Join the SCBWI SA crew for a relaxed Sunday afternoon in the Luna 10 Rooftop Bar

Creating kids’ books is a gamble. A gamble that the idea is any good, that we can make it work, that publishers will contract it and readers enjoy it! We do it because we love it, even if it feels like driving into a foggy night.

Join editor, Vishali Seshadri from Penguin Random House, author Lucie Stevens and illustrator Mateja Jager, as they share their experience of nurturing ideas to bring them to life, facing down rejection and doubt, and creating stories and art that makes hearts sing.

Program

6.00pm—Arrival, Mingle and Nibbles

6.20pm—Welcome

6.30pm—What makes a kids’ book engaging? with Vishali Seshadri, Editor, Penguin Random House
Discover what makes a kids’ book engaging, touching on topics such as voice, narration, plot and pace.

7.00pm—Finding a way through rejection and doubt to reconnect with creativity with author Lucie Stevens
All creators can experience seasons of low-confidence, doubt, self-criticism and fear, especially in the face of rejection. Having experienced several painful set-backs, Lucie made it her mission to create a kit of tools she could use to sustain herself through challenging periods. Tonight, Lucie will share one of the most useful and powerful techniques she’s learned – one she practises each time she sits down to write – to overcome creative barriers and access flow. This is an interactive session, so please bring a pen and an open mind!

7.20pm—From First Sketch to Final Art with illustrator Mateja Jager
Mateja Jager will take us on a journey through her artistic process, from first sketch to final art, sharing lots of insights along the way.

7.40pm—Book babies - Bring along your new publications and share your news

8.00pm—End

Bookings

$10 for SCBWI Members

$15 for Non Members

Presenters

Vishali Seshadri—Editor, Penguin Random House
Vishali Seshadri is an editor in the Children’s Publishing team at Penguin Random House. She works on a range of brands, including Bluey and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and with authors such as Jacqueline Harvey and R. A. Spratt. Vishali is passionate about discovering new voices and loves reading crime, thriller, horror and literary fiction.

Lucie Stevens—Author
Lucie Stevens is a children’s author and freelance editor living and working on Gadigal land. Her debut children’s novel, R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins, was published by HarperCollins in June 2025 and was long-listed for the ARA Historical Novel Prize (CYA category). Its sequel will be published in 2026. Lucie is the recipient of two ASA Mentorships, a Writing NSW Varuna Fellowship, a Varuna Residential Fellowship and has recently been awarded a Vaucluse House Creative and Cultural Residency.

Mateja Jager—Illustrator
Mateja Jager is a Slovenian-Australian illustrator with a background in fashion and graphic design, as well as a deep passion for picture books. Her Australian debut, Paper-Flower Girl, written by Margrete Lamond, received the Honour Book award in the 2024 Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year awards. Mateja’s second Australian book, Tiny Dancer, written by Patrick Guest, was published in 2025.

Be inspired by natural provocations.

Dear SCBWI (VIC) members

It's been a tumultuous start to 2026 in our little kid lit corner of Australia, but gathering with like-minded authors and illustrators is a great way to remind ourselves of all the creative joy involved in making books for young people! With that in mind, we are very excited to announce the line-up of our first SCBWI Vic event of the year.
 
Our guest speaker will be literary agent Sarah McKenzie, and our member speakers will be authors Deborah Frenkel and Angie Cui.
 
And in another exciting development, after the success of our bigger-than-usual afternoon tea during last year's epic Professional Development Day, we have decided to move our snacking and chatting time permanently to the downstairs activity space! We hope you can join us at the Library at the Dock for a fantastic afternoon to kick off your creative year.
 

BOOKINGS AND ALL THE INFORMATION HERE!

Chat about your book projects while munching on biscuits.

The end of the year is almost here and we hope it’s been productive, creative fun! To celebrate, please join us at Barangaroo House, Sydney to catch up and kick up your heels. Entry is free, with yummy drinks and food available to purchase. 

Barangaroo House
35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
(very close to Barangaroo Metro, Wynyard station) 

Sunday 30 November from 2-4pm

SCBWI have booked an area just for us. We hope to see you there!

Book here

SCBWI Vic's final event for the year was a combined Meet and Greet with Sketch and Scribble. We met on a beautiful morning at Time Out cafe in Federation Square, Melbourne and what a fabulous turnout we had. It was lovely to meet new members and old. After coffees, snacks and a warm welcome from our ARA Caz Goodwin, we flexed our sketching and scribbling muscles at the wonderful Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

Our ever creative and generous illustrator coordinator Judy Watson prepared an optional activity as a creative kickstart for both authors and illustrators.

