Date/Time
Date(s) - 12/Mar/2023
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Don’t miss SCBWI’s awesome Create-and-Critique-a-Palooza online event, where you get to hear from some Australia’s finest publishers and creators and have the chance to submit your work for assessment by both local and overseas industry professionals.
To kick off the Palooza you will hear from amazing author and editor, Sue Whiting, and marvelous freelance illustrator and art director Sarah Davis, who will give you their expert opinions on how to prepare for your manuscript and portfolio critique. After a jam-packed few days of critiques, you will round out the week by hearing from inspiring Penguin Random House publisher, Zoe Walton, on the fine art of editing, and from awesome author illustrator, Gus Gordon on drawing and creating picture books and graphic novels. What a Palooza!
Program
Day 1—Sunday March 12, 2023 (all times Sydney time)
1pm—Welcome
1.10pm–2pm—Sarah Davis: Portfolio Pit-Stop
Let’s tune the engine, flush the hoses, polish the chrome – and get your illustration portfolio roadworthy!
We’ll cover ways to curate and cull content, choose a format and present your work in its best light, create relevant new pieces, seek and respond to feedback, and get your portfolio in front of people who might hire you.
2pm-2.50pm—Sue Whiting: How to Make the Most of Your Critique
Having your manuscript critiqued by a professional can be nerve-wracking and anxiety filled – but it is also one of the most beneficial things you can do to develop your craft and to get your work in front of publishers. You generally only have about 15 minutes – so how do you make the most of these precious minutes? Sue Whiting will delve into the mystique of the manuscript critique and illuminate how best to make those minutes matter.
2.50-3pm—Book Babies: The Elevator Pitch Edition
Day 2—Sunday March 19, 2023 (all times Sydney time)
1pm—Welcome
1.10pm–2pm—Zoe Walton
2pm-2.50pm—Gus Gordon: Making books, telling stories; from a story seed to publication
2.50pm-3pm—Critique Week wrap up
Critique-a-palooza (All ticket times Sydney time)
Zoom critiques take place throughout the week of Sunday March 12 through Sunday March 19, 2023. All ticket times are Sydney time.
Tickets
Tickets for 2 day online event
CLICK HERE to book on Trybooking.
Open to SCBWI members only. Tickets are $30 for the 2 day online event.
You will be sent a link and password for the Zoom Event at the time of booking your ticket.
The two day presentation will be recorded and available for a limited time.
Tickets for Critiques
CLICK HERE to book on Trybooking.
Critiques are only available to SCBWI Members who are also attending the 2 Day online event.
Tickets are $95 per Critique.
Critiques are 15 minutes plus an additional scheduled time for changeover. Critiques are limited to SCBWI members attending the 2 day online event. At time of booking you will be able to choose your preference from the available time slots and assessors. Critique Tickets will be released December 2 at 8am.
We know there are many SCBWI-ites who would love to book more than one portfolio or manuscript critique. We are limiting the critique bookings to one per person for the first week so everyone has the opportunity to book at least one critique but will open for multiple bookings on 9 December.
Following your successful booking, submit your manuscript via the form linked below. Deadline for manuscripts, portfolios or PB dummies is February 5, 2023. Please submit only once with the final version that you would like to be critiqued!
You will be sent an email with instructions for your Zoom Critique at the time of booking.
Submission Guidelines for Critiques
Following your booking CLICK HERE to submit your manuscript, portfolio or PB dummy. Please take note of the February 5, 2023 deadline and the format for submissions. Unfortunately, submissions that are late or that do not conform to the specifications cannot be accepted. Please submit only once with the final version that you would like to be critiqued!
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 (for verse novels only)
An extract of your draft verse manuscript to a maximum of 10 pages, 1.5 spaced (not any less) 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, even if it’s just a few pages long)
OR
If a writer-illustrator an illustrated picture book dummy with text in pdf format. (One picture book only)
Most assessors prefer word document format so they can make inline notes, however, pdfs are also acceptable. Pdf format for picture book dummies. Please label your file including Surname, Title (abbreviate if necessary), Genre (PB): ex. Surname_Title_PB
If you opt for a Portfolio Critique, your Portfolio critique submission should include the following:
A portfolio of work consisting of up to 10 A3 pages saved as a single pdf document. Please label your file as FirstName_Surname. Maximum file size is 10mb.
