Richard Francis
I have published eleven novels and four non-fiction works – two biographies and two histories. For many years I taught American literature and creative writing at Manchester University, where I established the MA in Novel-Writing. Subsequently I was appointed Professor of Creative Writing (now Emeritus Professor) at Bath Spa University. I have been external examiner for the MA in Creative Writing at UEA and at many other universities. THE OLD SPRING was voted Best Foreign Novel of the Year in China in 2011. My most recent novel, LAURA LAURA, will be published in the summer of 2020. Further information about my career can be found in my blog:
Richard is a truly transformative teacher. His perceptive guidance enabled me not just to learn vital fiction-writing skills from his classes but to take risks, experiment and grow. I have now published four works of fiction and still call on him for advice and opinions. I genuinely feel that I owe my career as a novelist to Richard and would recommend him without hesitation to any aspiring writer.
Lucy Atkins, author of THE MISSING ONE, MAGPIE LANE, and other novels
Helen Francis
I've worked in publishing for nearly twenty years. I was a fiction project editor at Faber and Faber for eight years, and a commissioning fiction editor at Head of Zeus for two. I also ran the classics list at Vintage, Penguin Random House, and was a commissioning editor for Arcadia Books. I've worked at literary agencies Abner Stein Associates and MMB Creative. I have been an international book scout and have taught creative writing and editing at Bath Spa University, the Faber Academy and on a residential Arvon course. Authors I’ve edited and published include Victor Lodato, Sophie Hardach, Laurie Canciani and Michelle Paver.
Helen commissioned my first ever book, and went on to publish my second. I adore her! If it wasn’t for Helen taking that risk, believing in my book, and making it so much better, I’d still be hating my day job. I’ll never forget how much fun the process was, and how much my work improved. I will always remember some of the tips she gave me, and would highly recommend her.
Helen FitzGerald, author of thirteen novels including THE CRY (made into a BBC One crime drama) and most recently, ASH MOUNTAIN