We took inspiration from the incredible art inside the NGV on Level 2.

Then we met up again at the Time Out Cafe and shared the inspiration behind our sketch or scribble. Here are some of the incredible creations.

Each committee member sported a new recognisable badge made by the wonderful Marjorie Gardner - thank you Marjorie!

Many of us stayed for lunch and then it was a wrap! Stay tuned for our exciting event line-up for 2026.

Dear SCBWI (VIC) members (and visiting members)

Happy Spring! We hope the sunshine and warm weather are helping your creativity blossom.

Our final event for the year is almost here - the annual Sketch & Scribble. This year, as mentioned in our last email, we are welcoming new members to come along and meet the committee and some new SCBWI friends, in place of our usual Meet & Greet event. We hope it will be a lovely day of conversation and inspiration.

For all the details and how to book follow the link. We hope to see you there!

Information and Bookings!

SAVE THE DATE!

SCBWI Tasmania is inviting you to spend a day with us sketching, scribbling and talking all things Kidslit in the beautiful surrounds of Nan Chauncy’s own beloved home, Chauncy Vale at Bagdad, north of Hobart.

• fully catered (lunch + morning tea)

• includes admission to Chancy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary and option for walk-through tour of Nan’s house Day Dawn

This will be a day for walking, talking and finding your creative space. Ticket are strictly limited, book early and make sure you don’t miss out at https://www.trybooking.com/DEMQF

Learn more about Chauncy Vale here: https://www.chauncyvale.com/

Join us for a fun and informal afternoon of drawing and discussion. Facilitated by published SCBWI illustrators with many books to their names, you’ll have the chance to share your work and receive feedback in a relaxed, friendly and supportive online environment. Please find details below.

This event is FREE but please register so we can send you the Zoom link. Open to all current SCBWI members from Australia and New Zealand.

The time is 2pm Sydney time. You will be sent the Zoom link at the time of booking.

Submit your artwork for feedback

To ensure we can spend time giving feedback to everyone who would like their illustration work critiqued, please submit up to 3 images by noon Saturday 27 September 2025.

Label the images with your name and sequential numbers. Example: YourName1.jpg, YourName2.jpg

The illustrations can be finished or work in progress. Let us know when you submit if you have a specific question or area of concern with the samples.

SCBWI Australia East Create and Critique-a-Palooza Sept 13-14

The Palooza is back! A two day online event where SCBWI members have the chance to have their projects assessed by publishers and agents, and hear from some of Australia’s most talented kids’ book creators and publishing professionals as they discuss the wonderful world of children’s books.

It will be fun, fascinating and a great excuse to hang out online with SCBWI friends.

Day One—September 13—A day of online manuscript and portfolio assessments

In conjunction with our creative PD day, we are offering 15-minute online manuscript and portfolio assessments on September 13, where you can receive feedback on your work from publishing professionals. Tickets on sale from July 5 at 8am.

Day Two—September 14—Professional Development Day

Time: 2pm to 5pm
Ticket Cost: $15
Tickets: CLICK HERE to book on Trybooking

Presenters:
Michelle Madden, Commissioning Editor for Penguin Random House Young Readers
Adam Cece, Author
Alexandra Adsett, Literary Agent, Alex Adsett Literary
Peter Cheong, Author and Illustrator

These presentations will be recorded and the link will be available for two weeks.

When you purchase a ticket for the September 14 Professional Development Day you will automatically be sent an email with the code to the Critique ticket portal which will give you the opportunity to book a critique ticket from July 5th.

The email with the critique code is automatically sent by Trybooking when you book the Day 2 ticket. If you don’t receive it please check your spam or contact us.

Day Two Program—September 14 (draft)

2.00pm-2.10pm—Welcome and acknowledgement of Country

2.10pm–2:45pm—Michelle Madden, Commissioning Editor for Penguin Random House Young Readers
From pitch to publication: Top Tips on Pitching to and Working with an Editor.

How to work with your editor to turn a promising manuscript into a finished book that booksellers will love to sell and readers won’t be able to put down. An easy-to-follow discussion of the publishing process all the way from pitch to publication; advice on ways to help an editor ‘sell’ you and your manuscript in-house; and questions to ask at every stage of the publishing process. With time for questions so you can feel well prepared for working with an editor and can ensure that you and your editor work as an effective team.

