Links to Publishing Industry organisations
Here you’ll find invaluable links to organisations and sites active within the publishing industry, with a listing of some of the resources, assistance and professional development available. I’ve added my own personal experiences with these very helpful organisations.
ASA – Australian Society of Authors Australia’s professional association representing writers and illustrators, providing advocacy, support and advice.
As a member, I’ve been able to access:
- contract assessments and advice, publishing information and resources.
- I’ve attended educational seminars, including understanding copyright – ‘Education Information and Copyright’ in 2013, 'From Manuscript to Book' (publishing and promotion) and 'The Big Picture' (meeting key industry players) in 2018.
- I attended ASA first National Writers’ Congress: Authorship 20/20 in 2013 and ASA’s second National Writers’ Congress 2015 Congress: Reclaim, reboot, renew. This was a great chance for networking, making new friends in the publishing industry, hearing from successful writers and illustrators and learning about the current and future issues facing the publishing industry.
- I’ve attended ASA educational webinars, including Build your Brand on Twitter 2016 (Steven Lewis), ‘Chat Room’ What are Publishers looking for? 2017 (Juliet Rogers); ASA Splat! Open Studio Tours (2019) with Alison Lester, Shaun Tan and David Coles.
- ASA Creators on Craft webinars – I’ve participated in amazing webinars with Monica McInerney, Katherine Howell, Kate Forsyth, Shaun Tan and Ann James generously sharing their creative process and tips.
- ASA/Copyright Agency Award Mentorship Program for Writers and Illustrators– a wonderful opportunity to apply for professional development for a work-in-progress. I won a 2021 Mentorship Award and am currently working on my own project with Mentor Erica Wagner. More information about this Award can be found on my blog.
- ASA even provides opportunities for connecting with trade publishers – I’ve attended a number of ASA’s ‘Literary Speed Dating’ sessions, where you get a chance to pitch your work directly to publishers.
- I subscribe to the ASA e-newsletter and keep up-to-date with topical issues, events, festivals, upcoming workshops.
- The Style File An online curated listing and showcase of professional illustrators, hosted by ASA. I’m a Style File member, which showcases my work alongside other professional illustrators.
SCBWI – Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators The international body representing writers and illustrators. Australia has its own chapters – I’m with SCBWI Australia East/New Zealand.
SCBWI offers local and international networking opportunities, particularly through their Conferences, held throughout the world. Australia’s SCBWI conference takes place biannually in Sydney. I’ve now attended three Conferences (2012, 2014 and 2016) which include guest speakers, manuscript and illustration portfolio assessments and workshops. I’ve participated in Conference Illustrator Masterclasses with Bruce Whatley, Sarah Davis and Nina Rycroft.
- I’ve taken part in the Illustrator Showcase which takes place at the Conference and is a great opportunity to showcase your own work as an illustrator. Publishers, Editors and Art Directors will view your work. This is how Sophie Masson, Publishing Director of Christmas Press found my work, which resulted in a contract!
- SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards I was thrilled to be shortlisted for this prestigious Award in 2021, in the Emerging Category, judged by Publishers Lisa Berryman (Harper Collins), Anna McFarlane (Allen & Unwin) and Nancy Conescu (Berbay Publishing). It was also so exciting as a Finalist, to have my work and my project viewed by the Final Judge, Laurent Linn (Art Director, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). You can read about this award and the winners on my blog page.
- SCBWI Australia/NZ e-newsletters blog: Features include the SCBWI Success Stories – I feature in this section on 5 March 2017 describing being ‘discovered’ by Christmas Press at the 2016 SCBWI Sydney Conference.
The newsletter also features upcoming talks, workshops, awards, news, events and opportunities for learning – I participated in ‘Perfect Your Portfolio’ and an art portfolio assessment with Donna Rawlins in 2015
- Collaborative and writer/illustrator community events. I’ve taken part in ‘Sketch and Scribble at Taronga Park Zoo’ in 2015
- SCBWI Australia/NZ organises promotional events connecting authors and illustrators with their readers at specialist bookshops. One such event which I attended was Inside Story at the Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft (2013).
- International webinars – Photoshop for Illustrators in 2017 with David Opie from USA was a helpful session on learning basic digital tools. In 2017, Build a Picture Book Dummy with Aree Chung (USA) gave insights into the benefits of using a dummy book as part of the creative process. Since 2020, SCBWI also offers free-to-members fascinating, informative and educational digital webinars from industry luminaries, on the craft of writing, illustrating and publishing.
- International opportunities and competitions – author/illustrator listing internationally, along with opportunities such as the 2017 SCBWI International Postcard Competition and Migrations Exhibition - The postcard which I created and sent, was included in the international postcard display, shining a spotlight on the plight of refugees. In 2020, I responded to the SCBWI Alaska branch call-out and entered their SCBWI Alaska Fall Conference Illustration Contest to create and design an image to be used as a poster and in other advertising media. My illustration didn’t place, but can be seen in my art folio - it was great fun to take part.
- SCBWI Draw This – my illustrations feature in this great online opportunity to showcase images inspired by a prompt word and which (hopefully) will attract the attention of publishers and art directors!
- Bologna Book Fair – SCBWI assists in promoting the work of writers and illustrators at this amazing childrens’ international book fair.
CBCA – Children’s Book Council of Australia The CBCA promotes and encourages community involvement in children’s literature with state CBCA NSW and local branches.
I’m an active member (and former committee member) of the CBCA Northern Sydney Sub-branch (NSW), which meets around 4-5 times per year, hosting a fascinating guest speaker from the children’s book industry at each meeting and culminating in a wonderful Christmas Party, where again one or two guest speakers are featured. In the past we’ve been lucky to have Alison Lester, Margaret Wild and Julie Vivas, amongst other luminaries. In 2018, I was Moderator for Illustrator Spotlight - in Conversation with Jules Faber and Aura Parker, where I interviewed two of our talented illustrator/writer members, teasing out fascinating information about their work, challenges and artistic process.
Our sub-branch also organises regular Author/Illustrator presentation afternoon teas at schools and the wonderful 'Lunch with the Stars', where excited children and teachers hear from and mingle with local authors and illustrators. I’ve presented at a few of these - you can hear about and see photos from some of these in my blog.
Sub-branch excursions. As part of the Northern Sydney Sub-branch group, I visited May Gibbs’ entrancing home on the shores of Sydney Harbour, filled with May’s original artwork and her furniture, including May’s easel, and her lovely garden, which gave her much inspiration.
CBCA National Conference is a chance to mingle with writers, illustrators, teacher librarians and like-minded professionals and hear from wonderful speakers including successful writers and illustrators. The 2016 12th National Conference featured Jeannie Baker, Graeme Base, Nadia Wheatley, Margaret Wild and Julie Vivas amongst others and was a fantastic opportunity to listen to and learn from these luminaries of the children’s publishing world - it was so inspiring!
The Australian Children’s Laureate is the CBCA program promoting children’s literature around Australia – Alison Lester and Boori Monty Pryor were co-Laureates in the two year inaugural program (2012-2013), followed by Jackie French (2014-2015) and Leigh Hobbs (2016- 2017). Laureates offer wonderful workshops and talks connecting with children and communities around Australia.
Reading Time is the CBCA book news and reviews magazine.
Kids’ Corner e-zine is a monthly CBCA NSW publication, available on the CBCA NSW website and aimed at children, but filled with fascinating articles for both young and old. I illustrated and designed the Front Cover for the September 2021 edition. To read more, visit my blog page.
The annual CBCA Book Awards reward outstanding contributions to Australian children’s literature.
CBCA Aspiring Writers Mentorship Program (which I entered in 2007and 2019) is a great opportunity for unpublished authors to professionally develop their work. I was thrilled to be long listed for this Award in 2019, with my picture book story ‘Lucy’s Menagerie’.
NCACL National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature
The NCACL collection is a ‘national treasure’. It comprises everything to do with Australian children’s literature - published books, including foreign language editions; drafts, correspondence, finished manuscripts; sketches, art roughs and dummy books, original finished artwork, illustrations; publicity material; journals, review materials… the list goes on. All these items are documented and preserved at the Centre and displayed on occasion at fascinating exhibitions (such as the recent Story Time Exhibition at National Library of Australia). The Centre can also be visited by appointment for research and educational purposes. I was very fortunate to visit both the Story Time Exhibition and NCACL, where I met the wonderful Director Dr Belle Alderman AM and her hard-working volunteer team behind-the-scenes. The Centre is based in the Library of the University of Canberra (Belconnen). I wrote about my fascinating experience here. NCACL welcomes donations of books and book ephemera to add to their collection. Because they receive no government funding, they are reliant on grants and monetary donations. Please donate to NCACL to enable them to continue their valuable work.
Copyright Agency and Viscopy are organisations providing licencing, collecting fees and distributing royalties for writers, illustrators and visual artists. They also offer educational seminars. As a member, I receive the e-newsletter, which includes information on copyright issues, grants, awards, events and seminars.
I attended Australian Society of Authors 2013 Seminar Education Information and Copyright in partnership with Copyright Agency/ Viscopy and Australian Publishers Association (APA) – a good introduction to the fundamentals of copyright.
Vivid Voice of the Artist – Age of the Image Forum (in conjunction with AGNSW) in 2016. I learnt about the challenges facing today’s visual artists, particularly with the impact of the digital world.
Based in Sydney, Writing NSW offers a huge array of courses for writers ranging from playwriting, short story, travel writing, writing historical fiction, writing autobiography, writing for children…
As a member, I’ve attended many over the years, including:
Intensive Picture Book workshop with Libby Gleeson
Creating Travel Literature with Bruce Elder
From Writer/Illustrator to Presenter with Eleanor Shakiba
The Business of being a Writer with Judith Ridge and James Roy
Writing NSW also offers a mentorship program, hosts writing groups and you can also receive manuscript assessments – I’ve had some with Leonie Tyle, former publisher with UQP. I recently took part in the Writing NSW webinar ‘Open House with Penguin Random House’, where this major publisher provided fascinating insights and a helpful behind-the-scenes look into how a publishing house works, ranging from acquisitions meetings to publicity and promotion.
Writing NSW presents a number of writer festivals each year, which include expert panels, discussions, workshops and book launches. The Children’s & YA Literature Festival is a great opportunity to network and learn from professionals. If you’re game, you can even take part in a ‘pitch a book to publishers’ session.
Books in Homes is a great organisation, supplying books to children and schools in need, all around Australia. I’m a Books in Homes Role Model and have the pleasure of presenting at Book Giving Assemblies in disadvantaged schools.
Pinerolo, The Children’s Book Cottage
Margaret Hamilton owned and ran this gorgeous cottage in Blackheath, Blue Mountains, dedicated to children’s picture books and the children’s publishing industry. In Picture Books @ Pinerolo, Margaret offered picture book weekend workshops, and I was fortunate enough to attend two, with Dee Huxley and Freya Blackwood as guest illustrators and Margaret sharing her considerable and valuable knowledge and insights as a writer and publisher. Sadly, Margaret passed away in November 2022 and she will be sorely missed. She has left behind a huge and lasting legacy in the children’s publishing industry and particularly the CBCA.
Julie Ditrich hosts and teaches comics and graphic novels and provides masterclasses and workshops with guest comics creators. I’ve completed the wonderful Visual Storytelling Success System: How to Write Comic Books and Graphic Novels with Julie Ditrich, ‘Comics Stripped Bare’ masterclass with Colleen Doran and Breaking into European Comics with Thomas Campi, which are enabling me to take my writing and illustrating in yet another direction.
Competitions
There are a number of great writing and illustrating competitions which I’ve entered over the years – all a good chance to improve your craft, receive feedback on your work and get exposure to trade publishers.
