LOOKING FOR: ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Siân Ellis-Martin joined Blake Friedmann in 2018 and is building a list of fiction and non-fiction at the agency. With regards to fiction, Siân is looking for commercial, upmarket and accessible literary novels. She always wants to be completely absorbed by the world of the novel, to jump into the character’s life and be swept into the narrative as if she’s been there all along. She’s drawn in by compelling characters and relationships, and loves stories with a mystery or question at the heart of them. She’s open to these ideas being explored in a variety of ways, but at the moment, she’d particularly like to find an epic love story, a fun, queer rom-com with an unusual setting or pitch, and/or a sweeping family saga. Siân leans more towards contemporary settings but does enjoy a historical backdrop too. In non-fiction, she’s looking for narrative non-fiction, history from different perspectives and books that make complicated ideas around things like politics and literature more accessible. Her favourite type of non-fiction book is the one that makes you interested in something or someone you’d never thought you would be. Siân would also love to find cookery and food books too, particularly cuisines that are less visible in the book world, or budget cooking. She’s not currently taking on YA, children’s, fantasy or science fiction projects. Siân would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 - 2 page synopsis and the first three chapters (or 5,000 words, whichever is shorter) of your manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Siân 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. Submission Deadline: Tuesday 27th May 2025
LOOKING FOR: YA, ADULT FICTION, NON-FICTION Laura Williams is literary agent at the Greene and Heaton Literary Agency. She is seeking literary fiction, commercial fiction, psychological thrillers and high concept Young Adult. Laura is actively building a fiction list and a small non-fiction list. She is currently looking for literary fiction, edgy commercial fiction, psychological thrillers and high-concept contemporary young adult, as well as narrative non-fiction of all types. Her taste is quite dark, and she loves gothic, ghost stories, horror and anything sinister. She also loves books that make her cry, from big love stories to intense family dramas. She is open to historical or horror YA, but not magical or fantasy. Meditative or moving novels about modern life, appeal to Laura, sad stories with love and the importance of caring for each other shining through. She also loves stories about female friendships or conversely groups of women who don't get on, such as the hugely fun BAD SUMMER PEOPLE by Emma Rosenblum. She is always on the lookout for a big tragic love story to make her cry happy or sad tears. At the more commercial end of fiction, think funny novels with warmth and romantic comedies with a bit of depth – think Marian Keyes. Most of all Laura is looking for novels she hasn’t read before – something unusual structurally or thematically, something that shines a light on a subject the author is passionate about, something that’ll break her heart or raise her blood in an entirely new way. Laura is always looking to promote diverse voices from across the globe, and is particularly keen on LGBTQI+ stories. Laura would like you to submit a covering letter, a 1-2 page synopsis and the first 5,000 words of your completed manuscript in a single word document. (In addition to the paid sessions, Laura is kindly offering one free session for low income/under-represented writers. Please email agent121@iaminprint.co.uk to apply, outlining your case for this option which is offered at the discretion of I Am In Print). By booking you understand you need to conduct an internet connection test with I Am In Print prior to the event. You also agree to email your material in one document to reach I Am In Print by the stated submission deadline and note that I Am In Print take no responsibility for the advice received during your agent meeting. The submission deadline is: Tuesday 27th May 2025
Course Duration: 8 weeks (40 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Communicate effectively and confidently in English in various contexts. 2. Expand vocabulary and improve grammar usage. 3. Develop listening skills to understand a variety of accents and speech patterns. 4. Enhance reading comprehension skills for different types of texts. 5. Write accurately and coherently for different purposes. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction and Assessment - Introduction to course objectives, expectations, and immersion techniques - Assessing participants' current English proficiency levels - Establishing individual learning goals and expectations Week 2: Speaking and Listening Skills - Developing conversational skills through role-plays, pair work, and group discussions - Listening activities to improve comprehension of different accents and speech speeds - Pronunciation drills and practice for accurate and fluent speech Week 3: Vocabulary Expansion - Building a wide range of vocabulary through contextualised exercises and activities - Strategies for effective vocabulary acquisition and retention - Vocabulary practice in various themes and topics Week 4: Grammar Review and Practice - Reviewing essential grammar structures and rules - Practice exercises and activities for applying grammar rules in context - Error correction and clarification of common grammar mistakes Week 5: Reading Comprehension - Developing reading skills through authentic texts, articles, and short stories - Strategies for improving reading speed and comprehension - Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and inferred meanings Week 6: Writing Skills - Improving writing skills for different purposes: emails, letters, reports, etc. - Practice exercises for organizing ideas, structuring paragraphs, and coherent writing - Peer editing and feedback for enhancing writing proficiency Week 7: Real-Life Simulations - Simulating real-life situations such as job interviews, meetings, and social interactions - Role-plays and interactive activities for practical application of language skills - Building confidence and fluency in using English in authentic contexts Week 8: Review and Final Evaluation - Reviewing course content and addressing individual needs - Comprehensive review exercises for all language skills - Final evaluation and feedback session Note: This syllabus serves as a guideline and can be customised based on the specific needs, interests, and proficiency levels of the participants. The course may also include cultural immersion activities and field trips to enhance the language learning experience. You can opt in and out of different modules.
CV Writing and Job Searching Course Overview This course provides essential knowledge and techniques for crafting an effective CV and navigating the job search process. Learners will gain a thorough understanding of how to create a standout CV, tailor it to specific job applications, and implement strategies for successful job hunting. The course covers key aspects such as understanding recruitment processes, utilising job boards, and preparing for interviews. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the skills to optimise their CV, boost their job search efforts, and increase their chances of securing employment. Course Description This course delves into the fundamentals of CV writing and job searching, offering learners a step-by-step guide to creating a CV that catches the attention of employers. Topics covered include identifying key skills, structuring a CV for impact, understanding job descriptions, and leveraging various job search platforms. Learners will also explore interview preparation, effective networking, and how to tailor applications to specific roles. Throughout the course, participants will develop an understanding of how to present their strengths and experiences in a way that aligns with employer expectations, enhancing their employability prospects. CV Writing and Job Searching Curriculum: Module 01: CV Writing and Job Searching (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to enhance their CV writing and job search skills Professionals aiming to advance their career prospects Beginners with an interest in career development and job hunting Anyone looking to re-enter the job market or make a career change Career Path Recruitment Specialist HR Manager Job Coach or Career Advisor Recruitment Consultant Employer Branding Specialist Job Search Strategist
Effective Presentation Skills (Virtual) In today's results-oriented, global working environment, the ability to create and deliver presentations effectively is a necessary skill set for people at all levels of an organization. Regardless of your role, it's important to know how to synthesize your ideas into a coherent and focused narrative, add visuals that support and reinforce your message, and deliver it in a way that resonates with your audience. In this highly interactive course, we will unpack and practice some of the tools and techniques used by top speakers and influencers all over the world. In this engaging two-day course, you will plan, write, refine, practice, and deliver a presentation to the class. Your presentation will be filmed on both days, and you will leave the course with a flash-drive copy of your videos; participants of the virtual classroom workshop should be prepared to present via webcam. In addition to discovering and enhancing your own personal delivery style, you will learn how to create an overarching goal for your presentation and then organize and structure it for maximum impact. You'll gain insight into how to anticipate your audience's needs and tailor the content and delivery in a way that connects with them and sustains their attention and engagement. You will also learn skills that will help you control nervous energy, remain focused on and attuned to your audience, improvise under pressure, deal effectively with questions, and build a compelling call to action. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Construct an effective presentation goal statement, opening, body, and closing that connect with an audience Analyze an audience's needs and style preferences, including relevant DiSC®-related elements Deliver a complete criteria-based presentation that will persuade others Align usage of visuals as well as verbal and non-verbal techniques to maximize the impact of your presentation Getting Started Introductions and social agreements Course structure Course goals and objectives Opening activities Planning and Organizing Video: 'The Art of Misdirection' Setting your presentation goal Writing a goal statement Analyzing your audience Applying the 'reality' test Creating and strengthening supports Structuring your presentation 5 components of an effective opening Presentation body Presentation closing Write your presentation opening Audience Analysis Video: 'How to Tie Your Shoes' Everything DiSC® introduction Audience DiSC® Styles Analyzing your audience Further audience analysis Effective Delivery Delivery challenges and in-person Keeping your audience engaged Your body as your instrument Verbal / paraverbal elements Body stance and nonverbal communication What are your 'tells?' Controlling nervousness Staying attuned to your audience Responding to questions Review and edit your opening Deliver your opening Visuals and Enriching Elements Using images in your presentation Guidelines for visual composition Using questions to engage your audience The power of the pause Practicing and Applying What You've Learned Preparation Delivery Feedback Opportunity to put into practice the program content and receive a video copy Summary and Next Steps What did we learn and how can we implement this in our work environment? Your personal action plan
About this Training Course To the non-geologist, working with Petroleum Geologists can be confusing. Petroleum geology has specific terminology and many concepts and data sources unfamiliar to the uninitiated. This course has been designed to introduce these terms and provide an insight into how oil and gas are formed, how they are found and how they are extracted. Using a holistic combination of lectures, experiments, case study and practical exercises, the course involves an introduction to fundamental geological concepts, to exploration techniques, prospecting, drilling, well logs and recovery methods. The course will also demystify the terminology surrounding petroleum geology, demonstrate the use of geological information to show the value and weakness of different datasets, and lead to better communication and decision-making between the geologists and non-geologists. It will feature world-class virtual reality field trips that incorporate activities and features unavailable in the physical field, and provide for a more integrated and flexible learning resource (also see the trainer's article on page 4 which was first published in GEO ExPro Magazine, the upstream oil and gas industry's favourite magazine). Course Highlights: Course facilitator has delivered petroleum geology training to many companies over the years Facilitator is also a professionally trained teacher and former university lecturer who is experienced in communicating with people at all levels of technical knowledge Practical exercises, experiments, examination of real rocks, a virtual reality field trip and case study are used to clarify and reinforce important concepts Training Objectives By attending this training, you will be able to acquire the following: Understand the geological methods and principles used in hydrocarbon exploration, development and production. Understand the key elements of a petroleum system, from hydrocarbon source to reservoir and seal Appreciate basin analysis, regional geology and play based exploration techniques Be aware of the different sorts of hydrocarbon trap from structural to stratigraphic Understand the technical terminology, tools and methods used in exploration geology Learn about unconventional Understand and evaluate the sources and reliability of various types of geological information Understand acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic data Learn the technical processes and terminology involved in exploration Understand how a prospect is defined and risked Understand how seismic, existing well information and outcrop geology can be used for exploration Gain an understanding of the methods used for petroleum geology to allow a discovery to be appraised and then developed Target Audience The course is suitable to all personnel, but those that benefit most include: This course will benefit Petroleum Engineers (reservoir, drilling, production) who work with geological data, Geophysicists with little or no geological background, Project managers whose teams include petroleum geologists, Finance, Procurement, Marketing and Communications staff, and government Data Managers who handle petroleum geological data and need to understand the sources of different types of data. Trainer Your expert course leader is the Geosciences Technical Director for PetroEdge. She was previously, the manager of Robertson Petroleum Training Centre and a Senior Project Scientist at Robertson CGG. She has over 20 years of experience in teaching geology and leading field trips. Prior to her 8 years at Robertson, she was in academia as a lecturer for 6 years and a Research Fellow for 3 years. She has conducted fieldwork and led field trips in the US and many areas in the UK. In addition, she has led university regional geology day schools and has comprehensive experience in course and study programme writing. She has extensive experience in delivering courses and in Clastic and Carbonate Reservoir Geology, Deepwater Turbidites, Sandstone Reservoirs, Wireline Log Interpretation, Integrated Sequence Stratigraphy, Basin Analysis and Exploration & Appraisal workshops globally. In delivering the Exploration Team Management Workshop, she has project managed and taught key principles and modules on project planning, data collection/collation, geophysical assessment, stratigraphy and facies mapping, source rock facies and hydrocarbon generation, play fairway mapping, risking and prospect evaluation. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for instructing is reflected in consistently being rated as excellent by trainees, and clients specifically requesting her participation in courses. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations
GRE Preparation - Verbal and Analytical Writing Course Overview: This course is designed to help learners prepare effectively for the GRE Verbal and Analytical Writing sections. Focusing on the key skills required for success in these areas, it equips learners with proven strategies to excel. By covering all aspects of verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, text completions, sentence equivalence, and analytical writing, the course provides in-depth preparation that leads to improved performance. Learners will develop their ability to analyse complex texts, improve their vocabulary, and refine their writing skills, essential for achieving a competitive GRE score. Course Description: The GRE Preparation - Verbal and Analytical Writing course provides comprehensive coverage of the verbal reasoning and writing sections of the GRE. It includes lessons on reading comprehension, the six critical question types, pivotal words, sentence structure, and writing techniques. The course utilises a variety of methods to strengthen analytical thinking, reading skills, and writing proficiency. Learners will acquire the tools to tackle both the Verbal and Analytical Writing sections effectively. Through structured content and engaging exercises, this course builds confidence and prepares individuals for the GRE with focused skill-building and practice. GRE Preparation - Verbal and Analytical Writing Curriculum: Module 01: Verbal Section – Orientation Module 02: Reading Comprehension Introduction Module 03: The Six Questions Module 04: Pivotal Words Module 05: The Three-Step Method Module 06: Text Completions Module 07: Sentence Equivalence Module 08: Writing (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to enhance their GRE score Professionals aiming to pursue graduate studies Beginners with an interest in GRE preparation Anyone looking to strengthen their verbal and writing skills for graduate-level tests Career Path Graduate school applicants Research assistants Academic advisors Educational consultants Policy analysts
Study abroad is about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing a new culture and way of life, and coming home with unforgettable memories