2:45pm-3.20pm—Adam Cece, Author
Don’t You Forget About Me (please note: title must be sung)

After a crazy few years, with many books published all at once, then a worldwide pandemic, it’s been five years since my last book. But it’s also been the most hectic, productive and educational years of my life, and all of it has culminated in a new book that I’m more proud of than anything else I’ve ever written. This is a talk about what I’ve learnt about the three Ps: perseverance, priorities and passion (especially for John Hughes films).  

3:20pm-3:30pm—BREAK

3:30pm-4:05pm—Alexandra Adsett, Literary Agent, Alex Adsett Literary

4:05pm-4:40pm—Peter Cheong, Author and Illustrator

Peter will give us a sneak peek into his creative process and share what it's like to be an award-winning kids' book creator.

4:40-5pm—Book Baby Elevator Pitches and Farewell

Day Two Presenters

Michelle Madden—Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House Young Readers 
Michelle Madden is a Commissioning Editor for Penguin Random House Young Readers. She works across all genres and ages, from books for early childhood through to non-fiction and novels for young adults. She has worked with some of Australia’s finest authors and illustrators, including Terry Denton, Sam Cotton, Felice Arena, Sofie Laguna, Mem Fox and Alison Lester, as well as with sporting and media stars such as Cathy Freeman and Zoe Foster Blake, and brands like Taronga and The Penguin Foundation.

Adam Cece—Author
Adam Cece is an award-winning author of children’s books, including Wesley Booth Super Sleuth, Twin Spin, the hilarious Huggabie Falls series, and in August 2025, his new YA thriller, The Locked Room, is going to be unleashed on the world. He is passionate about inspiring people, young and old, to read and write. He is a South Australian Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators SA Co-coordinator, mentor, workshop facilitator and manuscript assessor, and visits schools and libraries delivering fun, interactive talks focused on being an author, the craft of writing, getting published, solving mysteries, and how to write a cracking shopping list.

You can follow Adam on Twitter and Instagram @ceceadam on Facebook @adamceceauthor or find him online at www.adamcece.com.

Peter Cheong—Author and Illustrator
Peter’s debut book as an author/illustrator, Every Night at Midnight, was voted CBCA Shadow Judging Winner for Picture Book of the Year in 2024. Peter is the illustrator of I’m a Hero Too, Nothing Alike and the Pow Pow Pig and Freddie Spector series. He has since released another author/illustrated book, Where We Can Hear the Giants Sing, and he is currently working on his debut graphic novel series, April Ordinary Thief Extraordinary, the first of which will be out in 2027.

Peter lives in Perth (Whadjuk Region), Western Australia, with his very understanding wife and sons, and less understanding cat. 

Alexandra Adsett—Literary Agent, Alex Adsett Literary
Alex Adsett is an Australian literary agent and publishing consultant, who has been working in the publishing and bookselling industry for almost twenty five years.  She has managed Alex Adsett Literary since 2008.

As a literary agent, Alex is always seeking amazing manuscripts, with a focus on fiction and narrative non-fiction, especially SFF, crime and romance, for all ages from picture books to adults. She is proud to represent an outstanding stable of authors and illustrators, including Melissa Lucashenko, Isobelle Carmody, Dinuka McKenzie, Jasmin McGaughey and Hannah Sommerville.

SAVE THIS DATE - ONLINE EVENT

Getting started can be the hardest part of writing. This fast and fun workshop with New York Times and international bestseller Amie Kaufman will show you how to bring your ideas to life. Amie will guide you through a process designed to generate a new story idea and then identify your protagonist, setting, inciting incident, antagonist and supporting characters, bringing depth to each of these elements to create a layered and compelling story. You’ll leave this session with the bones of your next story down on the page and an approach you can use time and again in the future.

More information and booking details coming soon!

SCBWI Australia East Create and Critique-a-Palooza Sept 13-14

The Palooza is back! A two day online event where SCBWI members have the chance to have their projects assessed by publishers and agents, and hear from some of Australia’s most talented kids’ book creators and publishing professionals as they discuss the wonderful world of children’s books.

It will be fun, fascinating and a great excuse to hang out online with SCBWI friends.

Day One—September 13—A day of online manuscript and portfolio assessments

In conjunction with our creative Professional Development day on September 14, we are offering 15-minute online manuscript and portfolio assessments on September 13, where you can receive feedback on your work from publishing professionals.

For those who purchase a Day Two Professional Development day ticket, you will have first chance at securing an assessment with tickets opening July 5th at 8am.

Tickets will open for members who would like just an assessment or to buy a second assessment one week after on July 12th.