Presenters
Sarah Davis
Sarah Davis is an award-winning illustrator, character designer, and book designer. She works with most major Australian publishing houses as well as clients across the film, animation and commercial sectors. Many of the books she has illustrated have become successful, long-lived and well-loved series. She has an honours degree in literature, and her love of language inspires her illustration work. With each new project, she experiments with innovative ways to create visual narratives, working across a range of media. She has 4+ years experience in-house as associate art director at Walker Books Australia, where she collaborated with some of Australia’s finest picture-book illustrators to help produce a list of beautiful, award-winning books of which she is very proud.
Sue Whiting
Sue Whiting is an award-winning children’s and YA author and editor who has worked in publishing for twenty+ years. Sue was senior commissioning editor and publishing manager for Walker Books Australia for many years before leaving in 2016 to concentrate on her writing. As a storyteller and schools’ performer, Sue has informed, inspired and entertained thousands of kids across the country. She has also worked as a freelance children’s book editor and writing coach, and is the author of numerous books, including the bestselling Missing, the acclaimed The Book of Chance and a number of CBCA Notable Books. Sue’s latest books are Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast, the first in a new junior fiction series, and the narrative nonfiction picture book The Echidna Near my Place, illustrated by Cate James, and her historical novel, Tilda.
Zoe Walton—Publisher, Penguin Random House Australia
Zoe Walton is a publisher of books for young readers at Penguin Random House Australia. Zoe edits New York Times bestseller John Flanagan, whose Ranger’s Apprentice and Brotherband series have sold 15 million copies. She publishes popular and award-winning Australian authors including Deborah Abela, Nat Amoore, Tristan Bancks, Tim Harris, Shirley Marr, Tobias Madden, Belinda Murrell, Lynette Noni, A.L. Tait, Renée Treml and Anna Zobel.
Gus Gordon is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and author. He has illustrated and written over 80 books for children. His books Wendy, Herman and Rosie (2013 CBCA Honour book), Somewhere Else (2017 Speech Pathology book of the year), The Last Peach and Finding François have sold in over 20 countries worldwide and have received wide recognition. He has been shortlisted for the German Youth Literature Award, the Sakura Medal in Japan, the Kirico book awards in Spain, the Les Incorruptibles prize in France, the Premio Anderson Children’s Book award in Italy and has twice been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s largest award for children’s and young adult literature. He lives with his wife and three kids in Sydney, Australia.
Australian and US Critique Assessors
All ticket times are Sydney time.
Marissa Brown—Agent, Pippin Properties, US
Marissa Brown has always been a reader. She is never without a book (or three, just in case). But it wasn’t until high school that she realized she could have a career in books. She studied English Literature at DePauw University in Indiana prior to attending the NYU Summer Publishing Institute. There she was introduced to the world of literary agencies and immediately knew she wanted to become an agent, which led her to Pippin.
Marissa is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter/Middle Grade Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult and Portfolios. Her wish list includes middle grade, young adult, YA rom-com, ensemble cast, found family, BIPOC authors and artists and stories, LGBTQ+ stories, mental health, chronic illness, witches, vampires and heists. Subject matter she would prefer not to see for a critique includes toilet humor, pregnancy or birth, assault or suicide.
| Sunday, March 12th | 8.00am | Sunday, March 19th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | 8.20am | ||
| 8.40am | 8.40am | ||
| 9.00am | 9.00am | ||
| 9.20am | 9.20am | ||
| 9.40am | 9.40am |
Kayla Cichello—Literary Agent, Upstart Crow Literary, US
Kayla Cichello is an agent with Upstart Crow Literary open to picture books through YA and illustrators. She’s searching for voices that can make her laugh, and keep her turning the page, but above all else, voices that feel authentic and honest. Some of her clients include Ana Otaru, author of the upcoming picture book MASQUERADE FOR GRANDPA (Atheneum/S&S, 2023), and a follow up in 2024, and Kat Uno, illustrator of the MERMAID DAYS series (Scholastic). You can find more about Kayla’s taste at www.upstartcrowliterary.com.
