|
|
|
|
I'm a subscriber to PASS IT ON and was wondering if anyone would be able to give me some advice or help in regards to royalties please.
I’ve recently Illustrated a book for a lady who is self publishing her book, it's a book for disabled children and is going to be apart of the disability educational curriculum for Australia.
She’s asked me what percentage of the books sold do I get for the illustrations… as this is my first book I don’t know what to advise her or where I could look or go for this answer….
Any help you can give me or if you know where I can find this answer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you kindly, Kassi Isaac :)
|
|
|
|
|
Sing a story! Draw a story! Swap a story!
Celebrate a story!
Children’s Laureate, Jackie French launches her 2015 Share a Story Calendar
Today Jackie French, Australian Children’s Laureate and Senior Australian of the Year, launches the 2015 Share a Story Calendar. The best-selling author has published over 140 books and in her role as Laureate strives to enrich the lives of young Australians through the power of story and develop a culture of reading.
‘Stories tell us who we are. They teach us empathy so we understand who others are. They give us the power to imagine and create the future.’ – Jackie French
This fun calendar, with a different theme each month, encourages children to share, enjoy and create stories together. Children, parents, avid readers, booksellers, teachers and librarians can interpret each theme in many different ways:
Readings, projects, murals, book swaps, book trailers, snap chats … other ideas can be found on our website, along with monthly newsletters and blog posts from Jackie. The first Share a Story newsletter will be released on Monday 2nd February with the theme ‘Hunt a Story’ to tie in with Library Lovers’ Day on the 14th of February. March’s theme ‘Navigate a Story’ invites children to seek out adventure stories and will follow Jackie’s trip to the 2015 Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy where she will participate in the second International Children’s Laureate Summit.
The Share a Story Calendar can be downloaded, along with other free literacy resources, from the Laureate website: http://www.childrenslaureate.org.au/project/share-a-story/
‘There are a million ways to share a story. To read to a child on your lap; to have a child read to you while you cook dinner; to read to the dog; to join a storytelling session at your library.’ – Jackie French
Share your story ideas, favourite authors, paintings, or whatever this project has inspired you to create on our:
Facebook: Australian Children’s Laureate
Twitter: @Ozlaureate
or email us at: office.acla@gmail.com
|
|
|
Melbourne GP and poet wins “Book of the Year” at Tamworth with book for children.
A Melbourne GP and poet, Stephen Whiteside, has won a Golden Gumleaf for “Book of the Year” at the Australian Bush Laureate Awards.
The announcement was made at a special awards ceremony at the Tamworth Town Hall last night. The ceremony takes place during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The book, “’The Billy That Died With Its Boots On’ and Other Australian Verse”, was published by Walker Books Australia in May 2014. It contains 65 poems over 150 pages, and is targeted at children aged 9+. The poems are all in rhyming verse, in the style of ‘Banjo’ Paterson and C. J. Dennis. There are also a number of elegant paper cut out illustrations by first time book illustrator Lauren Merrick.
Whiteside said today he was thrilled to have won the award. “It is particularly pleasing, because the Bush Laureates’ “Book of the Year” is not specifically an award for children’s books. To win against books written for adults is especially gratifying.”
“The Billy That Died With Its Boots On” had a long gestation. Whiteside commenced writing it in 1990, twenty-five years ago.
It contains the poem “The Sash”, which won a Golden Gumleaf for “Children’s Poem of the Year” in 2013, and tells the true story of how a young Ned Kelly was awarded a bright green sash after saving a younger boy from drowning in a flooded creek.
Further information can be found here:
http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/The-Billy-That-Died-With-Its-Boots-On-9781922077431
Stephen Whiteside can be contacted as follows:
MOB: 0400729780
Email: swhiteside@netspace.net.au
|
|
Yesterday I held a virtual launch of my new book, 1915 on my blog. There was virtual champagne, virtual goodies, a speech and not-so-virtual happy dancing, too.
The great thing about a virtual launch is that if you missed it, there is still time – because the post is still there. It only happens when you read it! You can find it here: http://sallymurphy.com.au/2015/02/happy-happy-day/
As part of the celebration, there is a chance to win a copy of the book. All you have to do is join in the launch by posting a comment on the post. At the end of the week I will randomly select a comment and a signed copy of 1915 will be on its way to the lucky winner.
