LOOKING FOR: MG, YA, ADULT FICTION Originally from the North East of Scotland. Kirsten joined Zeno in the summer 2024 after time working at a previous literary agency and before that working as a bookseller in the Charing Cross branch of Foyles. Kirsten has a BA (Hons) in English from Edinburgh Napier University and a Masters in Children’s Literature from Reading University. Kirsten is currently building her own list alongside handling Zeno’s translation rights. Kirsten is looking for: Scottish voices - especially something from the North East - Kirsten is Aberdonian and would love to help a writer from this space emerge. Water horror - as Kirsten grew up in Aberdeen she is always looking for horror inspired by the sea or the landscape of Scotland - bonus points if it has anything to do with an oil rig! Workplace horror like Camilla Grudova’s Children of Paradise or Calvin Kasulke’s Several People are Typing (this is not a reflection of her agency!) Romance - especially young and contemporary - obviously bonus points if it’s set in Scotland and written by someone who has lived there. Kirsten is a huge fan of all the usual suspects, Ali Hazlewood, Ana Huang, Bolu Babalola to name a few! Romantasy - less elves, more out of the box - Kirsten read Sarah J Maas in 2014/15 and so is looking for something that expands on the genre. A good crime thriller - Kirsten did her dissertation on terrorism so anything that is well written in this space would be a dream for her. Additionally she really enjoys serial killer novels and the recent fake true crime novels, Penance by Eliza Clark especially thrilled her. A Studio Ghibli esque fantasy - luscious landscapes, brilliant characters, a powerfulstory. If any of your comps are a Ghibli film she wants to see it! Fanfiction writers! Kirsten has always been on the sites and would love you to tell her if you’ve written fanfiction in the past / have an ongoing fanbase - maybe she has already read it. Kirsten already has: A nonfiction baking book - Kirsten would not want another at this moment. A middle grade cosy fantasy - Kirsten would love to see more of this! But worries if it’s too close to what she already has, then it would be a reason for her to turn it down. A Horror Vampire novel - again she would love to see more of this! But worries if it’s too close to what she already has, that would be a reason for her to turn it down. Vampires would probably be better for her if they were contemporary or in the romantasy space. A Game of Thrones esque fantasy - a client is already writing this and she wants to give it the space on her list it deserves! Kirsten is NOT looking for: Picture books / 5-8 books Poetry Police procedural Hard science fiction Kirsten 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, Kirsten 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 25th August 2025
LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION Marilia Savvides founded The Plot Agency in 2024. She began her career in publishing at Peters Fraser and Dunlop, where she spent eight years, first as International Rights Agent, and later as Literary Agent, building her own list of authors. In 2019, she joined 42MP, where she worked as Literary Agent for four years, helping to launch and set up the Book Division. She is particularly interested in fiction that is beautifully written and cleverly constructed, but still accessible to a wide readership. She is often drawn to darker tales that weave together excellent characters and an impossible-to-put-down story, from immersive book club novels with a splash of suspense, crime and thrillers, accessible horror, and speculative, genre-bending or dystopian stories. She also adores smart, witty contemporary rom-com in the style of Emily Henry. In the thriller, crime and mystery space she is interested in most areas, except military thrillers and organised crime/ mafia / mob stories. Big hooks and clever set ups are a big bonus! She adores Karin Slaughter (especially her standalone novels) and Gillian Flynn. In the book club / reading group space, she’s particularly drawn to fiction in the vein of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Celeste Ng, and absolutely fell in love with Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, both for the incredible voice, and the exquisite use of structure and time. Complicated family dynamics, empathetic and smart approaches to controversial issues, stand out protagonists (like Elizabeth Zott in Lessons in Chemistry or Bernadette in Where D’You Go Bernadette), long buried secrets, complicity, the road to justice, and impossible decisions, are all themes she finds herself drawn to. In the horror space, she’s a sucker for amazing female-centric stories in the vein of Yellowjackets, and the kind of contemporary, accessible horror that Stephen King always nails. She wants to get lost in a world that feels within reach of ours. In the speculative and dystopian spaces, she’s interested in genius ideas that set up big questions or reflect the most broken (and sometimes hidden) parts of society. She loves Octavia Butler, Margaret Atwood, George Orwell, and also adored The Leftovers, Station Eleven, Wanderers, and The Power. The what-ifs of life and fiction fascinate her. In the grounded sci-fi space, she’d love to find a smart, immersive, and accessible story like The Martian. She doesn’t represent fantasy or romantasy. In regards to sci-fi, unless it’s very grounded and has crossover potential to a mainstream audience, it’s not for her. In the romance space, she’s particularly drawn to smart, complex and witty characters, where the chemistry is jumping off the page. She loves contemporary settings and all the tropes, though the voice and characters must come first to make the reading experience fully immersive. She wants to be cackling, and rooting for the characters with all her heart. She is very hands-on editorially, and loves working with her authors to shape their manuscripts, and brainstorm ideas. The best part of the job is discovering debut authors, and helping them find a home for their books. Marilia would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 - 2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript in a single Word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Marilia 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: Wednesday 13th August 2025