Kayla is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, and Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult. She is always looking for contemporary YA and MG especially and would prefer not to critique chapter books.
| Sunday, March 19th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | |
| 8.40am | |
| 9.00am | |
| 9.20am | |
| 9.40am |
Heather Curdie—Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House Young Readers
Heather Curdie is a Commissioning Editor for Penguin Random House Young Readers. She works on a wide range of genres from picture books, junior fiction and middle fiction through to young adult. She has been fortunate to work with many talented writers and illustrators, including Morris Gleitzman, Mem Fox, Oliver Phommavanh, Robert Newton, Andrew Daddo, Jane Godwin, Anna Walker, Andrew Joyner, Christopher Cheng, Stephen Michael King, Aura Parker, John Williamson and Phillip Gwynne. 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, cycling and all things outdoors!
Heather is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Non-Fiction and Portfolios. Her wish list includes Illustrator portfolios showing versality in styles and genres (picture books, graphic novels, b/w internals; covers); heartfelt and/or funny junior or middle grade fiction; fantasy; graphic novels. She is open to all work but it should be exceptionally well written/executed and researched, with a proposal explaining why it holds a unique place amongst the vast amount of competition out there.
| Thursday, March 16th | 6.00pm |
| 6.20pm | |
| 6.40pm | |
| 7.00pm |
Sarah Davis
Sarah Davis is an award-winning illustrator, character and concept artist, and book designer. She works with most major Australian publishing houses as well as clients across the film, animation and commercial sectors. She has an honours degree in literature, and her love of story inspires her illustration work. With each new project, she experiments with innovative ways to create visual narratives, working across a range of media, and many of her books have become successful, long-lived and well-loved series. She also has 4+ years experience in-house as associate art director at Walker Books Australia, collaborating with some of Australia’s finest picture-book illustrators to help produce a list of beautiful award-winning titles.
Sarah is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade and Portfolios
| Sunday, March 12th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | |
| 8.40am | |
| 9.00am | |
| 9.20am | |
| 9.40am |
Orlando Dos Reis—Editor, Scholastic Publishers, US
Orlando Dos Reis is an editor at Scholastic, acquiring middle-grade and young adult fiction. He got his B.A. in creative writing from Virginia Tech and his M.A. in English with a concentration in literature for children and young adults from Kansas State University. Orlando began his career in publishing at Abrams before moving to Scholastic. He lives in New York City.
Orlando is happy to critique Chapter Books/Middle Grade and Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult. His wish list includes fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary.
| Thursday, March 16th | 8.00am | Friday, March 17th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | 8.20am | ||
| 8.40am | 8.40am | ||
| 9.00am | 9.00am | ||
| 9.20am | 9.20am |
Stephen Fraser—Senior Literary Agent, The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency, US
Stephen Fraser has been a literary agent with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency in New York City for seventeen years, after working for more than twenty-five years at seven major publishers including Harper-Collins, Simon & Schuster, and Scholastic. His clients have won the Newbery Honor Medal, both the Edgar and PEN awards, and received multiple starred reviews. He is graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont with a degree in English Literature and has a Master’s Degree in Children’s Literature from Simmons College in Boston. Stephen is a popular speaker at writer’s conferences throughout the country.
Stephen is happy to critique Picture Books and Chapter Books/Middle Grade.
| Wednesday, March 15th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | |
| 8.40am | |
| 9.00am | |
| 9.20am |
Ellen Goff—Agent, HG Literary, US
Ellen graduated from The University of Chicago with a BA in English, a minor in Cinema and Media Studies, and a focus in Creative Writing. Ellen has worked everywhere from The White House under the Obama administration to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. At HG Literary, she assists partner and agent Carrie Hannigan on all children’s titles from picture books to middle grade to young adult. Ellen’s own list consists of YA writers and illustrators, as well as middle grade and picture book writers. She is also a member of HG Literary’s foreign rights team. Ellen runs a YA writing group and workshop in NYC.
For picture books, Ellen is looking for author-illustrators, and projects that highlight the sparse and simple. She is interested in all genres and formats of YA, especially anything spooky, historical fiction, martial arts, graphic novels, and novels-in-verse. Ellen might be convinced on a nonfiction project if it involves food. She has a soft spot for Shakespeare as well as southern stories that remind her of her home state of Kentucky. Ellen is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/YA, Non-Fiction and Portfolios.
| Wednesday, March 15th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | |
| 8.40am | |
| 9.00am | |
| 9.20am | |
| 9.40am |
Kelsey Horton—Senior Editor, Delacorte Press, US
Kelsey Horton is a Senior Editor at Delacorte Press. Notable books on her list include the New York Times bestselling series A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson and the Kissing Booth series by Beth Reekles which has become a Netflix hit. Kelsey also is the editor of both commercial and literary middle grade books by Lisi Harrison, Jen Calonita, Kereen Getten, Dana Alison Levy and Schneider Award winner Lynne Kelly. Additionally, Kelsey has been instrumental in launching the Underlined Paperbacks program this past year. She is currently on the lookout for commercial series, thrillers, high concept romances, contemporary middle grade standalones with award potential and fresh retellings across genres.
Kelsey is happy to critique Upper Middle Grade and Young Adult manuscripts. Her wish list includes thriller, contemporary, romance but she would prefer not to see Fantasy, historical, graphic novels.
| Thursday, March 16th | 8.00am | Friday, March 17th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | 8.20am | ||
| 8.40am | 8.40am | ||
| 9.00am | 9.00am | ||
| 9.20am | 9.20am | ||
| 9.40am | 9.40am |
Coral Huckstep—Editor, Affirm Press
I am an editor in the children’s team at Affirm Press, wherein work rarely feels like work because it’s so fun and interesting! I look after many of our picture books, which involves working closely with our authors, illustrators and designers. I love the process of following a picture book from acquisition through to publication and collaborating with all the creators involved to make the book as wonderful as it can possibly be. If I’m not working on a picture book, I’m copyediting our junior fiction and middle grade novels, or reading manuscripts for possible acquisition.
Coral is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, Non-fiction and Portfolios. Her wish list includes funny junior fiction and/or middle grade; Sports in junior fiction and/or middle grade; Heartfelt picture books; Funny picture books; Historical middle grade; fantasy or magical realism middle grade; Contemporary YA
| Sunday, March 12th | 10.20am |
| 10.40am | |
| 11.00am | |
| 11.20am | |
| 11.40am | |
| 12.00pm |
Anouska Jones—Publisher, EK Books
Anouska Jones is the Publisher at EK Books, the children’s picture book imprint of Exisle Publishing. Launched in 2013, this boutique imprint is home to some award-winning titles and best-selling books, and was nominated for Best Children’s Publisher of the Year, Oceania region, at Bologna Book Fair in 2019 and 2022. Anouska has nearly 30 years’ experience in book publishing and in that time has worked in every genre from self-help to military history, from cookery to travel, but children’s books are her favourite!
Anouska is happy to critique Picture Books. She says the EK Books motto is ‘books with heart on issues that matter’ so she would love to see manuscripts that embrace that.
| Sunday, March 12th | 10.20am |
| 10.40am | |
| 11.00am | |
| 11.20am | |
| 11.40am | |
| 12.00pm |
Jennie Kendrick—Literary Agent, Red Fox Literary, US
Jennie Kendrik represents YA, MG and select picture books with Red Fox Literary. A former criminal defense attorney and history major, she has worked in the publishing industry since 2013, including reviewing for publications such as Kirkus, and part-time bookselling at a local independent bookstore. Jennie’s passions include history (especially medieval European history), the criminal justice system, art, tarot, rock music, and cooking. She loves well-researched character-driven fiction, narrative non-fiction, and is particularly looking for Own Voices works and books from marginalized creators. Jennie is always looking for a phenomenal ghost or vampire story, regardless of children’s age group. You can find more about her taste at jenniekendrick.com.
Jennie is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult and Non-Fiction. Her wish list for critiques includes contemporary, historical, and light fantasy/spec fiction. She would prefer not to see high fantasy/sci-fi or verse.
| Sunday, March 12th | 8.00am | Sunday, March 19th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | 8.20am | ||
| 8.40am | 8.40am | ||
| 9.00am | 9.00am | ||
| 9.20am | 9.20am | ||
| 9.40am | 9.40am |
James Layton—Publisher, Larrikin House
Larrikin House Publisher James Layton is passionate about creating fun, edgy and unique books for young readers. His industry experience spans thirty years as both a bookseller to schools and in 2018 a children’s publisher. His first question to authors when assessing manuscripts is always ‘What’s the buy-in for the kid?’ As a young reluctant reader himself, James started creating humorous books to engage kids and make them laugh. His frank, no-nonsense approach is invaluable for anyone who wants a publishing deal.
