medieval Literature with our immersive course, 'Medieval Literature: Chaucer and More.' Unveiling the rich tapestry of literary masterpieces, this course is a literary odyssey that transcends time. Dive into the enchanting world of Chaucer, Beowulf, Chrétien de Troyes, and other luminaries, as we decode the intricacies of their works. Our carefully curated modules, each a gateway to a different epoch, promise not just knowledge but an exploration of the cultural and historical landscapes that shaped these masterpieces. This course is not merely an academic pursuit; it's an invitation to traverse the corridors of imagination and witness the evolution of storytelling from the medieval era to the present day. Join us on this literary sojourn, where words weave tales that echo across centuries. Learning Outcomes Gain a profound understanding of key Medieval literary works, including Beowulf, The Romance of the Rose, and Dante Alighieri's divine epic. Analyze the cultural and historical contexts that influenced Medieval literature, enhancing your ability to appreciate the nuances of each work. Develop critical thinking skills by exploring the perspectives of diverse writers, from Norse sagas to the contributions of Medieval women writers. Acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the literary techniques employed by Geoffrey Chaucer and other prominent figures of the Medieval period. Hone your analytical writing skills through assignments that delve into the themes, characters, and societal reflections found in these timeless works. Why choose this Medieval Literature: Chaucer and More course? Unlimited access to the course for a lifetime. Opportunity to earn a certificate accredited by the CPD Quality Standards and CIQ after completing this course. Structured lesson planning in line with industry standards. Immerse yourself in innovative and captivating course materials and activities. Assessments designed to evaluate advanced cognitive abilities and skill proficiency. Flexibility to complete the Course at your own pace, on your own schedule. Receive full tutor support throughout the week, from Monday to Friday, to enhance your learning experience. Unlock career resources for CV improvement, interview readiness, and job success. Who is this Medieval Literature: Chaucer and More course for? Literature enthusiasts eager to explore the roots of Western literary traditions. History buffs intrigued by the intersection of culture and storytelling in the Medieval era. Students of English literature seeking a comprehensive study of Chaucer and his contemporaries. Educators aiming to incorporate diverse perspectives into their teaching of classic literature. Anyone with a passion for uncovering the mysteries and beauty of Medieval storytelling. Career path Literary Historian: £30,000 - £40,000 per annum Curator of Rare Manuscripts: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum Educational Consultant in Literature: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum Content Editor for Historical Publications: £28,000 - £38,000 per annum Museum Archivist: £26,000 - £36,000 per annum Prerequisites This Medieval Literature: Chaucer and More does not require you to have any prior qualifications or experience. You can just enrol and start learning.This Medieval Literature: Chaucer and More was made by professionals and it is compatible with all PC's, Mac's, tablets and smartphones. You will be able to access the course from anywhere at any time as long as you have a good enough internet connection. Certification After studying the course materials, there will be a written assignment test which you can take at the end of the course. After successfully passing the test you will be able to claim the pdf certificate for £4.99 Original Hard Copy certificates need to be ordered at an additional cost of £8. Course Curriculum Module 01: Introduction to Mediaeval Literature Introduction to Mediaeval Literature 00:13:00 Module 02: Beowulf Beowulf 00:12:00 Module 03: Chrétien de Troyes Chrétien de Troyes 00:10:00 Module 04: Mediaeval Women Writers Mediaeval Women Writers 00:17:00 Module 05: The Romance of the Rose The Romance of the Rose 00:14:00 Module 06: The Tale of Genji The Tale of Genji 00:13:00 Module 07: Norse Sagas Norse Sagas 00:14:00 Module 08: Dante Alighieri Dante Alighieri 00:13:00 Module 09: Pearl and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Pearl and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 00:17:00 Module 10: Geoffrey Chaucer Geoffrey Chaucer 00:12:00
LOOKING FOR: CHAPTER BOOKS, MG, YA Katie works on the Literary list, representing authors across all areas of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s, YA, and Graphic Novels. Before joining the Literary team, she worked for Bright in marketing, with previous experience as a bookseller. She loves working with authors to find their books an audience, and particularly enjoys building lasting relationships with editors and authors alike. Katie spends most of her free time reading, and enjoys a wide range of books across Children’s, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Graphic Novels. When she’s not reading, Katie is also a contributor on the Graham Norton Book Club on Audible. Katie adores a wide range of genres but especially magical realism, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and romance (or any mix of the above!) She has a particular interest in stories with LGBTQ+, disabled and diverse characters. Incidental representation a plus - no more ‘bury your gays’ please! Katie would like you to submit a covering letter, one page synopsis and the first three chapters (Max 5000 words) of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Katie 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 15 January 2025
