Training

I am happy to consider commissions for research reports, journalism and writing consultancy services. I also speak frequently in public, at events ranging from international conferences on particular subjects such as disability affairs, to literary festivals – invite me! Over the last year or so I’ve chaired a panel discussion for the Wellcome Trust, delivered a remote talk for the National Gallery discussing why and how societies scapegoat marginalised groups as part of its Sin exhibition and spoken in a panel discussion for English Pen and the Society of Authors on memoir and life writing. I have designed a bespoke training course outlining the basics of investigative journalism for a major organisation in Scotland, to be delivered later in 2021, Covid-19 permitting.

I have also worked as a consultant in the media industry, for New York University’s Membership Puzzle Project and for the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, advising on both membership and engagement. For these last two posts I researched engaged newsrooms around the world, interviewing senior newsroom leaders and then co-wrote an extensively shared, international report on how to involve members and supports in journalism by providing a toolkit of engagement options. You can read the report here. I have also written and edited a report on impact in journalism for my past employer, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. You can hire me to do similar reports. I love diving into subjects, interviewing people and writing up the results in an accessible way.

I am a professional writer and have earned my living from writing (and making films) for over two decades. I also love the writing profession and am keen to pass what I have learned on to organisations and individuals. I was the Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the London School of Economics (2015-2017) where I taught students to improve their writing skills and polish their dissertations and theses. I am keen to promote independent learning and to pass skills on, rather than merely proof-read or sub-edit. I have also returned to the LSE to teach at the PhD Academy and have been a guest speaker for an Arvon writing course on writing non-fiction.

I can take you from idea to the page, to the chapter, to the book, or dissertation. I am used to developing structure and argument, and challenging the person: “What are you trying to say – what’s your one line pitch for this?”

I can help you write your book, your article or your speech. (I have worked in both Houses of Parliament, and wrote speeches for the shadow Leader of the House of Lords and the opposition front bench.) I am happy to do one-to-ones, with the skills I have developed as a Royal Literary Fund Fellow, or work with larger groups. In 2016 I undertook my first ghost-writing commission, to co-write a book with a British Yemeni woman, in her voice, about her experience of ‘honour’ violence (published in 2016 by Hachette Poland, more publication details elsewhere to follow). I can help you, similarly, develop your sense of voice.

Everyone can derive benefits from intensive mentoring. They may need help with punctuation, or structure and argument. Or they may want to write a whole book, in their own words. I can help.

I can also work in larger groups – I have run creative workshops in schools for different age groups, I have delivered key note speeches for major organisations such as the Crown Prosecution Service and more intimate seminars in university and other settings.

I am available for commission. Email me through the contact page of the website for more details.