Day Two—September 14—Professional Development Day

2pm to 5pm
SCBWI Members: $15
CLICK HERE for Day Two Tickets

Presenters:
Michelle Madden, Commissioning Editor for Penguin Random House Young Readers
Adam Cece, Author
Alexandra Adsett, Literary Agent, Alex Adsett Literary
Peter Cheong, Author and Illustrator

These presentations will be recorded and the link will be available for two weeks

When you purchase a ticket for the September 14 Professional Development Day you will automatically be sent an email with the code to the Critique ticket portal which will give you the opportunity to book a critique ticket from July 5th. The email with the critique code is automatically sent by Trybooking when you book the Day 2 ticket. If you don’t receive it please check your spam or contact us.

Day One Tickets—Manuscript and Portfolio Critiques

Critiques are 15 min with a publishing professional online via Zoom plus a written report.

SCBWI Members only
$105 per critique and places are initially limited to one per person.
CLICK HERE for Critique Tickets

Tickets will go on sale from July 5th at 8am for those who buy a Create and Critique-a-Palooza PD day ticket or from July 12th for those who’d like the assessment only or would like to buy a second assessment.

At time of booking you will be able to choose your preference from the available time slots and assessors. Critiques are non-refundable and non-transferable, so please choose carefully.

The email with the critique code is automatically sent by Trybooking when you book the Day 2 ticket. If you don’t receive it please check your spam or contact us.

Critique Assessors

Luna Soo—Senior Editor, Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
Luna Soo is a senior editor at Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing. She works with talented authors and illustrators to create books that inspire and amaze kids of all ages, and is proud to have edited several award-winning novels. Luna’s keen to help diversify Australia’s publishing industry so that all readers can see themselves on the page. She is particularly drawn to stories with a strong, gripping voice and a unique perspective on the world.

Luna will critique Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, and Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult.

Her wish list includes: Stories written by diverse, own-voices authors. Contemporary middle grade and YA.

She prefers not to see: High fantasy and hard science fiction.

Nicola Nelson—Senior Editor (Children's), HarperCollins
Nicola Nelson graduated RMIT's Master of Writing and Publishing in 2020, with her thesis exploring inclusivity and class barriers in Australian middle grade fiction. She is currently a Senior Editor on the Children's team at HarperCollins and is based in Sydney. She has a passion for stories great and small, particularly those that aren't as often heard.

Nicola will critique Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Portfolios

Her wish list includes: Any genre, but a particular interest in LGBTQIA+ stories

She prefers not to see: Historical fiction, but it's not a hard 'no'!

Laura Harris—Managing Director of Laura Harris Publishing

Laura Harris has edited and shaped many books over her 35 years in publishing. She began her publishing career at the prestigious, School Magazine, then worked for HarperCollins and then Penguin Random House for 25 years. She has worked with Mem Fox, Aaron Blabey, Gus Gordon, Pamela Allen, Graeme Base, Morris Gleitzman, Felice Arena, Melina Marchetta and Sonya Hartnett, to name but a few. In 2000 she was appointed to the Board of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation where she served until January 2024. In 2023, Laura celebrated 35 years in the book publishing and was a recipient of the George Robertson Award for distinguished long service to the Australian Publishing industry. In 2024 she was appointed to the Board of WestWords. She launched Laura Harris Publishing in 2024. And while often asked, Laura has checked with her doctor, who assures her she doesn’t have a novel in her.

Laura will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult

Her wish list includes: Funny and smart Young reader books. Books for 6 to 10-year-olds in particular.

She is happy to see how people deal with all sorts of subject matter. It is all in the telling.

Niki Foreman—Senior Editor, Penguin Kids at PRH Australia
Niki Foreman (she/her) is an accomplished editor, an author of children’s books and a staunch advocate for inclusive language and respectful and authentic representation. With decades of experience in the global book-publishing industry, Niki started her publishing career at DK and Penguin Books in London before moving to Sydney as a freelance editor and writer, working with many Australian, UK and US publishers – including Penguin, DK, Walker Books and Harper Collins – across children’s and adult’s genres, both fiction and non-fiction. Currently, Niki is Senior Editor for Penguin Kids at PRH Australia, a published author and a staunch advocate for real and practical inclusion. Niki also offers courses for authors on writing inclusively through the ASA.

Niki will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Non-Fiction

She is happy to critique any genre.