James is happy to critique Picture Books. He would prefer not to see manuscripts that are didactic or that involve toilets, snot or cliches!
| Sunday, March 19th | 10.20am |
| 10.40am | |
| 11.00am |
Kristen Nobles—Art Director, Charlesbridge Publishing, US
Kristen Nobles has worked in children’s literature for over twenty years as a Publisher, Art Director, and Designer at well-respected, independent publishing houses including Candlewick Press / Walker Books Group, Chronicle Books, and Page Street Publishing. Currently, as an Art Director at Charlesbridge Publishing, she loves to collaborate with debut talent on strong characters, global narratives, stories with humor and heart, or a surprising spin on the tried-and-true subjects of kid books. She graduated from the University of Buffalo, NY with degrees in Communication Design and Art History, and has pursued further studies at School of Visual Arts in NYC, Harvard, and Mass Art. With 2 kids under 3 years old, Kristen spends her free time napping – whether in her historic home near Providence, Rhode Island or lakeside in rural Maine. Visit www.kristennobles.com.
Kristen is happy to critique Picture Books, Non-Fiction and Portfolios. Her wish list includes strong characters, global narratives, stories with humor and heart, or a surprising spin on the tried-and-true subjects of kid books like vehicles or animals. Unique art styles. She would prefer not to see fantasy featuring fairies or trolls and / or portfolios with big-eyed characters.
| Thursday, March 16th | 8.00am | Friday, March 17th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | 8.20am | ||
| 8.40am | 8.40am | ||
| 9.00am | 9.00am | ||
| 9.20am | 9.20am | ||
| 9.40am | 9.40am |
John Rudolph—Literary Agent, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret
John Rudolph joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret in 2010 after twelve years as an acquiring children’s book editor. He has spearheaded DG&B’s author/illustrator program, and he is keenly interested in middle-grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction. He would also love to find the next great picture book author/illustrator.
John is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult, Non-Fiction, and Portfolios. His wish list includes meeting author/illustrators and the only subject matter he doesn’t want to critique is high fantasy.
| Wednesday, March 15th | 8.00am | Thursday, March 16th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | 8.20am | ||
| 8.40am | 8.40am | ||
| 9.00am | 9.00am | ||
| 9.20am | 9.20am | ||
| 9.40am | 9.40am |
Kristina Schulz—Senior Editor, Walker Books Australia
Kristina Schulz has worked as an editor and publisher for twenty-four years in Brisbane, Sydney, New York and London. She is thrilled to work with many of Australia’s most talented authors and illustrators in her editorial role at Walker Books Australia and as a mentor to upcoming and established creators. Kristina has spoken at writers’ festivals and conferences, contributed to industry boards and panels, judged writers’ prizes, and has helped authors and illustrators at pitching sessions and with manuscript feedback, structural work, editing and mentoring. She loves working with Australian voices and is always drawn to books with strong themes and stories with heart. She is passionate about getting books into the hands of readers and would love to see a teacher librarian in every school around the country.
Kristina is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter Books/Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade/Young Adult and Non-Fiction. She loves stories with heart, a strong voice and an engaging narrative.
| Sunday, March 19th | 10.20am |
| 10.40am | |
| 11.00am | |
| 11.20am | |
| 11.40am | |
| 12.00am |
Luna Soo—Senior Editor, Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
Luna Soo is a senior editor at Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, where she works with talented authors to create books that inspire and amaze young readers. A part-time bookseller and lifelong reader, she’s keen to help diversify Australia’s publishing industry so that all readers can see themselves on the page.
Luna is happy to critique Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade and YA manuscripts. All genres are welcome, though she prefers contemporary novels. Stories must have a gripping voice and a strong narrative hook. She would love to assess some #ownvoices narratives. No stories with a focus on the covid-19 pandemic. No time travel or multiverses please.
| Wednesday, March 15th | 6.00pm |
| 6.20pm | |
| 6.40pm | |
| 7.00pm | |
| 7.20pm | |
| 7.40pm |
Eve Tonelli—Associate Publisher, HarperCollins
In her 18-year career in publishing, Eve Tonelli has worked as an editor across legal, education and children’s publishing. Since 2015, she has worked in the kids’ team at HarperCollins, becoming a commissioning editor in 2020 and associate publisher in 2022. She has worked with outstanding authors and illustrators including SCBWI’s Tania McCartney, Sheryl Gwyther and Apsara Baldovino.