And if you don’t win, 1915 is now available instore and online.
Thanks for celebrating with me.
Sally Murphy
|
|
|
|
The Prince Who Shrank
Written by Kylie Fornasier
Illustrated by Annie White
Published by Koala Books
|
|
|
|
Can you feel the excitement building? It’s almost that time of year again: International Book Giving Day! This is a day dedicated to getting new, used, and borrowed books into the hands of as many children as possible. It takes place on Valentine’s Day, February 14.
What I love about this celebration of books and reading is that it’s so easy to adapt it to family life. The idea is to put the focus on giving books, perhaps instead of (or as well as) the more traditional candy. Remember, books don’t cause cavities and will only add pounds if you wear them about your person.
I have a special suggestion for this year. After reading The Guardian newspaper's Love Letters to Libraries, I thought it would be a fine idea to write a love letter to my local library and have it delivered on February 14, along with a promise to donate money for books of the library’s choice. Who better to give books to than the library?!
Are you interested in joining me? Do you too love your library, and what libraries have meant to you? I hope you'll go ahead and write your own letter to your library, and maybe consider giving a book or two the way I plan to. Valentine's Day and International Book Giving Day - what better day to support our local libraries? You can read my letter at The Book Chook. http://www.thebookchook.com/2015/01/lets-celebrate-international-book.html
Lots of well-known Australian and international authors, illustrators, publishers, librarians and other bookish peeps are on-board with this special day. Why not add your name to the list? http://bookgivingday.com/were-giving-books/
|
|
|
|
Romancing the Stars
Book Links (QLD) Inc. will hold its annual Romancing the Stars Event at The Terrace, State Library of Queensland, Brisbane, on Thursday, February 19 from 5.45pm.
Twenty children’s authors and illustrators including Allison Rushby, Karen Foxlee, James Moloney, Lucia Masciullo and David Cox will ‘speed date’ small groups of guests sharing insights into their recent publications, upcoming publications and their creative process.
Townsville author and comedian Tristan Savage will make a guest appearance.
Romancing the Stars brings children's authors and illustrators together with readers, allowing the creators to promote their works, and the readers to connect with their favourite authors and illustrators and to discover new talent. Romancing the Stars is the only event of its kind in Queensland, a rare opportunity for children’s book lovers and enthusiasts.
Mia Macrossan, Vice-President of CBCA QLD says that this is a not to be missed event. “What is brilliant about Romancing the Stars is that you get to meet different authors and illustrators each year, and that creates a buzz around reading. It is very stimulating and informative. You get the thrill of meeting very famous authors and illustrators, as well as becoming enthused and impressed by the energy and vitality of the new talent. All reading enthusiasts will enjoy this evening, not just industry professionals’.
As well as ‘speed dating’ children's authors and illustrators, guests will be able to purchase books from The Library Shop and artworks from some of the illustrators. Prior to the main event, guests will be able to mingle with the authors and illustrators. Food and beverages are provided.
Numbers are limited. Find the booking form at http://booklinks.org.au/rts15/
|
|
|
This fabulous festival has something for everyone – family days, school programs, workshops, talks, illustrator exhibition with authors and illustrators including Melina Marchetta, Matt Ottley, Susanne Gervay, Kaz Delaney, mark Wilson, Deborah Kelly, Anna Feinberg, Garth Nix, Deborah Abela, liz Anelli, Sarah Davis, Andrew Plant and more.
It’s a celebration of the energy and versatility of Australian chidlren’s literature.
http://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2015-kids-program/
|
|
|
Don’t forget coming up next year Asian Festival of Children's’ Content.
All details here: http://afcc.com.sg with the Writers and Illustrators Congress running from 3 - 5 June.
and Illustrators — part of AFCC includes :-
BOOK ILLUSTRATORS GALLERY (BIG)
23 MAY - 11 JUNE 2015
You are invited to submit artwork that has appeared in children’s books, audio/video products, comics or graphic novels in Asia, published between January 2014 and March 2015! We also welcome completed unpublished works.
Closing date for submissions is 2 March 2015! More details in the downloadable files at http://afcc.com.sg.
cheers
Christopher Cheng
|
|
|
Submission Guidelines:
Unsolicited submissions are accepted throughout the year. One Teen Story accepts submissions from writers of all ages. 8 of the 12 stories we publish are written by established and emerging adult authors of literary YA fiction. 4 of the 12 are written by teens. For a list of writers we have published in the past, and short samples of their stories, please visit our past issues page.
- What kind of stories is One Teen Story looking for?
One Teen Story is looking for great short stories written for the young adult audience ages 13 and up. These stories should deal with the teen experience (issues of identity, friendship, family, coming-of-age, etc.) and should be geared primarily toward an audience of teen readers. With that in mind, gratuitous profanity, sex and drug use are best avoided. We’re open to all genres of literary fiction between 2,000 and 4,500 words. Because of our format, we can only accept stories that are strong enough to stand alone (as opposed to excerpts from novels-in-progress).
- Does One Teen Story pay money?
Yes. One Teen Story is offering $500 and 25 contributor copies for first North American serial rights. All rights will revert to the author upon publication.
- Does One Teen Story accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes, but please notify us immediately if your submission is accepted for publication elsewhere.
- Does One Teen Story accept stories translated from other languages?
Yes, however, all manuscripts must be written in English. Translations are accepted, but we will ask to see a copy of the original text.
- How do I submit to One Teen Story?
We have an automated system for you to send us your work. It will securely send our editors your story and email you a confirmation that it has been received. To use the automated system, you need to create a One Teen Story account. Using this account you will be able to check the status of your submission at any time by going to our login page. When you are ready to submit please visit our Submission Manager. If you’re a teen author, you’ll be directed to indicate your age category (13-15 or 16-19) upon submitting.
- What file types can I submit?
One Teen Story does not accept paper submissions. All paper submissions will be recycled upon receipt. We accept PDF, RTF, and TXT files that are less than 500KB. Please include the story title and all writer contact info on the first page of the submitted file. Please also double-space your submission and include page numbers. (Submissions that aren’t double-spaced and don’t include page numbers will go unread and be withdrawn from the system.)
- How soon can I expect to hear about my submission?
We do our very best to respond to submissions 16 weeks after they are received. If you don’t hear from us right away, please be patient! It is our goal to make sure that each submission is read carefully. We ask that you wait a minimum of six months to send follow-up inquiries. Please send all inquiries by email to editors@oneteenstory.com and include the phrase “Submissions inquiry” in your subject line.
If you have any other questions, please email us at editors@oneteenstory.com.
|
|
|
Inaugural Mildura Writers Festival Residency
The Mildura Writers Festival invites writers working in any genre to propose a project that will enhance the regional or national cultural landscape.
The residency will be located in Mildura, Victoria. Sitting on the edge of the Australian desert along the Murray River, Mildura is less than two hours drive from Mungo National Park within the World Heritage listed Willandra Lakes Region.
The Mallee, extending beyond the South Australian and New South Wales borders is a region which has provided artistic inspiration to numerous writers, visual artists, filmmakers and musicians.
In July of 2015, the Mildura Writers Festival will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. Beginning in 1995 in Stefano de Pieri’s cellar restaurant, the Mildura Writers Festival has evolved into one of the finest literary festivals in the country, bringing together acclaimed Australian and International writers.
The Mildura Writers Festival Residency will take place between 1-31 July 2015.
For more information, or to apply, please click here for the application form.
|
|
|
Each month, you will have until the 25th day to get your stories in, to the THEMES listed below. We will choose and publish four stories per month, with each one appearing on the Friday mornings of the following month. In the case where there are five Fridays in the month, the stories will commence on the second Friday.
or 2015, we've selected the following themes, designed to get your creative juices working!
|
|
|
|
FREE PLACE ON PRESTIGIOUS WRITING COURSE:
Scholarship available for Faber Writing Academy’s ‘Writing a Novel’ course
Faber Writing Academy at Allen & Unwin is pleased to announce the continuation of the Writing a Novel Scholarship in 2015. The Scholarship offers one person in Sydney and one person in Melbourne a free place on their six-month Writing a Novel course.
