10 Courses

LOOKING FOR: PB, CHAPTER BOOKS, MG, GRAPHIC NOVELS, CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION Millie van Grutten joined Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency in 2021 and as of early 2024 Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency was acquired by Rogers Coleridge & White. Millie is thrilled to be building the children’s illustrated division at RCW and is actively looking for authors and illustrators of picture books, chapter books, young fiction, graphic novels and is particularly interested in children’s non-fiction presented in any guise. Millie loves working collaboratively with authors and illustrators whether it’s brainstorming a title, building a portfolio, trying out new genres and age groups or simply chatting ideas through. She relishes the opportunity to champion the work of illustrators and authors alike and is open to anything from 0-9 whether texts, illustrations or both. She loves anything with strong and engaging characters at its heart, quirky stories, and books that make you laugh and/or books that can make you laugh while you learn… Apart from the ever enduring and absolute classics like Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage, Millie has recently enjoyed Mariajo Ilustrajo’s Lost, Ed Vere’s The Artist, The Secret Beast Club (Robin Birch and Jobe Anderson), Dave Pigeon (Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey), How to Be A Genius Kid (Jim Smith) and anything by Lauren Child. Among many other talents, Millie represents Swapna Haddow, Zehra Hicks, Sandra Dieckmann, Jobe Anderson, Marilyn Esther Chi, Emma Clarke, Jim Smith, Gabriella Szendrey, Helen and Thomas Docherty. Millie would like you to submit a covering letter, 1 page synopsis and the opening three chapters (max 5,000 words) of your novel. For picture books please send up to three texts split into 12 spreads each and a covering letter. For non-fiction please supply a cover letter and proposal with up to 5,000 words of your sample text. Please send EITHER picture books OR another genre, not both in one submission. (In addition to the paid sessions, Millie 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).  Submission Deadline: Wednesday 20 November 2024

LOOKING FOR: MG, YA AND ADULT SCI-FI / FANTASY, CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION After graduating from St Andrews University with a degree in English Literature and Art History, Maddy followed her love of literature to an internship at non-fiction literary agency Graham Maw Christie. At GMC, Maddy worked her way up to Agent and built a list of authors who wrote for both for adults and children, spanning history, tarot, and nature writing. An avid reader of anything magical, Maddy joined Madeleine Milburn in 2022 to build a list specialising in SFF. Maddy would like to see SFF across all genres for all ages, including: grim dark, thriller, historical, romance, cosy fantasy, sci-fi, epic, YA fantasy, dark academia, contemporary fantasy, fantasy middle-grade, mythology, fairy tale and queer fantasy. Inspiring children’s non-fiction. She loves worlds to get lost in, adventures that transform what it means to be a hero, and unique magic that offers as many problems as solutions. She likes books that make her cry and books that change her mind. Above all, when she finishes a story about another world, she wants it to have taught her a lesson which helps her live in this one. She loves all fantasy, but favours richly imagined, complex worlds with a history to discover and a future to protect. Worldbuilding is one of her favourite aspects of this genre and she is always looking for a new, dense world with series potential. Think Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere or the Marvel Cinematic Universe – the bigger the better! She also likes character-driven fantasy with a diverse cast to root for (or root against) and she wants to see a range of different relationships depicted authentically. She particularly like epics that dip into big, universal themes such as grief, climate change, or war and which ask impossible questions in the vein of R.F. Kuang or N.K. Jemisin. She is also excited by authors that play with form and language in a fantasy setting. In YA, she is looking for much the same as in an adult fantasy, but with younger protagonists and a closer focus on relationships. She wants to see the tropes she knows and loves in new and exciting forms and her favourite YA books often centre around belonging and becoming. She likes a dash of romance in everything, because she is sentimental that way, but it’s particularly important in the YA space. Sci-fi is a big passion of hers, especially when it comes with a strong hook. She is a huge fan of Becky Chamber’s The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet and Michaiah Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds. She likes space as a metaphor, and would love something that explores different alien species. Please send her your space operas and sci-fi romances which combine space, magic and mayhem! In fantasy middle grade, she favours whimsy and animal companions; she would love to follow a group of kids through magic school. She tends to look for plenty of humour with a strong friendship at the centre, and she wants middle grade stories which engage with the concerns of children growing up as well as offering an all-important escape (preferably on a dragon/unicorn’s back). She is also looking for children’s non-fiction for all ages. In this space, she wants something as creative as it is informative, and thinks diverse voices are increasingly important. Maddy 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, Maddy 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: Thursday 28 November 2024