Use Cases for Business Analysis: In-House Training The use case is a method for documenting the interactions between the user of a system and the system itself. Use cases have been in the software development lexicon for over twenty years, ever since it was introduced by Ivar Jacobson in the late 1980s. They were originally intended as aids to software design in object-oriented approaches. However, the method is now used throughout the Solution Development Life Cycle from elicitation through to specifying test cases, and is even applied to software development that is not object oriented. This course identifies how business analysts can apply use cases to the processes of defining the problem domain through elicitation, analyzing the problem, defining the solution, and confirming the validity and usability of the solution. What you will Learn You'll learn how to: Apply the use case method to define the problem domain and discover the conditions that need improvement in a business process Employ use cases in the analysis of requirements and information to create a solution to the business problem Translate use cases into requirements Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Foundation Concepts Overview of use case modeling What is a use case model? The 'how and why' of use cases When to perform use case modeling Where use cases fit into the solution life cycle Use cases in the problem domain Use cases in the solution domain Use case strengths and weaknesses Use case variations Use case driven development Use case lexicon Use cases Actors and roles Associations Goals Boundaries Use cases though the life cycle Use cases in the life cycle Managing requirements with use cases The life cycle is use case driven Elicitation with Use Cases Overview of the basic mechanics and vocabulary of use cases Apply methods of use case elicitation to define the problem domain, or 'as is' process Use case diagrams Why diagram? Partitioning the domain Use case diagramming guidelines How to employ use case diagrams in elicitation Guidelines for use case elicitation sessions Eliciting the problem domain Use case descriptions Use case generic description template Alternative templates Elements Pre and post conditions Main Success Scenario The conversation Alternate paths Exception paths Writing good use case descriptions Eliciting the detailed workflow with use case descriptions Additional information about use cases Analyzing Requirements with Use Cases Use case analysis on existing requirements Confirming and validating requirements with use cases Confirming and validating information with use cases Defining the actors and use cases in a set of requirements Creating the scenarios Essential (requirements) use case Use case level of detail Use Case Analysis Techniques Generalization and Specialization When to use generalization or specialization Generalization and specialization of actors Generalization and specialization of use cases Examples Associating generalizations Subtleties and guidelines Use Case Extensions The <> association The <> association Applying the extensions Incorporating extension points into use case descriptions Why use these extensions? Extensions or separate use cases Guidelines for extensions Applying use case extensions Patterns and anomalies o Redundant actors Linking hierarchies Granularity issues Non-user interface use cases Quality considerations Use case modeling errors to avoid Evaluating use case descriptions Use case quality checklist Relationship between Use Cases and Business Requirements Creating a Requirements Specification from Use Cases Flowing the conversation into requirements Mapping to functional specifications Adding non-functional requirements Relating use cases to other artifacts Wire diagrams and user interface specifications Tying use cases to test cases and scenarios Project plans and project schedules Relationship between Use Cases and Functional Specifications System use cases Reviewing business use cases Balancing use cases Use case realizations Expanding and explaining complexity Activity diagrams State Machine diagrams Sequence diagrams Activity Diagrams Applying what we know Extension points Use case chaining Identifying decision points Use Case Good Practices The documentation trail for use cases Use case re-use Use case checklist Summary What did we learn, and how can we implement this in our work environment?
Course Overview Unlock your full creative potential with Creative Writing: Write Stories Like a Professional Writer! This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of writing across a wide range of genres. Whether you aspire to write novels, poetry, children's books, or compelling non-fiction, this course offers practical insights and structured guidance to elevate your writing skills. Learners will explore key techniques for character development, dialogue creation, and story structuring, while gaining a deeper understanding of critical thinking and business writing. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to write professionally, refine your work through editing, and pursue opportunities for publication. Course Description Creative Writing: Write Stories Like a Professional Writer! takes you on an enriching journey through the world of creative writing. Covering fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and professional writing, the course develops both foundational and advanced writing techniques. Learners will engage with modules on writing horror and thriller stories, creating believable characters, crafting realistic dialogue, and understanding the publishing process. The course also introduces vital skills such as critical thinking and business writing to enhance versatility. With a focus on structured development and creativity, learners will build the confidence to produce polished, compelling pieces that meet professional standards. This course is suitable for individuals at all stages of their writing journey, offering the tools needed to transform ideas into powerful written works. Course Modules Module 01: Introduction to Creative Writing Module 02: The Development of Creative Writing Module 03: Novel Writing Module 04: Writing Non-Fiction Module 05: Creating Fictional Characters Module 06: Writing Realistic Dialogue Module 07: Writing Horrors, Thriller and Murder Stories Module 08: Writing for Children Module 09: Writing Poetry Module 10: Proposal Writing Module 11: Critical Thinking Module 12: Business Writing Module 13: Other Writings Module 14: Editing, Evaluating and Getting Published (See full curriculum) Who is this course for? Individuals seeking to master creative writing and storytelling techniques. Professionals aiming to enhance their communication and writing skills for diverse applications. Beginners with an interest in exploring the field of creative writing. Writers looking to prepare manuscripts for publication or self-publishing. Career Path Author Copywriter Content Writer Scriptwriter Editor Publishing Assistant Communications Officer Journalist Creative Writing Tutor