The deadline for scholarship applications is midnight on 6 February 2014 and the two winners will be announced on 20 February.
The Writing a Novel course starts in Sydney and Melbourne on 10 March 2015.
To find out more about Writing a Novel, how to apply for the scholarship and other Faber Writing Academy courses, visit the our website
|
|
The City of Literature Travel Fund
The Melbourne City of Literature Travel Fund
The Melbourne City of Literature Travel Fund provides up to $3000 to support writers, editors, publishers, librarians, booksellers – anyone working in the state’s vibrant literary sector – to seize exciting opportunities for their own professional development as well as the promotion of Melbourne as a City of Literature.
Opportunities that may be supported include:
• Writers’ research trips
• Trade fairs for publishers
• Conference attendance
• Interstate and overseas festivals
• Residencies or go sees within other libraries/organisations/bookshops.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be Victorian residents who work in the literary sector or otherwise make a contribution to Melbourne’s status as City of Literature.
Please note this funding is available to individuals not organisations.
How to apply
The application form for the Travel Fund will be available from Monday 1 December 2014.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 2 February 2015 (that's today) for activity starting from 1 June 2015.
Decisions will be advised in May 2015.
Further questions? Check our FAQs
Funding available
Grants of up to $3000 are available for travel and/or accommodation costs.
Application process
The application form will be available from this website on Monday 1 December. You will need to respond to the following questions:
• How do you contribute to Melbourne being a City of Literature?
• Where do you want to travel, what do you want to do there and why do you want to go?
• What do you hope to bring back to Melbourne from your trip?
• How will this benefit your professional development and the promotion of Melbourne as a City of Literature?
The total application form allows for two pages of writing only. In addition we will ask you to provide a simple budget outlining your travel costs.
For your application to be considered eligible you must address all the questions, and provide the following support material.
Supporting materials
Alongside your application form you will need to provide up to three testimonials (maximum 200 words each) from people suitably placed to make comment on the benefit of your proposed travel plan to your career development.
Do not submit any additional supporting material.
Selection criteria
Applications will be assessed according to the following three criteria:
• The benefit to your professional development
• The potential impact on Melbourne as a City of Literature
• The viability of your proposal
The applications will be assessed by an independent selection committee of up to five people representing Victoria’s diverse literary sector.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application in May 2015.
Acknowledgements: Successful applicants will need to display the logo of Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature and acknowledge the support of the State Government, through Arts Victoria, the City of Melbourne and the Wheeler Centre where possible and appropriate.
Acquittals: Successful applicants will need to submit a short acquittal detailing the success or otherwise of the project. Acquittals are due four weeks after the conclusion of the travel. The acquittals should include any demonstrable benefit to the applicant and Melbourne as a City of Literature, including any benefits to the applicant’s ongoing role.
Further questions? Check our FAQs or contact the office.
The City of Literature Office will hold a briefing about the Travel Fund at the Wheeler Centre on Wednesday 3 December at 5.30pm.
|
|
Creative Kids Tales and Scholastic are partnering to give one lucky winner from Sydney and one lucky winner from Melbourne the opportunity to hear Julia Donaldson during her first Australian tour.
Julia is the fourth bestselling author of all-time in Britain (only JK Rowling, Jamie Oliver and James Patterson have sold more books, ever) and was the 2011-2013 UK Children's Laureate. Her most popular book, The Gruffalo, has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, been translated into 55 languages, won several prizes for children’s literature, and has been developed into plays on both the West End and Broadway (and Australia, which had sell-out seasons in 2009 and 2014).
Julia’s also a children’s writing sensation here in Australia, being the third highest-selling picture book author in Australia by volume and value (after Mem Fox and Eric Carle) according to Nielsen Bookscan. The Gruffalo books have sold nearly 600,000 copies in total across Australia and NZ. Julia will be in Australia between February 16 and 21 to perform three gala events in Melbourne and Sydney with The Wheeler Centre and Sydney Writers’ Festival respectively. Each show is a magical hour of storytelling and sing-alongs with Julia (and her husband Malcolm on the guitar!) from her best-loved storybooks, including The Gruffalo, What the Ladybird Heard, Room on the Broom and The Snail and the Whale. There might even be the opportunity to meet the Gruffalo himself!
One winner from Sydney and one winner from Melbourne will be chosen from the Creative Kids Tales Facebook page.
To enter simply tell us in 25 words or less why you would like to attend Julia’s show.
Please message your response through the Creative Kids Tales Facebook page (do not post directly on the page).
Competition opens 1 February 2015
Competition closes 9 February 2015 at 11.59pm
Winners will be announced on the Creative Kids Tales Facebook page and the Creative Kids Tales website on the 10th February.
There are two sets of tickets available to win:
One lucky winner will be chosen from Melbourne (1 x adult and 1 x child) and one lucky winner chosen from Sydney (1 x adult and 1 x child).
Prize does not include travel costs. You must make your own way to and from the show. Tickets are non-transferable.
Melbourne, Tuesday 16 February at 4.30pm at Melbourne Town Hall
Sydney, Saturday 21 February at 2.00pm at Sydney Theatre Walsh Bay
Each winner will also win a Julia Donaldson book pack from Scholastic valued over $120.
Superworm
Zog
Tiddler
Stick Man
Tabby McTat
Highway Rat
The Scarecrow’s Wedding
|
|
|
All prizes will be distributed by Scholastic Australia, PO Box 579 Lindfield NSW 2070, www.scholastic.com.au
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
KBR Unpublished Picture Book Manuscript Award 2015
Now in its fifth year, the Award continues to go from strength to strength. In 2015, we will no longer pursue an international segment. Our trial illustrator section from 2014 was very popular, and so this will stay, with a monetary prize included this year.
Entries open Monday 19 January and close Monday 2 March 2015.
Entries are for manuscripts no longer than 400 words, and for single images of sample artwork.
For the second time running, a percentage of funds earned from the Award will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
For information on the prizes and how to enter, click right HERE
|
|
|
Submission guidelines here
|
|
|
Awarded annually to the best manuscript written for young adults and children, the Text Prize has unearthed extraordinary, multi-award-winning novels and launched international publishing careers. The winner receives $10,000 and a publishing contract with Text Publishing.
Dates for the 2015 Text Prize
Submissions open: 2 March 2015
Submissions close: 2 April 2015
|
|
|
|
|
CYA Conference
Opened: 12th January 2015
Deadline: Closes: 30th April 2015.
Entry Fee:
Aspiring (Unpublished): AUS$ 18.00 ($1.64 GST Included) or by Paypal $18.60 (including GST and charges.)
Hatchlings (8 – 18yrs): AUS$ 12.00 ($1.09 GST Included) or by Paypal $12.55 (including GST and charges)
Opens: 19th January 2015
Deadline: Closes: 30th April 2015.
ONLINE ENTRY FORM ONLY.
Entry Fee:
Published: AUS$ 34.00 ($3.09 GST Included) or by Paypal $36.50 (including GST and charges.)
Final Judge for Published Author still to be advised on opening of competition.
ONLINE ENTRY FORM ONLY.
Categories:
Aspiring:
Picture Book – preschool aged children,
Picture Book – primary aged children,
Picture Book Non Fiction – primary aged children,
Chapter Book a) younger primary aged children b) older aged children (Middle Grade),
Young Adults,
Graphic Novel or Illustrated Picture Book (words & illustrations),
Middle Grade Illustrated Novels (words & illustrations) for older aged children (middle grade) and Illustrations.
Published: Published Author Competition.
Hatchlings: Picture Books preschool and primary aged children, Chapter book and Young adult, Graphic novels, illustrated picture books and Middle Grade illustrated novels.
Prize for each section:
Unpublished: Writing & Illustrating: - $100.00 per category, and submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher of children’s books.
Published Authors: Critique of winning entry by Final Judge to be advised, and a face to face editor/agent appointment at conference with industry professional of their choice attending.
Hatchlings: $100.00 per category, and submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher of children’s books, and a book pack to school of winning entry per section.
