Exciting Updates to ELR and PLR

Australian book publishers or creators—authors, illustrators, editors, translators and compilers—can be compensated for the loss of income through the free multiple use of their work in Australian public and educational lending libraries.

The Government is providing $12.9 million over four years to modernise and extend the Lending Right schemes to include ebooks and audiobooks. Claims for ebooks and audiobooks can be made from 3 April 2023 through the Lending Rights Online services.


To allow claimants sufficient time to submit new title claims for ebooks and audiobooks for the 2023‑2024 program, they are extending the title claim deadline to 30 June 2023.

Title claims submitted from 1 July 2023, and title claims for all books published in 2023 will be processed in a future program year.

New claims will not affect this year’s PLR and ELR payments, due to be made in June 2023.

If you aren’t registered please do it asap and if you are, jump online and add any ebooks or audiobooks you have created in the last 5 years.

Very exciting news!

The SCBWI Team,

Margaret Roc, Susanne Gervay, Deborah Abela and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

New PB for Samantha Smith

Congratulations to author Samantha Smith on the publication of

Harriet's Hungry Worms

a hard back fiction picture book for ages 4-8 published by EK Books

3 May 2023

illustrated by Melissa Johns

This funny, engaging eco story invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet’s ravenous compost worms as they munch their way through their wide and wonderful weekly menu. Inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page.

Packed with worm facts, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the ideal companion for worm warriors and curious composters keen to roll their sleeves up and put their kitchen food scraps to good use.

Book launch 13 May 2023. See here for details

New PB for Gabrielle Bassett

Congratulations to author/illustrator Gabrielle Bassett on the publication of

Jack's Best Day Ever

a hardback fiction picture book published by Woodslane Press

1 May 2023

Jack loves things like sports cars but he doesn’t like change and only ever wants to eat peanut butter sandwiches! This heartwarming, hilarious story introduces children to the idea that there is no one-size-fits all way to be human.

"A beautiful story about two children that build a strong friendship based on trust and shared experiences. The issues of neurodiversity  overcoming food aversions are carefully crafted into the story." Dr. Catherine Itsiopoulos; Leader Dietetics and Author