- CYA Conference and Competition takes place in Queensland and is an opportunity for new and established children’s writers and illustrators to participate in workshops and masterclasses and enter the writing and illustrating competitions. Major publishers are involved as speakers, assessors or judges.
- my 2017 picture book illustration entry into the ‘Aspiring Category: Graphic Novels, Illustrated Middle Grade Novels and Illustrated Picture Books’ won a Highly Commended award in June 2017, judged by Claire Hallifax (Scholastic).
- my 2020 picture book manuscript entry Windy Washing Day won 3rd Prize in the CYA Aspiring -2- Picture Book - Primary School section, judged by Nicola Santilli, Editor at Allen & Unwin.
- Writers’ Unleashed Festival The Sutherland Shire Writers’ Festival includes the Picture Book Writing Competition
Publishers
Amongst the many Australian publishers, The School Magazine is unique. It is a NSW Government publication producing 4 different magazines (Countdown, Blast Off, Orbit and Touchdown) for NSW schools and offers opportunities for writers and illustrators to be published in a highly respected magazine.
The School Magazine celebrated its 100th Birthday in 2016 and at the CBCA 12th National Conference, I joined fellow The School Magazine writers in a celebratory group photo, while Editor Alan Edwards cut an enormous cake! You can see more on my blog and on Twitter @YLcreate.
My poetry and short story writing have featured in Countdown and Blast Off magazines. I’ve recently had a new poem and illustration accepted for publication. Can’t wait to see it in print!
Poetica Christi Press is an Australian publisher of poetry with a Christian ethos. My two poems ‘Clouds at sunset’ and ‘How to live beyond time?’ were published in the poetry Anthology ‘Transformation’ (November 2022).
On-line and other Resources
PIO – Pass It On E-zine Jackie Hosking hosts this very helpful fortnightly e-zine, with publishing news, reviews, events and competitions. I’ve featured twice in PIO in the Meet the Illustrator feature - take a look here for my latest profile.
As a poet, Jackie hosted a Poetry Blog Tour celebrating World Poetry Day in 2016 and combining poetry with the celebration of The School Magazine’s 100 Year Anniversary - I took part along with other poets and writers Claire Saxby, Janeen Brian, Sophie Masson and Stephen Whiteside.
Buzz Words E-zine Di Bates is the Editor of this great e-zine, which includes features on competitions, awards, writing markets, publisher profiles, interviews and opportunities.
- The Inside Scoop - Di Bates interviewed me as an illustrator and I explained the process of working with Christmas Press and Sophie Masson on Jack of Spades (15 May 2017 Issue no. 249) Buzz Words also has competitions – I won the April 2016 Buzz Words Illustration Competition and received a lovely collection of new picture books as my prize. In 2020, I was interviewed for Buzz Words feature section ‘My First Book’, where I explain the inspiration for my illustrations in my debut picture book Lola and Grandpa.
Feathers of the Firebird blog Writer Sophie Masson’s blog on all things writerly. My own ‘Five Favourites’ books from childhood feature in this blog (June 2017)
Kids’ Book Review A children’s literature and book review site led by founder Tania McCartney.
Create a Kids’ Book (Dr Virginia Lowe) Virginia offers helpful manuscript assessments, workshops, book reviews and writing tips.
Just Write for Kids An online support group for writers and illustrators of children’s books. I was hosted on this wonderful site with Romi Sharp and her Book Blog Tours, for my debut picture book as illustrator, Lola and Grandpa. View the Lola and Grandpa Book Tour here.
By the Book with Brydie Wright, a wonderful weekly Radio Program (Radio Northern Beaches 88.7/90.3FM) dedicated to the children’s and YA book world. Brydie gave a beautiful review of Lola and Grandpa in Episode 50, 2020.
Creative Kids Tales A useful site for those starting out in the children’s book industry.
Threatened Treasures Project A community based project to alert, educate and inspire all Australians, especially the young, to help preserve our unique and endangered fauna, flora and eco-systems.