Inclusive organizations are ones where members of the LGBTQAI+ community thrive. Providing a welcoming environment means ensuring that all employees have an understanding about respecting sexual identity. The acronym used to refer to this large segment of the population continues to grow to represent the identities of others. This video outlines the meaning behind 'LGBTQIA' and is intended to provide employees with further cultural competency. Length: 5:14 Learning Objectives Define and explain the components of the LGBTQIA+ acronym, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender, non-binary, and genderqueer identities.;Recognize the distinction between sexual orientation and gender identity, emphasizing the importance of respecting both aspects of an individual's identity.;Understand the significance of recognizing and supporting diverse gender and sexual identities, fostering inclusivity, and becoming an ally within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Date: Wednesday 11th October Time: 4pm Location: Studio A - Landor Road Events Details: Our 'QUEER COMING-OF-AGE' season continues with a father-son road trip story exploring body dysmorphia and familial acceptance; 2020's indie hit Cowboys. Steve Zahn and Sasha Knight star as Troy and Joe, a father and transgender son who head off into the Montana wilderness to escape Joe's traditionalist mother, played by Jillian Bell. Detective Faith Erickson is hot on their tail, as the father (suffering from bipolar disorder and a drinking problem) teaches his son to shoot guns, live off the land and become the man he wants to be. A powerful but gentle film about the freedom children are afforded in choosing who they are. After the film we'll head to The Landor pub next door where we'll discuss what we've seen over some drinks. Don't miss out, book your ticket now!

Date: Monday 2nd October Time: 4pm Location: Studio A - Landor Road Events Details: Come and join our first Film Club screening of the year as we kick off the 'QUEER COMING-OF-AGE' season with a modern classic of the genre; Desiree Akhavan's 2018 Sundance champion, The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Featuring a career-best performance from Chloe Grace Moretz, we follow Cameron's journey of self-discovery in mid-90s America, as she's sent to a gay conversion camp. Under the strict enforcement of anti-LGBT teachings, Cameron learns to grow and be defiant in her own quiet way, whilst bonding with her peers. A powerful film in the mode of John Hughes, you won't want to miss this screening. After the film we'll head to The Landor pub next door where we'll discuss what we've seen over some drinks. Don't miss out, book your ticket now!