Chapter Novels and Creative Writing English Bootcamp: Charlotte's Web
Course Information This course aims to empower you with the expertise to proficiently navigate process mapping and master the art of crafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within regulated environments. Whether you're engaged in activities that demand process improvement, continual enhancement, or SOP creation, this course offers invaluable insights tailored to your needs. It caters to individuals tasked with managing, documenting, and implementing processes and SOPs, irrespective of prior experience or skills. Our curriculum does not focus on specific software or approaches, focusing instead on fundamental principles and adaptable concepts applicable across diverse organisational landscapes. Benefits include: Hands-on experience in mapping processes An understanding of how process maps can be used to define, communicate and continually improve complex processes An understanding of best practice for SOPs using of process maps/process flow diagrams and process mind maps to complement text An insight into the preparation of concise and user friendly SOPs. This course is structured to encourage delegates to: Discuss and develop ideas Develop a practical approach for creating process maps and writing SOPs Understand how to use process maps in SOPs effectively Discuss how process mapping for preparing SOPs can be applied to process improvement for SOPs. Is this course for you? The course is designed for all those with responsibility for managing, documenting and implementing processes and SOPs. It assumes no prior experience or skills. The course does not recommend any specific software or approach, but explores the principles and ideas that can be applied in any organisation. What will you learn? Hands-on experience in mapping processes An understanding of how process maps can be used to define, communicate and continually improve complex processes An understanding of best practice for SOPs using of process maps/process flow diagrams and process mind maps to complement text An insight into the preparation of concise and user friendly SOPs. By the end of the course you will be able to: Create process maps and write clearer more concise SOPs Understand how to use process maps in SOPs effectively Understand how process mapping can be applied to process improvement and better SOPs. Tutors Tutors will be comprised of (click the photos for biographies): Laura Brown Director, Laura Brown Training and Development David Butler VP of Quality, Resolian Programme Please note timings may be subject to alteration. Day 1 09:00 Welcome, Introductions and Course Objectives Why Companies manage by process. 10:00 Exercise 1 - First Steps Mechanisms for process mapping, levels at which it can be applied, and the roles and responsibilities of process owners. 10:30 Exercise 1 - Feedback 10:45 Break 11:00 Mapping Processes The stages involved in mapping processes including how to construct a SIPOC chart. 11:45 Exercise 2 - Mapping A Process A first opportunity to practice your new process mapping skills. 12:30 Exercise 2 - Feedback 13:00 Lunch 14:00 Exercise 3 - Discussion of Options for Format, Structure and Layout What Makes A Good SOP? Discussion of options for format, structure, level of detail of SOPs and the use of process maps for SOP writing. A case study example of a good SOP which uses a flow chart/process map. 14:45 Exercise 3 - Feedback 15:00 Break 15:15 A Case Study example of a good SOP that uses a flow chart / process map 15:30 Exercise 4 Discussion of the content of an SOP using a Process Map 15:35 Exercise 4 - Feedback 15:45 Key Writing Considerations 16:15 Exercise 5 16:45 Exercise 5 - Feedback 17:00 Close of Day Day 2 09:00 Review of Day 1 09:15 Using Metrics Selecting and using metrics to monitor and improve processes. 10:00 Exercise 6 - Practice in Process Mapping Creating Process Maps from multi-source information. 11:00 Break 11:15 Exercise 6 - Feedback 11:45 Common Pitfalls Common problems and tips for good Process Mapping. 12:15 Demonstration of Process Mapping on a PC 12:45 Lunch 13:30 Exercise 7 - Mind Mapping 14:30 Exercise 7 - Feedback 15:00 Break 15:15 Exercise 8 - Using Process Maps to Write an SOP Applying your process mapping skills as part of writing an SOP 15:30 Exercise 8 - Feedback 15:45 Course Review and Follow-up 16:00 Close of Course Extra Information Face-to-face course Course Material Course material will be available in PDF format for delegates attending this course. 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. The material will be emailed in advance of the course and RQA will not be providing any printed copies of the course notes during the training itself. Delegates wishing to have a hard copy of the notes should print these in advance to bring with them. Alternatively delegates are welcome to bring along their own portable devices to view the material during the training sessions. Remote course 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. Development Level Learn
Classic Novels & Critical Writing: To Kill a Mockingbird
One-to-one sessions to help you develop and build confidence in your Expressive Creative Writing practice.