Michelle Madden—Commissioning Editor for Penguin Random House Young Readers
Michelle Madden is a Commissioning Editor for Penguin Random House Young Readers. She works across all genres and ages, from books for early childhood through to non-fiction and novels for young adults. She has worked with some of Australia’s finest authors and illustrators, including Terry Denton, Sam Cotton, Felice Arena, Sofie Laguna, Mem Fox and Alison Lester, as well as with sporting and media stars such as Cathy Freeman and Zoe Foster Blake, and brands like Taronga and The Penguin Foundation.

Michelle will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Non-Fiction, Portfolios

Her wish list includes: Picture books that speak directly to children, illustrated books for young readers that create excitement about stories, entertaining left-of-centre middle fiction and fun visual non-fiction.

She prefers not to see: No poetry, plays or education publishing like graded readers, please

Sarah McKenzie—Literary Agent and Director of Sarah McKenzie Literary Management
As a Director of Sarah McKenzie Literary Management, I represent new, emerging and established authors of literary and commercial fiction, narrative nonfiction, middle grade, junior fiction and picture books. I have represented and championed books that have won or been nominated for awards including the Australian Book Industry Awards, Ned Kelly Awards, Indie Book Awards, NSW Premiers’ Literary Awards, CWA Dagger Award, Miles Franklin Award, CBCA Awards Readings Prize and more. My clients include best-selling children's author Scott Stuart, internationally-award-winning crime writer Shelley Burr and some of the country's most exciting emerging authors.

Sarah will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, Non-Fiction

She is actively pursuing diverse and marginalised voices, and projects from First Nations creators and she is open to most subject matter.

Dani Vee—Publisher at Larrikin House
Dani Vee is a publisher at Larrikin House. She is an author of picture books, junior fiction and middle grade including the new releases My Pet Croc and My SUPERCHARGED ADHD Brain. Dani hosts the Words and Nerds podcast, which has more than one million downloads.

Dani will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult

Her wish list includes: Picture books, middle grade and YA books that challenge stereotypes, push boundaries, and have an important issue behind the fun.

She would prefer not to see: Women in stereotypical roles.

Cristina Pase—Children's Publisher, Windy Hollow Books
Cristina has been in the publishing industry for over 30 years. She has worked as a teacher, a bookseller, a sales rep and a sales and marketing manager. For the past 20 years she has been the Children's Publisher at Windy Hollow Books. Cristina is passionate about beautiful narrative driven picture books.

Christina will critique: Picture Books

Her wish list includes: Just good picture book narratives

She would prefer not to see: No toilet humour, halloween/christmas etc books.

Tash Besliev—Publishing Director, Children's, Simon & Schuster Australia and Affirm Press
Tash Besliev spent her first decade in publishing working almost every role available. She’s now the publishing director of children’s books across Simon & Schuster Australia and Affirm Press, having spent over a decade as a business leader motivating and mobilising creative and operational teams to work harmoniously and make books that sell. She has worked on bestselling books across several categories driving the publishing, marketing and sales strategy of books including the Billie B Brown junior fiction series and the Life Lessons for Little Ones picture book range. She’s worked with entertainment brands including Disney, ABC Kids and The Wiggles and classic children’s book estates including Enid Blyton, Tintin, Thomas the Tank Engine and Miffy. She believes strongly that books are a right not a privilege, and that all children deserve access to quality books.

Tash will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Portfolios

She is happy to see any genre.

Savannah Hollis—Junior Editor, Hardie Grant
Savannah Hollis is an editor living in Naarm. She has edited everything from literary fiction to picture books, and has been lucky enough to work with award-winning authors from around Australia. Her career has regularly seen her working with emerging writers, LGBTQIA+ creators, and occasionally on global brands like Star Wars. Savannah has a passion for weird and wonderful books that respect young readers.

Savannah will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult

Her wish list includes: YA fiction, Graphic novels, sci-fi and fantasy in all age ranges, and smart/funny picture books

She would prefer not to see: Fart books

Lisa Fuller—Literary Agent, Alex Adsett Literary
Lisa Fuller is a Wuilli Wuilli woman, also descended from Wakka Wakka and Gooreng Gooreng peoples, she has lived on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands (Canberra) since 2006. She is a literary agent, writer and a lecturer at the University of Canberra. Lisa is passionate about children's literature, speculative fiction and culturally safe publishing. Her middle grade fantasy, Washpool, came out in March 2025.

Lisa will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult

Her wish list includes: Speculative fiction, well genre of any kind really but particularly horror on the spooky spectrum or fantasy

She would prefer not to see: Anything that has the death of a child or graphic body horror

Rowena Beresford— Managing Editor, Riveted Press
Rowena Beresford is the Managing Editor of Riveted Press, where she works closely with new and emerging authors.   Our tagline is 'Where unforgettable stories are forged', and that epitomises the potential we are looking for. Riveted Press is proud to be the publisher of unforgettable books by Australian authors and illustrators—many of which have featured in awards.   Events like this are the only way to pitch to Riveted Press, so this is an excellent opportunity to show us your work.