All entries receive their judge’s feedback by 31st August 2015.
See web site for details: www.cyaconference.com
|
|
|
Bone, Box or Sea Shell - Creative Kids Tales Competition.
We are excited to launch our first competition for 2015 – Bone, Box or Sea Shell. Everyone loves a competition with a theme. This year’s competition offers you three! You need only to choose one, and we encourage you to let your imagination run wild with the potential story lines. Oh and an added bonus this time all entrants yes, all entrants will receive a feedback sheet. http://www.creativekidstales.com.au/competitions/ckts-competitions
Opens: 1 February 2015
Closes: 30 April 2015 at 11.59pm (Entries received after 30 April 2015 will not be accepted.)
Winners will be announced on the Creative Kids Tales website on 1 July 2015 and all prizes will be distributed by 31 July 2015.
Prizes:
1st Prize – Go straight to the top of the pile! The winner will have their competition submission assessed by Dragon Tales Publishing. (This is an assessment only with no guarantee of publication).
2nd Prize - A manuscript assessment with either Dee White or Emma Cameron plus a $50 book pack containing new release children’s books from 2014-2015.
3rd Prize - A manuscript assessment with either Dee White or Emma Cameron.
All entrants will receive feedback sheets.
The winners entries will be displayed on the Creative Kids Tales website.
Conditions of Entry:
Submissions must be original work by the addressee only. Your entry must not have been accepted for publication or won a prize in any other competition at time of submission.
Entries by Australian residents aged between 18 - 110 years old. Your story must appeal to children aged between 5 - 12 years of age.
650 word limit (entries over this limit will be disqualified without further correspondence).
No illustrations to be included.
Entry Fee: $20 (please see payment options below) If paying by PayPal please include an additional $1 for the PayPal processing fee eg $21.
Guidelines:
Cover page with full contact details including word count.
All pages to be numbered in the footer, bottom right.
Times New Roman, 12 point.Double spaced with three centimetre margins all round.
Each paragraph starts on a separate line.
Entry to be submitted in English with correct spelling and grammar.
The judges’ decision will be final. No correspondence will be entered into.
Entries will be accepted via email only.Please email entries to competition@creativekidstales.com.au before 30 April 2015.
Payment Options:
PayPal account: georgie@creativekidstales.com.au
(If paying by PayPal please include an additional $1 for the PayPal processing fee. Eg $21 )
OR
Direct deposit - St George Bank
Account name: CZ Donaghey
BSB: 112 879
Account number: 057 430 829
You can enter as many times as you like. Good luck!
|
|
|
BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
In addition to a vast array of children’s book brands, from Barbie to The Wiggles, we publish approximately 150 generic children’s books each year. They are generally categorised as either:
· Picture books
· Board books (which are often early learning concepts)
· Novelty books (books with added extras, such as pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, sounds or moveable parts.
Please note that we don’t publish juvenile novels, YA fiction or longer length children’s fiction and we don’t publish poetry.
We very rarely publish unsolicited manuscripts for board books, so please submit only if you are working in tandem with an illustrator and have created the whole concept (words and pictures), or are an illustrator with a board book concept, with or without text. Our highly skilled team of editors are also writers and can work with strong illustrative content.
What should I send?
We prefer to read completed manuscripts for children’s books. However, if you are an illustrator, feel free to send us character roughs or a storyboard as we may be able to match your work with a manuscript or with an author.
SENDING YOUR SUBMISSION
Submissions can be emailed to: publishing@fivemile.com.au
Or posted to:
The Publishing Assistant
The Five Mile Press
1 Centre Road
Scoresby
Victoria 3179
Please don’t send us original material, in particular illustrations, as we cannot accept any responsibility for their loss or damage, or guarantee their safe return. Photocopies or PDFs are more than adequate at the first stage of review and we will be in touch if we require additional information or material.
What happens then?
If your initial submission looks very promising, we will be in touch to follow up and may request more chapters to read, or more samples.
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to give specific feedback on your manuscript or suggest ways in which it might be improved. We are also unable to respond to queries by telephone, so please don’t call to check on the progress of your submission.