LOOKING FOR: MG, YA AND ADULT SCI-FI / FANTASY, CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION After graduating from St Andrews University with a degree in English Literature and Art History, Maddy followed her love of literature to an internship at non-fiction literary agency Graham Maw Christie. At GMC, Maddy worked her way up to Agent and built a list of authors who wrote for both for adults and children, spanning history, tarot, and nature writing. An avid reader of anything magical, Maddy joined Madeleine Milburn in 2022 to build a list specialising in SFF. Maddy would like to see SFF across all genres for all ages, including: grim dark, thriller, historical, romance, cosy fantasy, sci-fi, epic, YA fantasy, dark academia, contemporary fantasy, fantasy middle-grade, mythology, fairy tale and queer fantasy. Inspiring children’s non-fiction. She loves worlds to get lost in, adventures that transform what it means to be a hero, and unique magic that offers as many problems as solutions. She likes books that make her cry and books that change her mind. Above all, when she finishes a story about another world, she wants it to have taught her a lesson which helps her live in this one. She loves all fantasy, but favours richly imagined, complex worlds with a history to discover and a future to protect. Worldbuilding is one of her favourite aspects of this genre and she is always looking for a new, dense world with series potential. Think Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere or the Marvel Cinematic Universe – the bigger the better! She also likes character-driven fantasy with a diverse cast to root for (or root against) and she wants to see a range of different relationships depicted authentically. She particularly like epics that dip into big, universal themes such as grief, climate change, or war and which ask impossible questions in the vein of R.F. Kuang or N.K. Jemisin. She is also excited by authors that play with form and language in a fantasy setting. In YA, she is looking for much the same as in an adult fantasy, but with younger protagonists and a closer focus on relationships. She wants to see the tropes she knows and loves in new and exciting forms and her favourite YA books often centre around belonging and becoming. She likes a dash of romance in everything, because she is sentimental that way, but it’s particularly important in the YA space. Sci-fi is a big passion of hers, especially when it comes with a strong hook. She is a huge fan of Becky Chamber’s The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet and Michaiah Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds. She likes space as a metaphor, and would love something that explores different alien species. Please send her your space operas and sci-fi romances which combine space, magic and mayhem! In fantasy middle grade, she favours whimsy and animal companions; she would love to follow a group of kids through magic school. She tends to look for plenty of humour with a strong friendship at the centre, and she wants middle grade stories which engage with the concerns of children growing up as well as offering an all-important escape (preferably on a dragon/unicorn’s back). She is also looking for children’s non-fiction for all ages. In this space, she wants something as creative as it is informative, and thinks diverse voices are increasingly important. Maddy 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, Maddy 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 15th January 2025

This workshop will explore artist-led practice in Edinburgh and feature an open discussion between Sierra Metro (Edinburgh) and Sett Studios (Edinburgh). Artist and researcher Chris Biddlecombe will also provide an overview of the key findings from the ‘Artist-Led Organisations in Scotland: Survey and Mapping of Activity’ research report which has been undertaken by Scottish Artists Union on behalf of Creative Scotland. About Sierra Metro is a gallery committed to artist-centred practice and our intention is to showcase and support emerging and mid-career visual artists and designers. We aim to engender a climate of flexibility and experimentation for everyone who exhibits with us, and offer broad public access to contemporary art experiences and discussions. Established in 2008 we curated a vibrant cross discipline arts programme until 2012 at Ground Floor North, The Lighthouse, 22 West Harbour Road. After a period of hibernation, we have reopened in our new Leith location on Ferry Road.  Sett Studios is an artist-run studios with dedicated gallery space in Leith, Edinburgh. Run for artists, by artists. Providing an accessible and safe space, with a particular focus on supporting those from socially and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Working to foster allyship, make art accessible, and uplift marginalised voices. Our artist community includes queer, working class, neurodiverse, disabled and POC artists. Instagram @settstudios If you have any other participation needs, please email us via learning@artistsunion.scot

