Join us at the Art Gallery for a morning of inspired sketching and scribbling.
Meet in the Art Gallery cafe
Free Event
Hello SCBWI NSW members!
Come and join us for the first of our 2026 SCBWI social catch-ups at Bonnibel, Bondi Junction on Sunday 19 April 2026, from 2 - 4pm.
Bonnibel is just a five minute walk from Bondi Junction Station and is also easy to access by car with parking at Westfield Bondi Junction. It’s located on a side street directly behind the Coles/Myer end of the centre.
Grab a cuppa (or a wine) and meet your fellow book creators to swap bookish news, Instagram handles, laughs, and plenty of kidlit love.
This is a FREE EVENT for all SCBWI members. RSVP via TryBooking is required so we can keep you informed of any updates.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
For the last six 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 2026 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.
1pm-1:10pm Welcome by Susanne Gervay and Deborah Abela who will talk about the award, how it works and how you can enter.
1:10-1:20 Nicola Evans from CAL, who fund our Award, will chat to us about the important work of the Copyright Agency.
1:20-2:50pm Let’s hear from the winners who will talk about their winning projects, give tips and hints on entering and you’ll have the chance to ask them how they did it.
2:50-3pm Susanne Gervay talks about what SCBWI events are coming up.
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 May 17.
Our next SCBWI Vic event taking place at the wonderful Library at the Dock, Melbourne will be held on Saturday 16 May.
Our guest speaker will be publisher extraordinaire Susannah Chambers of Allen & Unwin, and our member speakers will be illustrator Prue Pittock and author illustrator Sarah Zweck.
As usual, we will be enjoying a delicious afternoon tea in the downstairs activity space, giving everyone lots of time to chat and mingle with like-minded creatives. We hope you can join us for what's sure to be an inspiring afternoon. Click here for more!! SCBWI Vic May 16 Event Bookings and Details
Under construction…
Join SCBWI creators for a stimulating and fun day of professional development. Learn from some of Australia’s most talented kids’ book creators and publishing professionals, and gear up for a nail-biting pitch to the publishers. It will be fun, fascinating and a great excuse to hang out with SCBWI friends.
Dixon Room, Ground Floor, Mitchell Library,
State Library of New South Wales
1 Shakespeare Place Sydney NSW 2000
SCBWI Members—$80
Non-members—$120
Optional lunchbox—$25
There aren’t many lunch options nearby and to reduce time searching for food and maximise time together, we suggest bringing your own lunch or opting for the lunchbox option offered by the library, who will do their best to cater to your dietary needs. The Library Café will be open for tea/coffee from 9:30am.
As well as a fascinating day listening to kids’ book creators divulge the secrets of their success, you will also have the chance to pitch your ideas to two publishing professionals… live!
A limited number of members will be given three minutes to pitch their projects to publishers in front of a live audience followed by feedback from the publishers. This is a chance for you to get to the essence of your story and fine tune what makes your manuscript special.
Free for SCBWI members who have bought tickets to attend our PD Day.
There are a limited number of spots, so if you’d like to be considered for Pitch to Publishers, please carefully follow the guidelines and submit your application by May 13, 2026. SCBWI Members Only.
Library Opens
Opening and Welcome by Pauline Fitzgerald and Deborah Abela
Finding Your Voice in Picture Books: The Secret Ingredient AI Can’t Replace
With her warm, whimsical words and illustrations, author, illustrator and designer Binny Talib has created more than forty books. She will share her journey towards finding her illustration and writing voice, the quirks, experiments and happy accidents that shaped her work. Drawing on her publishing experience, she explores how a creative voice develops, why publishers are drawn to it, and how you can begin to recognise and strengthen your own at a time when it's more important than ever. In picture books, it’s rarely about being the most polished or technically perfect, the work that stays with us is the work that feels distinct and unique.
Creating Graphic Novels: Mick Elliott and Serena Geddes
Hear from two accomplished and popular authors and illustrators as they talk us through the joyous, creative, but sometimes gruelling process of creating graphic novels, from small idea to glorious final book.
Readings
Lunch and Book Sales
Swing, Dance, Sing: On the Magic of Making Picture Books
A picture book is a tender meeting place. It’s the place where a text meets with the illustrations and the illustrations with a text. It’s the place where a child meets with an adult and an adult with a child. It’s the uniquely special place where a child meets with themselves, and also the world. So much in so little time! Where do great ideas for picture books come from then? And what really makes a picture book swing, dance, sing? Enjoy this inspiring and engaging session exploring some of the fun and the serious magic of making picture books.