If you’d like to have your submission returned by post, you will need to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope of a suitable size.
We recommend making multiple submissions to publishers rather than waiting for our response. We endeavour to respond within a month of receipt of submissions but this is dependent on the number awaiting review at any given time and will do this by whatever means you have submitted your work.
Good luck!
|
|
|
If you would like your manuscript to be considered by the Children's Department at Random House Australia in the future, please take a couple of minutes to read these important guidelines.
Who we are
The Children's Department at Random House Australia publishes quality books for young people under two imprints, Random House Australia and Woolshed Press. Together the two lists have the depth and vision needed to provide something special for all young readers.
If you would like more information about the titles we publish, please visit a bookshop or browse www.randomhouse.com.au/kids or www.randomhouse.com.au/teens.
At this time, we are NOT considering:
- Plays/scripts
- Short Stories
- Poetry
- Educational books (text books)
Please note that we only accept submissions from Australian and New Zealand residents.
We are only accepting submissions electronically – all hard copy submissions will be recycled.
How to submit a children's manuscript
If you have a completed children's manuscript that you feel will engage and excite young readers and fit our list, the first step is to send a query email to: kidspitch@randomhouse.com.au
What to include in your email?
In the subject line of the email, include your name and the title of your manuscript.
In the body of the email please include:
- Your name, contact details, manuscript title and word count
- A cover letter – including any previous publishing history and/or any writing awards you’ve received
- A brief author biography
- The target reading market (e.g. target age and genre) for your proposed book and how your proposed book appeals to that market
- A blurb or synopsis of your manuscript (under one page is ideal)
As an attachment to your email please include:
- A copy of the full manuscript – saved as a .doc, .docx, .rtf or .txt file. Use a plain, easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, double space the text, and number all pages.
If you are a published children's author
If you are a previously published children's author, we would love to hear from you with an email query to kidspitch@randomhouse.com.au. If you are directing your submission to one of our publishers in particular, please specify this in your query email. If you have already communicated with one of our publishers, you may email them directly with your query.
If you are a literary agent
Literary agents should continue to submit directly to our publishers.
Our consideration process
Submitted manuscripts will be considered by one or more of our publishers or editors. It may also be read by other people in-house, including (but not limited to) sales, marketing and publicity staff. Submissions are treated as confidential material.
Our Children’s Team will consider your submission and reply by email.
Due to the large volume of query emails we receive we are unable to respond to submissions that are unsuccessful. If we are interested in your manuscript you will be advised in writing when your submission has been assessed. If you do not receive a response from us within three months please assume your submission is unsuccessful.
We regret that we are unable to provide feedback on unsuccessful submissions.
We accept simultaneous submissions provided that you mention you have submitted to other publishers in your cover email. As a matter of courtesy, we ask that you inform us as soon as possible if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.
|
|
|
|
Send manuscript submissions to:
Manuscript Submissions
Text Publishing
Swann House
22 William St
Melbourne Vic 3000
Australia
Some notes on submitting manuscripts:
- Text is broadly interested in publishing fiction and non-fiction, including upper primary and young adult. Please note that we are not accepting poetry or play scripts at present.
- Please send manuscripts hard copy (rather than electronically or on disk), single sided, and double spaced. And don’t forget to number the pages.
- Send the first 3 chapters and a brief (1-page) synopsis. If we want to see more we will contact you once we have read the sample.
- Make sure your manuscript has your full contact details, including email address, so we can reach you easily if we need to.
- Do not send original material as it will not be held for collection or be returned.
- Due to the large number of manuscripts we receive and consider we are unable to provide individual editorial advice.
- It takes approximately three months for submissions to be assessed, and it may be longer depending on the volume of submissions. No acknowledgement of receipt will be sent. You will be advised via email when your submission has been assessed.
- Please note: when we receive your manuscript, you will be automatically added to our newsletter subscriber list. If you don’t wish to be a subscriber, please state that clearly on your submission.