Rowena will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, Non-Fiction, and Portfolios

Her wish list includes: Any genre excluding horror

She would prefer: No toilet humour, graphic violence, horror, sexual content

Rochelle Stephens—Editor and Publisher, Wombat Books
Rochelle Stephens is the editor and publisher at Wombat Books and has repetitively chosen manuscripts from CYA conference for publication. She is passionate about great books with the motto of Stories you will want to share. The focus is on any books for children through to YA and new adult. We are looking for early readers, junior fiction, middle fiction, young adult and the conservative end of new adult/adult. Rochelle is excited to work with authors and develop them on their journey and often encourages repeat submissions. Rochelle is also an author in both educational writing and her Riz Chester series, with The Fingerprint Code having been shortlisted in 2024 Speech Pathology awards. She has completed her Masters in Editing and Publishing with a thesis exploring middle fiction and what children want to read.

Rochelle will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade, Not-Fiction, Portfolios

Her wish list includes: A range of stories for children through to new adult. She would love to see some crime/mystery, fantasy, any genre for children and new and unique picture books.

She would prefer: No Toilet Humour, limited violence sex etc.

Anna Solding—Publishing Director, MidnightSun Publishing
MidnightSun's Publishing Director Anna Solding is passionate about finding new Australian voices and nurturing emerging writers for all ages. Anna has a Masters and a PhD in Creative Writing and has been running MidnightSun for 12 years, publishing around 7-10 books per year, including many award-winning and well-reviewed titles. She is especially interested in books that are well written, with complex characters and unusual story lines. She loves being swept away, surprised or moved by manuscripts and is looking forward to reading your work.

Anna will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Books, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, Portfolios

Her wish list includes: Exciting adventures for younger readers and complex stories for older readers.

She would prefer not to see: Rhyming Picture Books. Anything could work for us but it has to be very well written, especially if it's a rhyming picture book (we prefer when they don't rhyme).

Submission Guidelines for Manuscript or Portfolio Critiques 

Following your booking CLICK HERE to submit your manuscript or picture book text or thumbnails or portfolio images. Please take note of the August 9, 2025 deadline and the format for submissions. Unfortunately, submissions that are late or that do not conform to the specifications cannot be accepted.

Your Manuscript critique submission should include the following:

•An overview of your project to a maximum of 1 page including your name, email and website (if applicable)

  AND IN THE SAME DOCUMENT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• An outline of your project idea with synopsis and short writing samples for comment and discussion to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times New Roman or similar

  OR

• An extract of your draft manuscript to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times New Roman or similar

  OR

• A full picture book draft text to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times Roman or similar (one picture book only)

  OR

• If a writer-illustrator an illustrated picture book dummy with text. (One picture book only)

OR

• A portfolio of up to 10 pages in pdf form

Most assessors prefer word document format for manuscripts so they can make inline notes, however, pdfs are also acceptable. Picture books in thumbnail or dummy form can be supplied as pdfs. Please label your file including Surname, Title (abbreviate if necessary), Genre (PB, C, YA) and indicate if it is Non-Fiction NF: ex. Surname_Title_PB_NF

Get excited - our biggest event of the year is nearly here! We are thrilled to announce the lineup of our Professional Development Day on Saturday July 26 at Library at the Dock. We've been scheming behind the scenes for months, and have now confirmed an epic full-day program of learning and inspiration.
 
Our FIVE incredible guest speakers will be:

• Jess McGeachin - The best bits are in the basement: A deep dive into researching and creating a children’s non-fiction book

• Karen Comer - The art of verse novels

• Leigh Hobbs - Creating characters that will engage young readers

• Jane Godwin - The 5 most important things I’ve learnt about making books for young people

• Adam Wallace - Making school visits amazing (for the kids and you!) 

Incredible lineup, right?? Read on for more details about these kidlit superstars and their presentations, which are sure to spark and enrich the creativity of authors and illustrators alike.

DETAILS AND BOOKINGS HERE!

Join us for a fun and informal afternoon of drawing and discussion. Facilitated by published SCBWI illustrators with many books to their names, you’ll have the chance to share your work and receive feedback in a relaxed, friendly and supportive online environment. Please find details below.