Eve is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade, Young Adult and Non-Fiction. Her wish list includes edgy humour (middle-grade fiction), authentic diversity across genres. She would prefer not to see narratives overtly preaching or teaching.
| Thursday, March 16th | 6.00pm |
| 6.20pm | |
| 6.40pm | |
| 7.00pm |
Cathy Vallance—Editor, University of Queensland Press
Cathy Vallance is an editor with over fourteen years’ experience in the publishing industry. She has worked at the University of Queensland Press since 2012. Although she project manages books across the whole list, she has a special interest in children’s fiction, particularly middle grade. She has worked with many wonderful authors, including Zana Fraillon, Peter Carnavas, Samantha Wheeler, Ellen van Neerven and Nova Weetman.
Cathy is happy to critique Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade and Young Adult. Her wish list includes funny, heartfelt, quirky contemporary fiction. Diverse, interesting characters and storylines. Fantasy/spec fic elements are okay, but not looking for hard genre fiction. Verse novels okay too. She would prefer not to see toilet humour or children being nasty to each other type of humour; no genre fiction.
| Thursday, March 16th | 6.00pm |
| 6.20pm | |
| 6.40pm | |
| 7.00pm | |
| 7.20pm | |
| 7.40pm |
Dani Vee—Acquisitions, Larrikin House
Dani Vee is host of the popular literary podcast Words & Nerds and has interviewed more than five hundred authors about their writing process, as well as a facilitator at literary festivals. As Larrikin House publicist she liaises with industry professionals and assesses picture book manuscripts together with James Layton (Publisher) in the Larrikin House slush pile. Dani also works in acquisitions. Dani currently has nine books in the pipeline with Larrikin House writing both issue based and comedic manuscripts.
Dani is happy to critique Picture Books. She would prefer not to see manuscripts that are didactic or that involve toilets, snot or cliches!
| Wednesday, March 15th | 6.00pm |
| 6.20pm | |
| 6.40pm |
Zoe Walton—Publisher, Penguin Random House Australia
Zoe Walton is a publisher of books for young readers at Penguin Random House Australia. Zoe edits New York Times bestseller John Flanagan, whose Ranger’s Apprentice and Brotherband series have sold 15 million copies. She publishes popular and award-winning Australian authors including Deborah Abela, Nat Amoore, Tristan Bancks, Tim Harris, Shirley Marr, Tobias Madden, Belinda Murrell, Lynette Noni, A.L. Tait, Renée Treml and Anna Zobel.
Zoe is happy to critique Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Upper Middle Grade and YA manuscripts. Her wish list includes contemporary fiction, fantasy, upper middle grade fiction for ages 10-14, action and adventure, diverse voices, humour with heart.
| Wednesday, March 15th | 6.00pm |
| 6.20pm | |
| 6.40pm | |
| 7.00pm |
Charlotte Wenger—Literary Agent, Prospect Agency, US
Charlotte Wenger is a literary agent in the Boston area with Prospect Agency. Prior to joining Prospect, she was an associate editor at Page Street Kids. She has her Master of Arts in Children’s Literature from Simmons University. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and exploring New England outside the city, occasionally crafting, and randomly breaking into song. Charlotte represents authors and illustrators of children’s books – ranging from board books through YA, but especially picture books. You can find her online at www.charlottewenger.com or on Twitter at @WilbursBF_Char.
Charlotte is happy to critique Picture Books, Non-Fiction and Portfolios. Her wish lists include humorous fiction and narrative nonfiction; character-driven stories; stories featuring a craft/hobby. She would prefer not to see vampires or unicorns.
| Wednesday, March 15th | 8.00am |
| 8.20am | |
| 8.40am | |
| 9.00am | |
| 9.20am | |
| 9.40am |
Rebecca Young—Senior Publisher, Scholastic Press
Rebecca Young is the publisher and editor of the best-selling series The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey and WeirDo by Anh Do, plus many multi-award-winning picture books. She has worked in publishing for over fifteen years, and has been lucky enough to make books with many of Australia’s much-loved creators, including Jackie French, Bruce Whatley, Phil Cummings, Matt Ottley and Kirli Saunders. Rebecca is also the author of the NSW Premier’s Prize-winning picture book Teacup, illustrated by Matt Ottley.
Rebecca is happy to critique Picture Books, Chapter and Middle Grade and Portfolios. Her wish list includes original picture books that are deeply moving and heartfelt or funny/cheeky with subtle layers.
| Sunday, March 12th | 10.20am |
| 10.40am | |
| 11.00am | |
| 11.20am |