The Magic of Middle Grade Fiction: Carla Fitzgerald and Peter Baldwin
Join us as we hear from creative partnership, Carla and Peter, talk about the magic of middle grade fiction and bringing award-winning stories to life in words and pictures.
Top Three Secrets to Make Your Book Shine: Ashleigh Barton and Kris Darell
These two best-selling authors will open the vault and share their top secrets to creating their beloved and highly popular books.
Readings
Afternoon Tea and Book Sales
Readings
What Makes a Kids’ Book Stand Out: Suzanne O’Sullivan and Laura Harris
Pitch to Publishers: Suzanne O’Sullivan and Laura Harris
In our final nail-biting session, watch SCBWI creators get their chance to pitch their projects live to two industry professionals.
Wrap up
Binny Talib—Illustrator & Author
Binny Talib is an award winning author/illustrator and surface pattern designer based in inner city Sydney. She has a whimsical, contemporary style and has illustrated over 40 books in Australia and internationally, ranging from picture books and baby board books to non fiction and chapter books. Her awards include The Letter Writer being selected by The Society of Illustrators New York for their annual exhibition and book, a CBCA Honour, and a shortlist medal for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. A career highlight was seeing one of her books turned into a braille edition for visually impaired readers. Binny’s book Sam Francisco, published by Rocket Bird UK, featured at Glastonbury Festival and now is a UK TV CBeebies Bedtime Story. Binny also creates wallpaper and porcelain mugs for grown ups. She works with her Border Collie at her feet, and there has never been a dessert she hasn’t liked, seriously.
Mick Elliott—Author & Illustrator
Mick Elliott is an acclaimed author, illustrator, TV producer, screenwriter and literacy ambassador whose books have been published in six international territories. He has written and illustrated picture books, junior fiction and middle grade series. His debut series, The Turners was nominated for an Aurealis Award and features on the NSW Premiers’ Reading Challenge. His picture book Mums and Dogs won a prestigious cover design award at the Whitsunday Writers Festival. Mick has written and produced acclaimed children’s TV shows for the ABC, Paramount, the Sesame Workshop and Channel TEN. He was head of creative at Nickelodeon Australia for two decades. His new graphic novel, Uranus FC – The Greatest Goal in the Galaxy from Scholastic is inspired by his love of soccer, space and hilarious stories.
Serena Geddes—Author & Illustrator
Serena Geddes is the author and illustrator of the graphic novel series Ella Forever, the highly anticipated follow-on to the beloved Ella Diaries. An internationally published children’s book creator, she is best known for popular series including Howzat Pat and Lulu Bell, along with picture books such as We Are Matildas and Hope Is a Spark. Having illustrated over eighty books, Serena has built a career around visual storytelling and empowering young readers. Now working in graphic novels, Serena explores how the form bridges the gap for readers who struggle with traditional text. She shares the creative leap into her first long-form graphic novel School Rivals navigating script writing, pacing, concept development, final artwork and the self-doubt that comes with stepping into this new format. She reflects on how graphic novel storytelling expanded her ability to express emotion and narrative momentum through visual imagery and text.
Lisa Shanahan—Writer
Lisa Shanahan is an award-winning writer of seventeen picture books and novels for young people. Some of her much-loved picture books include; Hark, It’s Me, Ruby Lee! (ill. Binny Talib), awarded the 2018 CBCA Honour Book of the Year for Early Childhood and shortlisted in the 2018 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards for Children’s Fiction, Big Pet Day (ill. Gus Gordon), the 2015 Speech Pathology Book of the Year for 5-8 years, and Bear and Chook by the Sea (ill. Emma Quay), the 2010 CBCA Book of the Year for Early Childhood. Her picture book Hello World (ill. Leila Rudge), was awarded the 2022 Speech Pathology Book of the Year for Birth-3 years, and was also a 2022 CBCA Notable Book. Lisa loves moon-gazing, making up words, black cockatoos, and hot cups of tea. She loves inspiring others to see the world, through her stories, with a vivid, new freshness.
Carla Fitzgerald—Children's Author
Carla Fitzgerald is a writer and a recovered lawyer from Sydney. Carla is the author of middle-grade novels, How to Break a World Record and Survive Grade Five (a 2025 CBCA Notable book) and How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five. A final Survive Grade Five novel will be published this year and then she hopes to have well and truly survived Grade Five! She also has a picture book and a middle-grade series out with Scholastic in 2027. Carla’s favourite things to do are write, walk, read, eat and hang out with her family. Not necessarily in that order. She also has a weakness for donuts and reality TV.
Peter Baldwin—Illustrator
Peter Baldwin is a Sydney-based illustrator and primary school teacher with a lifelong passion for drawing. His work spans children’s books, educational publishing, and commercial illustration, with titles including Lucky (Affirm Press), Granbad (UQP), the Maxi the Lifeguard series (Affirm Press), and the TC series (Scholastic). He has also created artwork for a wide range of clients, including Little Learners Love Literacy, Little Fox Inc., the Australian Museum, Educational Assessment Australia, and the NSW Department of Education. Before becoming a full-time illustrator, Peter worked in wildlife conservation education at the Australian Museum and Taronga Zoo, experiences that continue to influence his environmentally themed work. In 2019, his book Maxi the Lifeguard: The Stormy Protest won The Wilderness Society Environment Award for Children’s Literature. His background as a teacher has also shaped his approach to visual storytelling for young readers.
Credit: Syl Marie Photography
Ashleigh Barton—Children's Author
Ashleigh Barton is a bestselling children's author and copywriter. Before writing full time, she pursued her love of books (children's books especially) by working in some of Australia's biggest publishing houses, running marketing and publicity campaigns for globally renowned authors and illustrators. Ashleigh is the author of nine highly acclaimed picture books, two junior fiction series and a standalone middle grade novel, How to Sail to Somewhere. Ashleigh's work has been recognised on the CBCA Notables and/or Shortlist in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026. Her next middle grade novel, Eighty-nine Questions for After will be published in August 2026. Ashleigh lives in Sydney with her husband, three children and their dog.
Kristin Darell—Children's Author
Kristin Darell is a Sydney-based writer and the best-selling author of nine books for children, including her new middle grade series It’s a Twin Thing, and the popular junior fiction series Football Fever and Taronga presents. After working as a broadcast journalist for more than twenty years, Kristin is now a passionate advocate for children’s literature and loves visiting schools and libraries, helping kids find new ways to share the stories of their time and their world. When she isn’t writing or spending time sharing her love of stories and creativity, Kristin is working behind the scenes as the Program Director for the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation and is on the ASLA DANZ Children’s Book Awards Committee.
Suzanne O'Sullivan—Senior Editor, Penguin Random House
Suzanne O'Sullivan is a Senior Editor at Penguin Random House, working across all areas of children’s literature, from picture books to YA. Over the past twenty years, she has edited or published books by Jessica Townsend, Gabrielle Wang, Shaun Tan, Nick Bland, George Ivanoff, Mick Elliott and many others. Some of these books have won awards, some have become bestsellers, and some have achieved the greatest success possible for a kids’ book: becoming a child’s favourite.
Laura Harris—Managing Director, Laura Harris Publishing
Laura Harris taught High School for approximately six months before landing an Editorial Traineeship at the prestigious NSW School Magazine. After five years there, Laura moved to HarperCollins Publishers as a Senior Editor and in 1995 became Publisher, Adult and Children’s books. She joined Penguin Books Australia in 1999 as Publisher, Books for Children and Young Adults and became Publishing Director in 2003 and joined the Penguin Board that year as well. In March 2016, she was appointed Publishing Director at Penguin Random House Australia where she worked until 2023. In 2023 and she was a recipient of the George Robertson Award for her long and distinguished service to the Australian Publishing Industry. In 2024 she established Laura Harris Publishing, a Children's book author and illustrator services company. Laura proudly sits on the Board of WestWords and was a previous Board member of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Under construction…
Would you like to have the chance to have your kids’ book idea critiqued by a publishing professional? Well, this is your chance! We are offering 15-minute online manuscript and portfolio assessments, where you’ll receive valuable industry feedback on your work.
May 4—Tickets go on sale at 8am (Sydney time). Places are initially limited to one per person.
May 8—Tickets open for those who would like to buy a second assessment.
June 6—Deadline for Manuscripts or Portfolios to be submitted for assessment.
July 9—Reports returned to Members.
July 11—Zoom critiques
Critiques are 15 min with a publishing professional online via Zoom plus a written report.
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.
SCBWI Members only
$105 per critique and places are initially limited to one per person.
(Booking link to come)
Details on how to submit your manuscript or portfolio for your critique are below.
Jennifer Castles—Submissions Editor at Allen & Unwin Books for Children and Young Adults
Jennifer (she/her) has coordinated the Allen & Unwin Friday Pitch program for Children and Young Adults since its inception nearly 15 years ago. During that time she has reviewed thousands of submissions aimed at the 0-25 readership covering every form and genre. She has 'spotted' a substantial number of new authors who have joined the A&U list and some have even gone on to win awards. Jennifer is also an author, editor, actor, ghostwriter and manuscript fixer. She has had to pitch, present and audition way too many times and she knows how hard it is!
Jennifer will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, and Non-Fiction
She is happy to see any genre.
Michelle Madden—Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House
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, Dub Leffler, Mem Fox and Alison Lester, as well as with sporting and media stars such as Leah Purcell, Cathy Freeman and Zoe Foster Blake, and brands like Taronga and The Penguin Foundation. She enjoys picture books that speak directly to children, illustrated books for young readers that create excitement about stories, entertaining YA and middle fiction, and has a particular interest in fun non-fiction for young people.
Michelle will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, Non-Fiction, and Portfolios.
She is happy to see any genre but would prefer not to see poetry or specifically educational manuscripts.
Illustrated by Sophie Beer
Nicola Santilli—Senior Editor, Books for Children and Young Adults, Allen & Unwin
Nicola Santilli (they/them) is a senior editor at Allen & Unwin, where they help create beautiful, dynamic and interesting books for children and young adults. They have worked in Australian children’s publishing for over 15 years and served on the #LoveOzYA Committee from 2017 to 2018. Nicola is proud to have worked with many award-winning authors and illustrators across Australia. They are interested in stories that reflect the diversity of the world we live in, so that all young readers can see themselves reflected on the page.
Nicola will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, and Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult.
Nicola is open to all genres and with a wish list that includes stories by underrepresented voices, e.g. FNPOC writers, disabled writers and queer writers.
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 particularly loves middle-grade and young adult novels, and is drawn to stories with a strong, gripping voice and a unique perspective on the world.
Luna will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, and Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult.
Her wish list includes contemporary, relatable middle grade and young adult. Picture books that put a fun spin on an everyday topic.
She would prefer not to see dragon stories or high fantasy.
Heather Curdie—Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House Young Readers
Heather Curdie is a Commissioning Editor for Penguin Random House Young Readers. She works across picture books, graphic novels, and junior and middle-grade fiction and non-fiction. She has worked with many talented writers and illustrators, including Morris Gleitzman, Mem Fox, Andrew Daddo, Jane Godwin, Anna Walker, Jacqueline Harvey, Andrew Joyner, Stephen Michael King and John Williamson. Heather is energised by the constantly changing world of children's publishing, taking delight in finding and nurturing promising new talent and publishing opportunities. She also has a passion for the environment, choral music, cycling and all things outdoors!
Heather will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, Non-Fiction, and Portfolios.
Her wish list includes: Fantasy, neurodiversity, practical and fun non-fiction ideas, illustrator portfolios displaying a variety of black and white and colour work (including animals and people), graphic novels, author/illustrators.
She would prefer not to see YA and any picture books need to be out of the box!
Fay Helfenbaum—Senior Editor, Thames & Hudson Australia
Fay Helfenbaum is a senior editor at Thames & Hudson Australia working across the adult and children's lists with authors such as Zeno Sworder, Dave Petzold, Davina Bell and Sarah Zweck. She previously worked at Penguin Random House and as an independent bookseller. Fay lives in Naarm/Melbourne with her family.
Fay will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, and Non-Fiction
Her wish list includes Fiction picture books, non-fiction picture books, illustrated non-fiction with science, environmental or art subject matter, authors from underrepresented backgrounds. She is open to any genre or subject matter.
Meg Whelan—Commissioning Editor, Simon and Schuster
Meg Whelan is a commissioning editor on the children’s book team at Simon and Schuster, where she spends her days working on books for young people of all ages, across the Simon and Schuster and Affirm Press imprints. Meg has worked with award-winning and bestselling creators including Amelia Mellor, Jess Racklyeft, Jane Godwin and Lucinda Gifford, and is passionate about finding and nurturing emerging up-and-coming creators.
