Emma Bal

Experts in history, the arts, anthropology, politics, economics, geography, psychology and the sciences; narrative non-fiction such as investigative journalism, oral histories and the occassional memoir; cookery and food writing; travel and nature writing; and some illustrated projects.

Thought-provoking non-fiction

I want to hear from thinkers and writers around the world who work across a range of fields and feel strongly about sharing their ideas with general readers. I particularly like global histories, histories of ideas, narrative biographies and original explorations of humans, animals and things.

Like: The Earth Transformed by Peter Frankopan, The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow, Empire of AI by Karen Hao and Make Me Well by Xand van Tulleken

Narrative non-fiction

I’m looking for skilled storytellers who have immersed themselves into the lives of people, places, institutions or phenomena – this could be reportage, exposé, something more historical or based on the author’s lived experience.

Like: London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe, Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams and Murder in Paris ’68 by Edward Chisholm

Cookery and food writing

I love food and how it can be a gateway to culture, ideas, history and human connection. I would like to hear from cooks, writers and researchers with fresh approaches to how we think about, grow, cook, and eat food.

Nature and travel writing

I grew up in the countryside and I’m fascinated by the natural world and the different relationships we have to our evolving landscape. I also admire books that transport readers to less familiar geographies to tell a wider story.