This event is FREE but please register so we can send you the Zoom link. Open to all current SCBWI members from Australia and New Zealand.

CLICK HERE to register. (The time is 2pm Sydney time) You will be sent the Zoom link at the time of booking.

Submit your artwork for feedback

To ensure we can spend time giving feedback to everyone who would like their illustration work critiqued, please submit up to 3 images by noon Saturday 21 June 2025.

CLICK HERE to submit your samples. Label the images with your name and sequential numbers. Example: YourName1.jpg, YourName2.jpg

The illustrations can be finished or work in progress. Let us know when you submit if you have a specific question or area of concern with the samples.

Calling All Hist-Fic & Trivia Fans!

SCBWI QLD is hosting a Historical Fiction Panel featuring some of the brightest voices in Australian children’s historical fiction. The panel includes: Charlotte Barkla, Jo Sandhu, Ali Stegert, and a special guest from NSW, Lucie Stevens. SCBWI QLD’s new ARA, Betty Loveridge, will be moderating.

Lucie will be in Queensland to launch her exciting new historical fiction, R.I.P., Nanny Tobbins.

After the panel, we’ll hold a light-hearted round of historical fiction trivia with prizes!

Books by the panel will be available for sale. Please consider a purchase to support our hosts, Quick Brown Fox, who are opening especially for us!

This meeting will also be Ali Stegert’s last hurrah as ARA of SCBWI QLD.

Booking

Tickets are limited due to the small space.

Book HERE

For the last five years SCBWI Australia East have held the Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards. The Award is managed by SCBWI Australia East and is funded by the Copyright Agency. Judged by some of the publishing world’s best, they gather to pore over submissions from incredibly talented SCBWI illustrators to choose the winning entries.

The 2025 awards open on May 1. So if you’d like your chance to have your work seen by Australian and international publishing professionals, click on this link to find out how.

To help you prepare your application, we have a special afternoon where you can hear from last year’s winners, who will talk about their craft and process, but also give you tips for preparing your submissions and share their secrets to creating a winning illustration project. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions.

PROGRAM (All times Sydney Time)

1pm-1:10pm Welcome by Susanne Gervay and Deborah Abela who will talk about the award, how it works and how you can enter.

1:10-2:45pm Let’s hear from the winners. Each illustrator will reveal their winning project and explain how the grant helped them to develop it even further.

2:45-3pm Susanne Gervay talks about what SCBWI events are coming up.

Tickets

This will be a FREE EVENT but you will need to register so we can send you the link.

This event will be recorded and the link will be available until July 1

Dear SCBWI (VIC) members

We hope your long weekend is off to a good start!

Unfortunately, the scheduled speaker for our upcoming May 10 event, Nikita Gill, Publishing Director at EK Books, has had to withdraw due to unavoidable circumstances.

Lucky for us, James Layton, Publisher of Larrikin House, is going to be taking her place - read more about James below! And a reminder that our member speakers will be author Helen Chapman and illustrator Annabelle Hale.
 
We hope you can join us at the Library at the Dock for what's sure to be a fantastic afternoon.
 
For bookings and all the information, click here!

The world of publishing is continuously on the move trying to keep up with changes in technology, society and culture. Understanding what publishers need is a huge challenge for creators trying to work with or break into the industry. In this webinar, brought to you by SCBWI Tasmania, experienced publisher Niki Horin will take you on a deep dive into the world of Australian children's publishing circa 2025 to give her insights (and hot tips) on how to best prepare yourself to maximise your chances for publishing success.

Niki Horin has an extensive publishing resume including time at Macmillian, Hardie Grant, Egmont and Five Mile Press. Now living and working in nipaluna/Hobart, she is applying her experience to new micropress imprints Hobartisan Books and Pop Art Press.

This webinar will run live on Thursday, 1st May from 7 - 8.30pm (AEST) and will include time for Q&A. Tickets are $25 SCBWI Members, $35 Non-members and are available at this link. The session will be recorded and a link made available to all ticketholders for 14 days after the event.

Save the date!

Meet with Rowena Beresford from award-winning Riveted Press!

Priority will be given to attendees of the 16 March Pitch Perfect event in Brisbane, and there will be slots reserved for SCBWI QLD members who live regionally / 100 kms outside of Brisbane.

Event booking opens 16 February, so get those manuscripts ready! Materials must be submitted immediately to give our editor maximum preparation time.

Attendees of the 16 March Pitch Perfect event will receive an optional MS Assessment booking link in their booking confirmation. First come, first serve. Regional members who’d like to take advantage of this editor appointment opportunity should send an email to scbwi.qld@gmail.com as soon as possible. First in, best dressed!

