About Us
Speaking of Books is a family business founded around 25 years ago by Jan Powling – Ellie’s mum. Many of the writers who joined in those early days are still part of the agency today, alongside newer voices who share the same commitment to substance, generosity and care. The agency has long been rooted in work with schools, and those values continue to shape everything we do.
Every speaker and project is thoughtfully chosen. Ellie brings 17 years’ experience as a school governor – including several as Chair – which gives her a deep understanding of how schools operate and the pressures they face. That school-first perspective informs all of our work, whether we are supporting a school visit, a festival programme or an INSET day or education conference. We also work with organisations looking for creative sessions or specialist insight for their teams.
If you’re exploring something for your workplace, just let me know what you’re hoping to achieve and I can advise on the right writer or speaker.
About Ellie
Ellie started her career at the breakfast television station GMTV where she stayed for a few years before enjoying a variety of opportunities across the media industry including working for Classic FM, BBC Television and the magazine publisher, IPC Media.
In about (we think) 2002 she joined Jan in the family business, has never left and now runs things day-to-day!
Ellie gave 17 years to being a school governor, including taking on the role of Chair of Governors at a London primary school. She is passionate about education, supporting teachers and all who work in schools and ensuring people (especially children) thrive. It’s what’s at the root of everything she does!
She has two children and one daft dog called Digby (who is a therapy dog through the Pets As Therapy ‘Read to Dogs’ initiative).
I have been working with Speaking of Books for about twenty years and I can only say that they are brilliant, utterly professional, very well organised and above all support and protect their authors from the slings and arrows of outrageous demands. They handle everything (except packing your case) from home to work and back plus all the fiddly bits in-between like negotiating with festivals, schools, hotels, etc. I used to handle my own bookings myself so I know exactly how brilliant they are.
Working with Speaking of Books to give our children exciting and inspiring opportunities is absolutely fantastic. Ellie and the team have been key to building our school as a reading school by helping us to get some of the most prolific and well-known children’s authors to not only visit but to become part of our community. Speaking of Books is a well-run, organised, inspiring and personable agency who have made the organisation of whole school events a breeze for me.