brisbane
brisbane

Getting Published: Writing for Children

w/ Jane Godwin and guest Cathy Vallance

Are you a new writer for children? This one-day course offers an understanding of what goes on inside a publishing house, how publishers make their choices, how to give yourself the best chance of publication and what to expect from the publishing process.

10am – 4pm, Saturday 14 October 2023

Avid Reader – Brisbane

Avid Reader
193 Boundary St
West End QLD 4101

Get directions

Course fee: $295/$250 alumni


This is a past course.

Getting Published: Writing for Children provides an opportunity to discuss the author-publisher relationship with an experienced author and publisher. Learn more about the industry, explore different ways to approach your writing and build a strong story, and become aware of common pitfalls. 

The course includes: 

• A full day of intensive tuition from 10am to 4pm 
• A complimentary copy of a recent A&U publication
• On completion of the course, alumni discounts on future Faber Writing Academy courses and books from the Allen & Unwin website

In preparation for the workshopping you should also consider how to ‘pitch’ your book, i.e. how to best summarise it in two or three sentences. Try to think about what sets it apart from other books and how it fits with the current market – this will help you get the most out of the day.


Writers you'll be working with:

Jane Godwin

Jane Godwin is the highly acclaimed author of over thirty books for children, across all styles and ages. Her work is published internationally and she has received many commendations, including the Queensland Premier’s Award (Children’s Books), the Aurealis Award and the Animal Welfare Award, and shortlistings in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, the…

Cathy Vallance

Cathy Vallance is an editor with over fifteen years’ experience in the publishing industry. She has worked at UQP since 2012. Although she project manages books across the whole list, she has a special interest in children’s and YA. Cathy has collaborated with many brilliant authors, including Peter Carnavas, Nova Weetman, Kate Gordon and Ellen…

Course outline

The program will address the much-asked questions:

• What are publishers looking for?
• Which publishers should I submit to?
• What should I submit?
• How can I polish my writing?
• What resources are available to me as a writer?
• Do I need an agent?
• What should I know about genres, age groups and the current market?
• What happens once my book is accepted?
• How can I make the most of the publishing relationship?

 

 

Praise for this course

“The course was fabulous. I have been to a lot of courses and most of the time I hear the same things now… But I feel like I got the inside word at this course. Was really great!”

“Jane was a fantastic presenter. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from someone with such a wealth of knowledge and experience in both publishing and writing.”

“Both presenters were very professional but also warm and engaging. Sharing their own personal experience was very valuable.”

“The course gave a really tidy overview of the wider industry as well as tips for individual writing goals. The opportunity to do a practice pitch and receive feedback on this, as well as hear others was one of the most helpful and valuable parts for me.” 

How to Book

This is a past course.