Duration 1 Days 6 CPD hours This course is intended for This course is intended for working professionals in various job roles, both native and non-native English speakers, who use formal and informal written communications in the course of business, and who seek to improve their grammar usage. Overview Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: ?Examine nouns, pronouns, and verbs. ?Identify adjectives and adverbs. ?Identify prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. ?Identify some important rules of grammar and some commonly made grammatical errors. ?Identify grammar rules regarding correct punctuation. ?Identify problematic sentence fragments, run-ons, and comma splices, as well as effective methods of rewriting sentences so that they are clear and complete. ?Identify methods for improving word choices. ?Identify methods for building effective sentences. ?Identify methods for editing text effectively. You learned the rules of grammar in school, but now you'd like to refresh and refine your grammar usage for your professional life. You need to state your ideas clearly and concisely in written communications and present yourself in a professional manner. In this course, you will review the rules of grammar, identify common grammar errors, and refine your business writing style. Improving your grammar will help you deliver polished and professional written communications. Correct grammar and a refined, concise writing style can help you clearly express your ideas to others, streamline the directions and instructions that you deliver, and create impressive presentations and reports. 1 - Identifying Nouns, Pronouns, and Verbs Identify Parts of Speech Identify Nouns Identify Pronouns Identify Verbs 2 - Identifying Adjectives and Adverbs Use Adjectives Use Adverbs 3 - Identifying Prepositions, Conjunctions, and Interjections Use Prepositions Use Conjunctions Use Interjections 4 - Identifying Rules Monitor Sentence Structure Monitor Modifiers Avoid Common Errors 5 - Identifying Correct Punctuation Use Parentheses Correctly Use Commas, Semicolons, Colons, Em Dashes, and Quotation Marks Correctly Use Numbers, Symbols, and Capitalization Correctly 6 - Identifying Sentence Fragments, Run-ons, and Comma Splices Identify and Resolve Sentence Fragments Identify Run-ons, Comma Splices, and Solutions 7 - Improving Word Choices Identify Commonly Misused Words Identify Synonyms, Antonyms, and Homonyms 8 - Building Effective Sentences Write with Purpose Consider the Audience Consider the Context 9 - Editing Effectively Use Correct Spelling Check Your Work
Today, every individual and organisation is a publisher. You want everyone in your organisation to be a potential ambassador. And every employee has something to gain from raising their profile and showcasing their expertise. An effective content strategy allows you to deliver compelling stories to your audience in the most seamless way possible to make an emotional connection. This requires a mix of passion for the subject matter, a deep relationship with your audience, robust production processes, and the right tools. With a background in journalism and technology, we’ve worked on many projects that combine the two – including overseeing the iPad edition launches for Condé Nast in the UK, product ownership of a Digital Asset Manager for Condé Nast International, and developing and delivering content training for telco VEON. Publishers and brands we’ve worked with include WIRED, Time Out, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue – as well as solo entrepreneurs and startups who are trying to cut through the noise and get their message heard. In this course we'll cover the key elements of an effective content strategy: how to plan across multiple platforms, and how to implement your blueprint without exhausting yourself or your team. Sample learning content Session 1: Planning a content strategy Mapping and understanding your audiences. Defining your content objectives, for you or your organisation. Common pitfalls with poorly targeted content. Session 2: A content creation framework Finding ideas to generate a consistent stream of content. Idenitfying angles that will help you stand out from the crowd. Using different formats across multiple channels. Session 3: Keeping it going Simple processes to help hit deadlines and publish regularly. Balancing content creation and content creation. Creating a mix of evergreen and timely content. Session 4: Measurement and iteration Useful (and useless) metrics for content producers. Handling comments and joining the conversation. Iterating your content strategy based on feedback. Delivery We deliver our courses over Zoom, to maximise flexibility. The training can be delivered in a single day, or across multiple sessions. All of our courses are live and interactive – every session includes a mix of formal tuition and hands-on exercises. To ensure this is possible, the number of attendees is capped at 16 people. Tutor Alan Rutter is the founder of Fire Plus Algebra. He is a specialist in communicating complex subjects through data visualisation, writing and design. He teaches for General Assembly and runs in-house training for public sector clients including the Home Office, the Department of Transport, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Health Foundation, and numerous local government and emergency services teams. He previously worked with Guardian Masterclasses on curating and delivering new course strands, including developing and teaching their B2B data visualisation courses. He oversaw the iPad edition launches of Wired, GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue in the UK, and has worked with Condé Nast International as product owner on a bespoke digital asset management system for their 11 global markets. Testimonial “The EMpower Network commissioned the content creation workshop to understand how to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. In light of covid-19, it’s more important than ever to communicate clearly especially as we’ve moved to remote meetings. The workshop was very insightful and Alan was a very engaging speaker making sure all attendees contributed and worked through real-life examples. Attendees praised the usefulness of the workshop and especially liked the content generation framework with one saying 'It has changed the way I think about communicating and given me a toolkit that I will use in both my work and personal projects'.” Shade Nathaniel-Ayodele | EMpower Network, Southwark Council
English language book club to use and improve your English. Qualified and experienced British English teacher.