Duration: 15 minutes

Cost: $90

Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CZGKG 

Submission Guidelines

Your Manuscript critique submission should include the following:

•An overview of your project to a maximum of 1 page including your name, email and website (if applicable)

 AND IN THE SAME DOCUMENT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING :

• An outline of your project idea with synopsis and short writing samples for comment and discussion to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times New Roman or similar

OR

• An extract of your draft manuscript to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times New Roman or similar

OR

• A full picture book draft text to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times Roman or similar (one picture book only)

OR

If a writer-illustrator,

• An illustrated picture book dummy with text. (One picture book only)

OR

• A portfolio of up to 10 pages in PDF form

Deadline: 21 February, 5:00 PM, 11:59 PM

Meet with Rowena Beresford from award-winning Riveted Press!

Two Saturdays, 22 March and 29 March

Priority will be given to attendees of the 16 March Pitch Perfect event in Brisbane, and there will be slots reserved for SCBWI QLD members who live regionally / 100 kms outside of Brisbane.

Event booking opens 16 February, so get those manuscripts ready! Materials must be submitted immediately to give our editor maximum preparation time.

Attendees of the 16 March Pitch Perfect event will receive an optional MS Assessment booking link in their booking confirmation. First come, first serve. Regional members who’d like to take advantage of this editor appointment opportunity should send an email to scbwi.qld@gmail.com as soon as possible. First in, best dressed!

Duration: 15 minutes

Cost: $90

Booking: https://www.trybooking.com/CZGKG 

Submission Guidelines

Your Manuscript critique submission should include the following:

•An overview of your project to a maximum of one page including your name, email and website (if applicable)

 AND IN THE SAME DOCUMENT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

An outline of your project idea with synopsis and short writing samples for comment and discussion to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times New Roman or similar

OR

• An extract of your draft manuscript to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times New Roman or similar

OR

• A full picture book draft text to a maximum of 10 pages, double spaced in 12pt Times Roman or similar (one picture book only)

OR

If a writer-illustrator,

• An illustrated picture book dummy with text. (One picture book only)

OR

• A portfolio of up to 10 pages in PDF form

Deadline: 21 February, 5:00 PM, 11:59 PM

Join the Queensland branch for our first in-person meeting of 2025.

Pitch Perfect - A Pitch Perfecting Workshop

with Publisher Rowena Beresford

Plus - Online MS Assessments over Two Days! >>Now Closed

What’s a Pitch?

A book pitch is a brief and compelling explanation of what your story is about. A well-crafted pitch is a powerful tool for selling your project and marketing your book.

Join us to hone your pitch writing skills. By the end, you’ll know what it takes to craft a pitch that sings!

Special Guest Speaker

Rowena Beresford, Publisher & Managing Editor of Riveted Press, will share a publisher’s view of what makes a winning pitch. Attendees will have time to workshop a pitch and practise delivering it in small groups. A few willing (brave!) creators can pitch to the entire room and the publisher.

The Usual Goodies…

We’ll have our usual Book Baby Showcase and Member Milestones AND some exciting SCBWI QLD news. There may even be some of Jacqui’s fabulous cupcakes!

New-Old Venue

According to our recent survey, many members are keen to meet in the city rather than the suburbs, so we’ve booked a meeting room at Brisbane Square Library in the meeting room near the escalators.

Sunday, 16 March 2025, 10:30 AM - 12:45 PM

Manuscript Assessments Too! >> Now Closed

Rowena is available for online feedback over two Saturdays. It will be the usual 15-minute editor appointment. Booking will open on 16 February, so get those MS samples ready!

Saturday 22 and 29 March, Online

Attendees of the 16 March event get priority booking, and there will be a number of spaces reserved for current SCBWI QLD members who live regionally.

If you are a regional SCBWI QLD member who lives 100 kms outside of Brisbane, and you’d like to take advantage of this assessment opportunity, please email Ali at scbwi.qld@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

Booking an Assessment

Links to book an assessment will be sent to participants first via their event confirmation email. The cost is $90 for a 15-minute Zoom appointment with some written feedback to be sent separately .

You will be able to nominate a day, 22 or 29 March, morning or afternoon. We will do our best to accommodate your time preference, but we cannot promise you your exact wish.

Details about what to submit are included in the online application form. Please note: materials must be submitted immediately (by 21 Feb) in order to give our editor maximum time to prepare.

Any remaining appointment slots will be made available to non-attendees on 22 February.