LOOKING FOR: MG, YA AND ADULT SCI-FI / FANTASY, CHILDREN'S NON-FICTION After graduating from St Andrews University with a degree in English Literature and Art History, Maddy followed her love of literature to an internship at non-fiction literary agency Graham Maw Christie. At GMC, Maddy worked her way up to Agent and built a list of authors who wrote for both for adults and children, spanning history, tarot, and nature writing. An avid reader of anything magical, Maddy joined Madeleine Milburn in 2022 to build a list specialising in SFF. Maddy would like to see SFF across all genres for all ages, including: grim dark, thriller, historical, romance, cosy fantasy, sci-fi, epic, YA fantasy, dark academia, contemporary fantasy, fantasy middle-grade, mythology, fairy tale and queer fantasy. Inspiring children’s non-fiction. She loves worlds to get lost in, adventures that transform what it means to be a hero, and unique magic that offers as many problems as solutions. She likes books that make her cry and books that change her mind. Above all, when she finishes a story about another world, she wants it to have taught her a lesson which helps her live in this one. She loves all fantasy, but favours richly imagined, complex worlds with a history to discover and a future to protect. Worldbuilding is one of her favourite aspects of this genre and she is always looking for a new, dense world with series potential. Think Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere or the Marvel Cinematic Universe – the bigger the better! She also likes character-driven fantasy with a diverse cast to root for (or root against) and she wants to see a range of different relationships depicted authentically. She particularly like epics that dip into big, universal themes such as grief, climate change, or war and which ask impossible questions in the vein of R.F. Kuang or N.K. Jemisin. She is also excited by authors that play with form and language in a fantasy setting. In YA, she is looking for much the same as in an adult fantasy, but with younger protagonists and a closer focus on relationships. She wants to see the tropes she knows and loves in new and exciting forms and her favourite YA books often centre around belonging and becoming. She likes a dash of romance in everything, because she is sentimental that way, but it’s particularly important in the YA space. Sci-fi is a big passion of hers, especially when it comes with a strong hook. She is a huge fan of Becky Chamber’s The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet and Michaiah Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds. She likes space as a metaphor, and would love something that explores different alien species. Please send her your space operas and sci-fi romances which combine space, magic and mayhem! In fantasy middle grade, she favours whimsy and animal companions; she would love to follow a group of kids through magic school. She tends to look for plenty of humour with a strong friendship at the centre, and she wants middle grade stories which engage with the concerns of children growing up as well as offering an all-important escape (preferably on a dragon/unicorn’s back). She is also looking for children’s non-fiction for all ages. In this space, she wants something as creative as it is informative, and thinks diverse voices are increasingly important. Maddy 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, Maddy 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 10th February 2025

Date: Thursday 25th May Time: 4pm Location: Studio A - Landor Road Event Details: Matt Jones is a British producer and screenwriter who has worked on several television networks across the UK. Beginning his career writing for Doctor Who Magazine in 1995, he got his big break when he became a screen writer for the Channel 4 series Queer as Folk. Matt will share his experience as a television screenwriter and producer, covering: Writing for Television What producers look for How to write a pitch How to pitch in a room Some of the projects Matt has worked on: Skins - producer Shameless - producer Doctor Who - writer The Split - writer This is a free event that all students are welcome to attend (but tickets are limited so be quick!)

Friday 26th April, 3pm, Muirhead Tower, University of Birmingham, Arts Building – LR6, Room 222 The Department of Public Administration and Policy and CEDAR are delighted to host a public seminar on The Politics of Becoming: Anonymity and Democracy in the Digital Age by Hans Asenbaum   Oxford University Press   When we participate in political debate or protests, we are judged by how we look, which clothes we wear, by our skin colour, gender and body language. This results in exclusions and limits our freedom of expression. The Politics of Becoming explores radical democratic acts of disidentification to counter this problem. Anonymity in masked protest, graffiti, and online debate interrupts our everyday identities. This allows us to live our multiple selves. In the digital age, anonymity becomes an inherent part of everyday communication. Through our smart devices we express our selves differently. As cyborgs our identities are disrupted and reassembled. We curate self-representations on social media, create avatars, share selfies and choose the skin colour of our emojis.   The Politics of Becoming encourages us to engage in a revolution of the self. Democratic pluralism is not only a matter of institutional design but also about how we express our identities. Inner revolutions change our personal realities and plant a seed for democratic futures.   Hans Asenbaum is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance at the University of Canberra. His research interests include radical democracy, queer and gender studies, digital politics, and participatory research methods. In 2022 he received the ECPR Rising Star Award. Hans is the author of The Politics of Becoming: Anonymity and Democracy in the Digital Age (Oxford University Press, 2023) and co-editor of Research Methods in Deliberative Democracy (with Ercan, Curato and Mendonça, Oxford University Press, 2022). His work has been published in the American Political Science Review, New Media & Society, Politics & Gender, and the International Journal of Qualitative Methods. Friday 26th April, 3pm, Arts Building – LR6, Room 222, University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT