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.

Join us for a very special dinner with interstate author/ illustrator Judith Rossell who will speak about her award winning books. There will be plenty of time to catch up with all your SCBWI friends, or meet the friendly SCBWI SA community for the first time. The dinner will be held in the private upstairs room at The British in North Adelaide where drinks and meals will be available to purchase.

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.

Program

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?

Cost

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.

Dear SCBWI (VIC) members

Happy New Year! We hope you've had a relaxing and creative break, and are ready and inspired to launch into 2025! To help get you started, we have a fantastic line-up for our first event on Saturday 8 February.
 
Our guest speaker will be Alyson O'Brien, Publishing Director at Little Book Press. Our member speakers will be author Cassy Polimeni and illustrator Deb Hudson.
 
We hope you can join us at the Library at the Dock for what's sure to be a fabulous afternoon.

Details and bookings here!

Join us as we round out the year with a fun Christmas get together. Bring along a wrapped children's book for our Jolabokaflod book swap.

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 1 December from 2-4pm

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

Join us for our annual SCBWI SA Christmas Dinner in the upstairs room at the British Hotel in North Adelaide.

It will be a time to celebrate, let loose and reflect on the year that has been, while looking forward to the year ahead.

Bring a $10 gift to exchange (optional), and come ready for fun and games.

Date: Friday 29 November 2024

Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30PM

Where: The British Hotel
58 Finniss St, North Adelaide SA 5006

Come join us for online professional development conference.
Our keynote speaker is the incredible author and illustrator Leigh Hobbs, who will be sharing his insights with us on creating amazing characters.

Peter Arnaudo, from the Book Cow in Kingston will chat about the secrets to getting books sold.

Rachael Hind, Teacher Librarian, CBCA Shadow Judge Coordinator and book review (plus a few more hats) will be talking about how to nail school visits; and

Kathy Weeden will talk about how to tailor events and visits to diverse learners.

We are also incredibly lucky to have landed 6 manuscript assessment with… Mary Verney from Penguin Random House! Mary will be looking at chapter books, junior fiction, middle grade and YA (not picture books or illustrator portfolios). Mary will run the manuscript assessments via Zoom the day before our event – on Saturday 23 November. Note that you need to book a ticket to the main event to have an assessment.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.trybooking.com/CWGDJ.

Manuscript Assessment Submission Details

Mary Verney is happy to assess chapter books, junior fiction, middle grade and YA. Please submit the first couple of chapters, or first 15-20 pages for shorter chapters. If possible, also include a synopsis. Submissions must be sent to scbwiact@gmail.com by 1st November. Please include your mobile number with your submission, as a back up in the event of technical issues. Details of the zoom link and the exact time of your assessment will be sent to you prior to the event. A reminder that the manuscript assessments will take place between 10:00am and 12:30pm on Saturday 23rd November.

SCBWI Vic Sketch and Scribble 2024

Saturday 16 November from 12:00 – 1:00pm* followed by an optional lunch

Want to gather for some unfettered story-making fun? Join us for Sketch and Scribble this year as we take our creative instincts back to the wild side!

This year we meet at Melbourne’s iconic Sticky Institute at its brand new location, alongside Victoria Market, where we’ll gather for a quick tutorial on folding an 8-page zine from a single sheet of paper. Then people can stay at the Sticky Institute or disperse into the wilds to create something fresh, new and unburdened by publishing or marketing considerations. (But maybe you will uncover the kernel that grows into your next book!) Illustrators can pair up with writers, or you can go it alone and find your indie mojo. Flout every rule and reconnect to your inner child who loves to draw and tell stories. 

If you’d prefer to work on your current WIP, wander the market for inspiration, or simply chat with other creators, that’s fine too. After an hour of roaming, we’ll meet back at Sticky Institute, and those who want to, can go on to a local café for lunch.

Members are asked to bring their favourite pens/pencils and any sketchbooks or notebooks they need for sketching and scribbling. Zine paper will be supplied.

Meet at Sticky Institute for a 12 noon start at 510 Elizabeth Street Melbourne.

*Please note that this is half an hour later than we originally advertised, because Sticky Institute doesn’t open until noon. It’s helpful if you let us know that you’re coming so that we have an idea of numbers, but members are also welcome to show up on the day. We know how it is. Just pop on over to SCBWI Vic Instagram page and comment on the post.

p.s. hot jam donuts anyone?

It is so easy to get caught up in the technicalities of writing, and worrying about something getting published. But here's the thing ... even when you worry about all that, it STILL may not get published, so you may as well have fun and write what you love along the way!

SCBWI Tasmania invite you to join us for this exciting webinar with acclaimed author Adam Wallace as he takes us on a journey to making writing fun again and, in the process, to writing manuscripts that are a success whether they are picked up by a publisher or not.

Multi-talented, NYT best-selling author Adam Wallace has sold over 11 million books world-wide. With a foot in both trade and self-publishing camps Adam has lots of wisdom to share. Join us online on Thursday, 14th November from 7 - 8.30pm (AEDT daylight saving time); Adam's presentation will be followed by a live Q&A.

Tickets:

Tickets $25 SCBWI Members; $35 Non-members.
This webinar will be recorded and a link made available for 14 days after the event.

Join us once again for our annual Professional Day Conference - in-person at CDW Studios in the Adelaide CBD.

We are excited to bring you a wonderful line-up of authors and illustrators and can’t wait to connect with everyone and share the highs and lows of the past 12 months.

Ticket Prices:
$55 Members
$85 Non Members
$20 CDW Students

PRESENTERS:

Tony Flowers
https://www.flowersink.com.au/

Tony Flowers loves to draw and is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and artist. His drawings are loved in Japan for their detail and humour and he has won an award in the USA for his street chalk art.

Tony will be joining us over Zoom.

Tania Ingram
https://taniaingram.com/

Tania Ingram is an internationally published author of children’s picture books, novels and poetry. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and prior to becoming an author, worked as a child psychologist. In her spare time, Tania likes to read and craft. She’s learning to play the ukulele and often sings to her chickens who pretend to be underwhelmed by her talent.

Chanelle Gosper
https://www.hachette.com.au/chanelle-gosper/

Chanelle Gosper is a writer based in South Australia, where she lives with her husband, daughters and a whole lot of story ideas. A lifelong love of learning and adventure has seen her live in three different countries, travel the world and enjoy a colourful career that includes primary school teaching, recruitment, healthcare support and marketing. While writing has been a constant companion on all her adventures, Chanelle is only now pursuing her dream of sharing her stories with the world.

Danielle Clode
https://danielleclode.com.au/

Danielle is an award winning author of Australian non-fiction books. Her writing includes natural history, essays, science-writing, historical fiction and best-selling children’s books as well as documentaries.  Her books have won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for non-fiction, the Federation of Australian Writers award for excellence in nonfiction, a Whitley Award for popular zoology and been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia and National Biography awards and longlisted for The Nib Literary Award.

Danielle will be joining us over Zoom.

Mandy Foot
https://www.mandyfoot.com/

Mandy is an award winning, best selling author and illustrator of more than 25 picture books, predominantly with an Australian theme. She holds a Bachelor of Design specialising in Illustration from the University of South Australia, is an Ambassador for Raising Literacy Australia, a Role Model for Book in Homes, the Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI SA branch (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and a huge animal lover.

Adam Cece
https://adamcece.com/

Adam Cece is an award-winning author of children’s books, including the hilarious Huggabie Falls series, and an SA Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador. His mission, which he has chosen to accept, is to travel the country and inspire children to read and write, by sharing his journey, and his world of books and words, and delving into the process of writing and the structure of stories, and, most importantly, having lots of fun in the process.

Kelly Hibbert
https://kellyhibbert.com/

Kelly Hibbert is the author of Sebastian and the Special Stack of Stories, published by HarperCollins in 2018. Her first picture book, Fancy Pants, was published by the Little Big Book Club in 2016 and distributed to 42000 preschool children across the state and also gained a place on the long-list for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards. Kelly divides her time between teaching and writing, sometimes combining the two. In every spare moment, she enjoys exploring the foothills with her family, often speaking in rhyme even if someone asks her to stop.

Dear SCBWI (VIC) members

Are you new to SCBWI? Would you like to know more about how we work? If so, come along to our new member Meet and Greet event on Saturday 12th October, 2024. See all the details here!

Jane Godwin has been in the publishing game for over thirty years, as a writer, editor, publisher, speaker and mentor. Come along and meet Jane as she shares some of her experiences and lessons she’s learned along the way, and offers tips and suggestions for others in their creative pursuits.

Members are invited to join us afterwards for dinner with Jane at La Capanna, Kingston

Book here.

Jane Godwin is the highly acclaimed author of over forty books for children and
young people, across all styles and ages. Her work is published internationally and she has received many commendations, including the 2024 Pixie O’Harris Award for services to children’s literature.

Jane's most recent novels for 11 – 14 year olds are A Walk in the Dark and Look Me in the Eye (published by Hachette), and recently acclaimed picture books include A Life Song (Penguin Random House), illustrated by Anna Walker and winner of the 2024 ABIA Award, Picture Book category, and Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? (Hardie Grant), illustrated by Terry Denton and shortlisted for the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year Award – Early Childhood.

Jane was the Children’s Publisher at Penguin Books Australia for over a decade where she developed, championed, and worked with many authors and illustrators. Jane has produced books for a wide range of readers, from very young children through to Young Adult and crossover titles.

Jane is dedicated to pursuing quality and enriching reading and writing experiences for young people, whether it’s as a writer, a publisher or a speaker/facilitator in schools.

An in-person professional development day with 2 days of online manuscript and portfolio assessments

In the Metcalfe auditorium of the State Library of NSW, join SCBWI creators for a stimulating 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.

In conjunction with our creative day, we are offering 15-minute online manuscript and portfolio assessments in the weekends before, where you can receive feedback on your work from Australian and overseas professionals.

For those who purchase a Create and Critique-a-palooza ticket, you will have first chance at securing an assessment. You will be sent an email with the code for the critique ticket portal when you purchase your ticket for the in person event.

The Critiques will open one week later for those who would like the assessment only or would like to book a second critique.

BOOKINGS CLOSE 22 AUGUST

Create and Critique-a-Palooza In Person Event—Sept 7

Where: Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of NSW
Time: 10:00am to 4:30pm
Ticket Cost: $75
Tickets: On Sale from May 2

Food: Optional $19.50 lunchbox. There aren’t many lunch options nearby and to reduce time searching for food, we suggest the lunchbox option offered by the library who will do their best to cater to your dietary needs or you are welcome to bring your own lunch. The café will be open for tea/coffee from 9:30am.

For those who purchase a Create and Critique-a-palooza ticket, you will have first chance at securing an assessment. You will be sent an email with the code for the critique ticket portal when you purchase your ticket for the in person event.

Online Manuscript and Portfolio Assessments—Aug 24 and 31

SCBWI Members only — SOLD OUT
$105 per critique and places are initially limited to one per person.
Click here to for more information about the critiques.

Tickets will go on sale from May 2 at 8am for those who buy a Create and Critique-a-Palooza ticket or from May 9 for those who’d like the assessment only or would like to buy a second assessment.

For those who purchase a Create and Critique-a-palooza ticket, you will have first chance at securing an assessment. You will be sent an email with the code for the critique ticket portal when you purchase your ticket for the in person event.

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.

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

Pitch to Publishers—Sept 7

Do you have a cracking proposal you’d love to pitch to some of Australia’s leading kids’ publishers? Then the SCBWI Pitch to Publishers is for you! 

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 Create and Critique-a-Palooza ticketholders who are SCBWI members and attending in person. 

If you’d like to be considered for Pitch to Publishers, please carefully follow the guidelines and CLICK HERE to submit your application by August 7, 2024. SUBMISSIONS NOW CLOSED.

Program

10am—Library Opens

10:15-10:30am—Opening and welcome by Pauline and Susanne

10:30-11:00am—Digital Collage with Sean E Avery
Using a combination of traditional media for warmth and digital media for versatility, Sean E Avery builds and shapes picture book worlds and characters that delight critics and kids alike. Join him for a live illustration demonstration as he describes the digital collage process he used to create his bestselling, award-winning picture book, Frank's Red Hat.

11:05-11:55am—Creating Great Characters: Diversity and Family Dynamics with Alison Stegert and Kate Foster
Map family history and relationships to enhance your character, then dive into the dos and don'ts of writing underrepresented people sensitively and fairly. 

11:55-12:05pm—Readings

12:05-12:45pm—Lunch and Book Sales

12:50pm-1:20pm—Creating Great Picture Books: Putting Pictures to Thousands of Words with Cheryl Orsini
What I’ve learnt from drawing pictures and colouring-in for a living. Stories from the art department desk and the happy mistakes in my studio. 

1:25pm-2:15pm—Creating Great Series: Alexa Moses, Nathan Luff and Kate Wenban
Join successful authors, Nathan and Alexa, and publisher Kate, as they share their secrets about what makes a great series that kids love!

2:15-2:25pm—Readings

2:25pm-2:50pm—Afternoon Tea and Book Sales

2:55-3:05pm—Readings

3:05-3:35pm—Laura Harris: Storyteller, teacher, enchanter?  A great kids' book creator is always a great enchanter!
On distinguishing your writing and illustrations from a sea of sameness.

3:40-4:10pm—Pitch to Publishers: Laura Harris, Kate Wenban
In our final nail-biting session, watch SCBWI creators get their chance to pitch their projects live to two industry professionals.

4:10pm-4:15pm—Wrap up

Presenters

Sean E Avery—Illustrator and Author
Sean E Avery is a primary school art teacher, author-illustrator, and designer born in South Africa; living in Perth, Western Australia. Nationally, he is best known as the creator of best-selling children's picture books, All Monkeys Love Bananas and Frank's Red Hat. His picture book, Happy as a Hog Out of Mud, won the 2022 WAYRBA Picture Book of the Year Award and Frank's Red Hat won the 2023 CBCA Shadow Judges and WAYRBA Picture Book of the Year awards and was shortlisted for the 2023 Indie, Global Kids Entertainment, Taco and CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. His books have been translated into Arabic, Mandarin, French, Korean, German and Danish. The first book in Sean's new graphic novel series, Ducky the Spy, published by Walker Books Australia, is out now.

Laura Harris—Publisher

Laura completed a bachelor’s in education before landing an Editorial Traineeship at the prestigious NSW School Magazine. Laura then moved to HarperCollins Publishers as a Senior Editor and then became Publisher. She joined Penguin Books in 1999 as Publisher and became Publishing Director in 2003, joining the Board that year as well. In 2016, she was appointed Publishing Director at Penguin Random House where she worked until 2023. Laura has shaped many books over her 35 years in publishing including works by Mem Fox, Aaron Blabey, Morris Gleitzman, Felice Arena, Gus Gordon, Melina Marchetta and Sonya Hartnett. In 2023, Laura celebrated 35 years in publishing and was a recipient of the George Robertson Award for distinguished service to the Australian Publishing industry. 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.

Alexa Moses—Author and Screenwriter
Alexa Moses is a children's author and screenwriter. Her books include the new series Twinning for 7-11 year olds, and the Michaela Mason’s Worries series for 8-12 year olds (Scholastic Australia). In 2020, her picture book Bat vs Poss was short-listed for the CBCA awards, and she contributed to the CBCA-nominated poetry book, A Boat of Stars. Alexa's hobbies include reading, going to the gym, eavesdropping on interesting conversations, and arguing with anyone who's game.

Nathan Luff—Author and Playwright
Nathan Luff is the author of The Nerd Herd and Family Disasters series and the middle grade novels Chicken Stu and Bad Grammar. Nathan is also a playwright, primary school teacher, and currently the YA and Children’s Manager for the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Kate Wenban—Senior Editor, Scholastic Australia

Kate has been working in the publishing industry for over 15 years, most of those as an editor at Scholastic Australia. In that time, she’s edited Australian picture books, middle grade illustrated fiction and junior fiction—including Ella Diaries, Minutes of Danger, Liars, Fartboy and Daring Delly. Kate also has extensive experience writing and editing books for major licensors such as Disney, Marvel, Nickelodeon and DC Comics. Kate’s academic background is in psychology, cultural studies and English.  

Alison D Stegert—Author
Alison D Stegert has worked as an innovative school guidance officer, a bumbling waitress, and an intrepid camp counsellor, but creating kids’ books is her dream-come-true job.

Her latest book, Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies, was published in the UK in July 2023 and released in Australia by Scholastic in 2024. The book is the result of Alison’s 2021 win of the prestigious international competition The Times | Chicken House | IET 150 Prize.

Ali heads up the Queensland branch of  SCBWI Australia East and the chief scribe at the Sunny Coast Writers’ Roundtable.

Cheryl Orsini—Illustrator and Author

Hello, I'm Cheryl, and I draw pictures for my supper. I've been illustrating children's books, magazines, portraits and painting a great many peg dolls for more years than I care to count. I've illustrated more than seventy books including The ABC Book of series (ABC Books /Harper Collins), The Travelling Bookshop series (ABC Books /Harper Collins), The Greatest Mistakes That Went Right (Affirm Press), Lucy’s Book (Lothian Books/Hachette Australia), The Fairy Dancers (ABC Books), Pom Pom, Where Are You? (Viking/Penguin) and Caravan Fran (Lothian Books/Hachette Australia). My work also appears on TV in Gardening Australia Junior, in magazines, murals and I'm a regular participant at the Sydney Writers’ Festival and Russ the Story Bus – honk if you love books! www.cherylorsini.com

Kate Foster—Author

Kate Foster is a children's author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the southeast of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Queensland with her family and second-hand dogs.

She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks.

Her best-selling and award-winning middle grade novels are published across three territories and include PAWS, The Bravest Word, Harriet Hound, and The Unlikely Heroes Club. Her forthcoming titles include Small Acts, co-written with Kate Gordon and Camp Spook: Attack of the Aliants, a comedy sci-fi co-written with Pip Harry.

Kate founded the ASLA Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Award, as well as Author Pen Pals.

Our Winter gathering at ‘Library at the Dock’ in Melbourne was our final official gathering of the year. Each event brings the audience inspirational speakers who are so generous with their time and their sharing of information. We had over fifty attendees who created an exciting buzz throughout the event.

The afternoon commenced with a warm welcome from Caz Goodwin, our Victorian ARA.

Our popular ‘Show & Tell’ segment featured fabulous members sharing their latest book release or award or other bookish news. Congratulations to everyone!

Our first member speaker and past ARA for Victoria SCBWI, was author Corinne Fenton. Corinne’s books are often picture-book histories of animals whose lives have become legendary. Her award-winning books include Lionel and Me, My Friend Tertius, Bob the Railways Dog, The Dog on the Tuckerbox and Queenie: One Elephant’s Story. Her titles Little Dog and the Christmas Wish and One Christmas Eve, were chosen as themes for the Myer Christmas Windows in consecutive years.

It was fascinating to hear about Corinne’s recent trip to Japan where she gave a presentation to a group of SCBWI members living in Tokyo. Corinne said the visit reaffirmed her understanding of the value of SCBWI and the opportunities that lie beyond Australia for SCBWI members.

Corinne then shared how some of her previous overseas visits to both SCBWI New York Conference and Bologna Book Fair, resulted in the scribbling of story drafts which became picture books, One Lone Swallow and Scruffle-Nut. I think we can all relate to sketching or scribbling when inspiration strikes!

Next, we heard from member speaker, illustrator/author Michelle Conn. Michelle’s debut picture book Raised by Moths, written by Charlie Archbold was awarded a 2024 CBCA Notable Picture Book and shortlisted for the New Illustrator Award. Her second picture book All You Can Be, written by Angela Casabene is a best seller in Australia and has sold publication rights internationally.

Michelle shared her processes as a writer and from the lens of an illustrator. She spoke about the highlights of her creative journey, including when her name was pulled out of a hat at a SCBWI Victoria event two years ago and how this has changed the course of her life as a children’s book creator. This lucky moment quickly transitioned into a publishing contract with other contracts soon to follow. We learned of Michelle’s early influences, her graphic design studies, becoming a primary school teacher and how picture books were a favourite tool in the classroom. Michelle’s passion for art and books never waned and whilst she was a teacher, she took one month of to experiment with how to create a picture book. Now she is making books professionally and one of her new releases in September 2024 is a debut as author/illustrator, The Christmas Star with Affirm Press.

Next, we enjoyed afternoon tea in the break out room overlooking Docklands harbour — an opportunity for people to catch up, network, meet new members while enjoying coffee with a delicious cannoli or croissant.

To finish the afternoon, Caz Goodwin introduced our guest speaker, Karys McEwan. Karys is the current vice president (and immediate past president) of the Victorian branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. She was a judge for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards from 2020-2021 and the Victorian Director on the National CBCA Board for several years. Karys is also a passionate secondary school librarian, bookseller, and the Education Advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival. She has been a columnist for Books+Publishing and her work has appeared in library journals such as Synergy, Incite and Connections. She has also been on the committee for the School Library Association of Victoria (SLAV), Melbourne City of Literature Office, and the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge.

It was fascinating to learn about the differences between the State and National CBCA roles, the judging of the Book Awards and the criteria of the Awards.

Karys loved books growing up and throughout her life and while she didn’t imagine writing one, her debut middle grade novel, All the Little Tricky Things, was published by Text Publishing in 2022, and her second middle grade novel, The Paperbark Tree Committee, will be published in April 2025.

Karys generously answered questions from the audience before drawing two lucky door prize winners from the lucky hat. Thanks to Michelle Conn and Corinne Fenton for providing the prizes.

Thanks again to our wonderful and generous speakers Karys McEwen, Corinne Fenton and Michelle Conn. We always learn so much from every gathering and leave feeling inspired.

 And thank you to our SCBWI Vic Team, Caz Goodwin, Amy Adeney, Judy Watson, and me (Kaye Baillie) and a big thanks to everyone who joined us to make it a special afternoon. Mark your diaries for our next event on October 12 which will be a Meet and Greet for new members to chat with members of our committee.