Meg will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, Non-Fiction and Portfolios
She is particularly interested in seeing pacy and accessible reads for middle grade and YA across a variety of genres. She is not open to verse novels.
Anna Solding—Publishing Director, MidnightSun Publishing
Anna Solding is the publisher at MidnightSun Publishing and the co-director of The Australian Short Story Festival. She has been involved in the publishing scene for over 15 years and has published many award-winning books for both children and adults. What she most enjoys reading are stories that pull her into new situations (but not necessarily new worlds) where she might not have been before. Scenarios where the characters grapple with their emotions and actions. She wants to feel what the characters feel. And she loves a surprising twist.
Anna will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, and Portfolios.
Her wish list includes: Realistic stories about children (not animals). Diversity, sexuality, race, disability, friendships, love, adventure, grief. I want genuine stories that I haven't read before. Surprise me!
She would prefer No toilet humour, unicorns, vampires, bears, dogs or dying grandparents.
Laura Harris—Managing Director, Laura Harris Publishing
Laura Harris taught High School for approximately six months before landing an Editorial Traineeship at the prestigious NSW School Magazine. After five years there, Laura moved to HarperCollins Publishers as a Senior Editor and in 1995 became Publisher, Adult and Children’s books. She joined Penguin Books Australia in 1999 as Publisher, Books for Children and Young Adults and became Publishing Director in 2003 and joined the Penguin Board that year as well. In March 2016, she was appointed Publishing Director at Penguin Random House Australia where she worked until 2023. In 2023 and she was a recipient of the George Robertson Award for her long and distinguished service to the Australian Publishing Industry. In 2024 she established Laura Harris Publishing, a Children's book author and illustrator services company. Laura proudly sits on the Board of WestWords and was a previous Board member of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Laura will critique: Picture Books, Chapter Book/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, and Portfolios.
Her wish list includes funny, smart middle grade fiction with heart and humour.
When it comes to subject matter she thinks anything might resonate when it's done very well so nothing she don't want to see although she thinks new writers of picture books should let go of trying to rhyme.
Following your booking CLICK HERE to submit your manuscript or picture book text or thumbnails or portfolio images. Please take note of the June 6, 2026 deadline and the format for submissions. Unfortunately, submissions that are late or that do not conform to the specifications cannot be accepted.
PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT ONCE with the final manuscript or images that you would like to be critiqued.
Your 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 so they can make inline notes, however, pdfs are also acceptable. Picture books in thumbnail 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
Join us for a relaxing day of writing and drawing in the magnificent Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Wander with your SCBWI friends, as we move between fascinating points of interest and are given prompts to spark our imaginations and maybe even create the beginnings of our next project. It's free and will be lots of fun. (There is a donation cost to enter the Calyx.)
Fun Fact: Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is Australia's oldest botanic garden and oldest living scientific institution.
9:30 am—Optional meet at Leaf Dept. Cafe in the Calyx for a cuppa.
10.00am—Walk to the first prompt
10:45am—Walk to the second prompt
12 noon—Lunch and show and tell. (There are cafes in the gardens but we recommend we BYO lunch and snacks)
1.00pm—Continue our tour - two more prompts
2.00pm—Show and Tell
2:30pm—Finish up...maybe a cheeky drink somewhere?
There is a donation cost to enter the Calyx but the gardens are free.
Please register your interest, so we can send you an email in the event of soggy weather. (Link to Come)
Amelia Tonta, Danielle McDonald, Jack Heath, Sandra Bennett and David Conley will be joining us for a day of picture book insights, illustration wisdom, middle grade/young adult writing tips and tricks and self-publishing discoveries.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided as well as opportunities to purchase attendees books from the NLA Bookshop. There will also be numerous lucky door prizes.
Tickets: $90 for SCBWI members and $110 for non-members
https://www.trybooking.com/DILUT
Please email scbwiact@gmail.com if you have special dietary requirements for morning tea and lunch.