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Kate Walsh has built up many years of agenting experience across her own list, and another senior agent's list at United Agents for 9 years before parting ways and going it alone for a while. Fiction-wise, she works on a hugely broad list for expansive commercial genre fiction and is on the lookout for historical fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, clever commercial thrillers, romance and some SFF, particularly those with a dystopian slant, or earth-bound science fiction, however that comes. Kate will also look at YA, though is not the right fit for high fantasy. On the non-fiction side, Kate has worked with an impressive list of clients across the commercial spectrum. She's on the lookout mainly (although not exclusively) for music titles, history and broad-spectrum popular science, but is open to anything that feels like a fresh and original way of looking at the world. She is especially drawn to 20th and 21st century affairs, and welcomes anything from anyone willing to speculate on what comes next. Kate would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the opening three chapters (max 5,000 words). (In addition to the paid sessions, Kate is 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 16th January 2025
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Donald Winchester began his publishing career at Penguin Press – working on a variety of non-fiction titles – before moving to A P Watt, then the world’s oldest literary agency. There he worked for five years with a number of acclaimed and prize-winning authors and began building a list of fiction and non-fiction for adults. He joined Watson, Little as an agent in 2013. Donald is building his list and is interested in literary fiction and well-written commercial fiction, particularly debut authors, as well as memoir. He is particularly interested in literary fiction which maintains a high level of prose, pushes boundaries of style, while retaining emotional heart and a sense of plot. He’s also looking for upmarket fiction which builds a fully-formed plot with a satisfying emotional arc, whether that be historical or contemporary – and the mixing of tropes from genre fiction (crime, sci-fi, romance, etc) also interest him. In non-fiction, he is keen to see writing on history, popular science, social issues, nature, music, sport, film and technology. In all these areas he’s looking for experts in their fields who can convey their expertise and enthusiasm to a wide audience in an appealing way. Donald would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 - 2 page synopsis and the first three chapters of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Donald 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 22 January 2025
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Nicky Lovick has worked as an editor for over twenty years, working for top five publishers. She is now an agent at WGM Talent, building the books list. She is looking for commercial fiction, from upmarket women’s fiction, bookclub, romance, domestic noir and psychological thrillers, to crime series. She loves hooky stories such as Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid and Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware set in confined settings, such as hotels. She’s always on the lookout for romcoms with a fresh, contemporary feel to them such as Emily Henry’s Book Lovers. Also historical fiction with a twist and sweeping family sagas. Nicky wants you to make her laugh, make her cry or keep her hooked. Nicky would like you to submit a covering letter, 1-2 page synopsis and the opening three chapters of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Nicky 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 17th January 2025
LOOKING FOR: PICTURE BOOKS, MG, YA, ADULT FICTION Molly Jamieson has been working at United Agents Ltd since 2017, working across adult and children’s books, and before that she worked at Curtis Brown. She has recently started building her own client list which already includes million-copy selling authors and bestsellers. Molly has a particular interest in scifi and fantasy across both adult and children’s books. For a sense of her taste, she has recently read and enjoyed Sistersong by Lucy Holland, Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, Uprooted by Naomi Novik, The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang, and Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. She loves anything with high stakes, characters you would follow anywhere, big stories, expansive worldbuilding, breathless romance, and threads of adventure running throughout. She is also looking for commercial romantic fiction in all shapes and forms. She has a real soft spot for classic tropes, a great sense of humour, and anything with a clear pitch that makes you sit up and take notice, but in the end it all comes down to chemistry. In this area, she has recently read and loved The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, Book Lovers by Emily Henry, The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, and The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. She also represents children’s authors and illustrators in all genres, from picture books up to YA. In one single word document, Molly 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, whichever is shorter. For picture books, please submit a covering letter and 2 picture books in a single document. Please send EITHER picture books OR another genre, not both in one submission. (In addition to the paid sessions, Molly 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 22 January 2025
This free interactive workshop illuminates the five top skills you gain from reading and gives some information on how to develop them further.