Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson

Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson’s debut novel, The Principle of Moments, was an instant Sunday Times Bestseller, and the inaugural winner of The Future Worlds Prize. Described by The Bookseller as, “a meticulous space opera… and a century spanning love story,” the same publication wrote that “it heralds a new voice in the genre, and what may be a transformative series for the writer.” Esmie’s second novel, The Church on Ruby Road, is adapted from a screenplay written by Russel T Davies, for the BBC and Ebury Books’ Doctor Who novelisations line. She holds a BA in English Literature and Classical Studies from the University of Exeter. Most recently her debut novel was nominated for Best British and Irish Book at the TikTok Book Awards. 

Her mentee for the Avengers of Colour mentorship in 2021 has since sold a manuscript to Bindery Books.

Specialises in: All science fiction and fantasy, from YA to adult.

Esmie provides tuition for our Mentoring Service.

I’ll be honest—as a writer who has previously struggled to apply popular online advice to their own work, I believe in highly personalised mentoring that builds confidence. Writing a book is not a race, it’s a marathon with obstacles a-plenty, and more than a few stretches where gravity seems to have been reversed… I am passionate about coaching authors into overcoming these obstacles, finding their centre of gravity, and crafting the best version of their manuscript possible.

My approach to mentoring changes with each mentee, taking into account your preferred style of feedback, level of experience, and personal goals, which we establish before anything else. 

However, many aspects always remain the same. Namely, unwavering respect for your work and the trust you have given me, a commitment to truly helpful feedback delivered in a kind, considerate way, and an application of my knowledge of publishing trends and expectations to help create the best version of your manuscript. 

I am particularly passionate about helping writers who seem to get in their own way, whether that’s through over-thinking, imposter-syndrome, or lacking confidence in their own ability. I believe that building a rock-solid foundation of confidence is a huge part of being an author, and I truly love helping others achieve this.

I am able to take on all projects SFF—space opera, dystopia, space fantasy, epic fantasy, portal fantasy… whatever type of fantasy or science fiction you’ve got I am happy to read it! That includes more ‘Black Mirror’ type work as well, i.e. set in our world but with hints of sci-fi, or the paranormal. I can also mentor across the spectrum of literary to commercial, as well as young adult to adult. If it’s SFF, bring it on!