Join the SCBWI SA crew for a relaxed Sunday afternoon in the Luna 10 Rooftop Bar
SCWBI Tasmania is delighted to be able to share the details of our third annual SCBWI Tasmania Creators' retreat, which is returning to Waddamanna in March 2026. A rare opportunity to get away from it all to find creative space, focus on work, meet fellow creatives and get some feedback, the retreat is open to children’s book writers and illustrators at all stages of their careers. A discounted rate is offered to SCBWI members ($220p/p) and non-members are also welcome ($260p/p).
To apply for the retreat, email scbwitasmania@gmail.com by COB Friday 6th February and tell us briefly:
about the creative project you are working on
if you are a SCBWI member (financial)
if you have a preference to share a cottage with a particular person
if you have any dietary restrictions (we may be able to match you with others in a cottage)
Places are limited so please don't delay! We will let you know by Tuesday 10th February whether you’ve been successful or placed on the waitlist.
About the Retreat
Waddamana is an old Hydro Electric Commission village in the Central Highlands, close to the geographic centre of Tasmania (see map here). The village is now in private hands and there is a Power Station museum open to the public. Accommodation is at Waddamana Stays and consists of private rooms in 3-bedroom cottages. Each cottage includes a full kitchen and all meals will be self-catered except for pizza night which is an optional extra at an additional cost of $20pp. While the program suggests bringing food to share, catering solely for your own dietary requirements is fine - as is bringing pre-prepared and frozen food. Also note the owners of Waddamana Stays operate the renowned Earthly Delights Cafe on weekends, selling the most delicious and delectable baked goods you can imagine.
In the words of past participants:
“A unique chance to share with others on a similar path, enhancing my work, evaluating and finding enwritenment.”
“I loved this weekend. Met wonderful writers, loved the guidance, the skills of the other writers both published and not, combined with the assistance and comaraderie shared. And the hearing bits of other’s stories etc, in such a beautiful location. Highly recommended.”
Program
Friday 6th March
3.00 – 6.00pm Check-in
6.30pm Communal dinner – bring a plate to share
7.30pm Introductions and works-in-progress
Saturday 7th March
9.00am Creative time (breakfast & lunch self-catered)
6.30pm Communal dinner – Pizza night (there will be a chance to order pizza in advance)
7.30pm Sharing of works-in-progress
Sunday 8th March
9.00am Creative time (breakfast & lunch self-catered)
6.30pm Communal dinner – bring a plate to share
7.30pm Sharing of works-in-progress
Monday 9th March
9.00am Clean-up (breakfast self-catered)
10.00am Check out
Please direct any questions to scbwitasmania@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you at Waddamana 2026!
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.
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
$10 for SCBWI Members
$15 for Non Members
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
SCBWI ACT invites you to a special event. Take front row seats and listen to local creatives, (Cate Whittle, Sandra Bennett, Maura Pierlot, Stephanie Owen Reeder and more) showcase their book creations.
Designed as a round-robin/fireside format, each creative will have 10 minutes to share their book/s and answer audience questions. Refreshments and a bookstall will be available during the evening. We look forward to seeing you there!
Book at https://www.trybooking.com/DBMBR
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.
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.
For SCBWI SA our Winter Workshops day is one of our highlight events of the year, and this year the SCBWI SA Committee is particularly chuffed with our location and our lineup (we are just pretty chuffed with everything we have planned) and we are sure there will be something for everyone. There’s also plenty of opportunity to mingle, in a beautiful relaxed environment, with local and visiting authors and illustrators, a mix of aspiring-to-be-published creatives to those with over twenty books under their belt.
Join us at Blackwood Library in the Adelaide Hills for an inspiring afternoon of author/ illustrator presentations with interstate author/illustrator Tania McCartney, local illustrator Alice Lindstrom, and local YA author Alina Bellchambers. Come an hour early to participate in casual critique groups with fellow SCBWI SA members. Please book EITHER Winter Workshop only OR Winter Workshop plus critique group.
Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment. We hope to see you all there.
Book HERE
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.
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.
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.
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
We have a collaborative event with teachers, librarians and creatives coming up in May. Hosted by Kate and Jol Temple and held at The Book Cow, it will be the first of many events that will occur this year.
Book through the link on The Book Cow event page. (https://www.bookcow.com.au/events)
You may like to also come along for dinner afterwards
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.
Come catch up with your local SCBWI community and tap into your creativity together! Please bring your sketch or notebooks and your favourite pens and be ready to chat and share what you are working on. The event is free, but please book a free ticket so that we can book the right amount of space to accomodate us all.
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