Thank you. We look forward to reading your work.
|
|
|
Manuscript Monday
Welcome to Manuscript Monday, a new initiative which is part of Pan Macmillan Australia's manuscript submission process. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting published, and have a story you’d like to pitch, here’s your chance to have it read by a publisher. No more navigating the slush pile! On the first Monday of every month we will accept submissions between 10am and 4pm that are sent electronically and comply with the guidelines set out below.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
Commercial fiction – women’s fiction, thriller, crime, historical, humour, paranormal, fantasy; a story can have romantic elements but romance will not be assessed
Literary fiction and non-fiction – novels, short stories, and narrative non-fiction only
Children’s books and young adult – junior and middle grade fiction, young adult/crossover fiction; we are not accepting picture book submissions
Commercial non-fiction – history, memoir, mind body spirit, travel, health, diet, biography
Please familiarise yourself with what we publish at www.panmacmillan.com.au. We do not publish scripts, plays, poetry, or romance and will not assess them. Academic submissions are not accepted during Manuscript Monday. Please see www.macmillan.com.au for submission guidelines for academic publications to Macmillan Education.
What you need to do:
1. Prepare the first 100 pages (50 pages for Children’s) of your manuscript (double spaced) and a synopsis (maximum 300 words) as separate Word documents, ensuring that they are clearly labelled with the title of your manuscript.
N.B. You are welcome to submit the first 100 pages and synopsis of multiple manuscripts, but not from the same series. If you have a trilogy, for example, please submit only the first instalment.
2. Fill out the form below, indicating which genre your manuscript falls into.
3. Attach your Word documents (synopsis and first 100 pages) below.
4. Send on the first Monday of the month between 10am and 4pm AEST.
Your manuscript will be read within three months of the date we receive it.
|
|
|
THE FRIDAY PITCH
Allen & Unwin know how difficult it can be for writers to get their work in front of publishers, which is why we’ve been running our innovative and pioneering Friday Pitch service for the last 6 years. Through Friday Pitch we have given new and emerging writers a chance to have their work read by our publishers within a reasonable time.
ALL adult submissions – both fiction, non-fiction, and illustrated – to Allen & Unwin (including Murdoch Books) should now come via Friday Pitch. To do this, email us a short synopsis or outline of your chapters and contents, and the first chapter of your work and related illustrations if relevant. If we like what we read, and want to read more, we will get back to you within a fortnight.
Friday Pitch has discovered several bestselling authors, including Fleur McDonald, the author of Red Dust and Blue Skies; Helen Brown, whose book Cleo has sold throughout the world and is currently being made into a film; and Mary Groves, author of An Outback Life.
PLEASE NOTE: The Friday Pitch service is now open to writers for children and young adults.
Read here for detailed instructions:
|
|
|
PUBLISHERS TO CHECK BACK WITH
- Penguin not accepting unsolicited at the moment.
- Working Title Press accepts illustration portfolios and unsolicited manuscripts from 1 February to 30 September each calendar year.
- UQP - Submissions in these genres must be made by a recognised literary agent, or solicited by UQP directly from the author.
We aim to reopen the non-fiction, children’s and young adult lists to unsolicited submissions at least once a year for a defined period of time. Please check this section of the UQP website for an update on when these lists will reopen.
|
|
|
|
The Society of Women Writers NSW- Literary Morning Tea and Workshop
The next meeting of the Society of Women Writers NSW Inc will be
Wednesday, February 11.
Venue: Dixson Room, State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street, Sydney
MORNING TEA: 10.00 – 11.30
Member Talk - Valerie Pybus Distant Reflections: 1st Class Travel From Your Arm Chair.
Guest Speaker: Deborah O’Brien Mr Chen’s Emporium and the Millbrooke Trilogy.
WORKSHOP 12.15 – 2.00:
Presenter: Zena Shapter Blogging for Writers
BOOKINGS: New payment option direct deposit by Friday prior to the meeting please:
BSB 062 018 A/C:00950433
Codes for members: MMT Morning Tea $35, MWS Workshop $30, MTW Morning Tea and Workshop $60.
Codes Non Members: VMT Morning Tea $40, VWS Workshop $40 VTW Morning Tea and Workshop $75.
OR Payment on the day with booking before 10am, Monday
Email: swwlunchbooking@gmail.com
OR Text 0403 177 208 swwlunchbooking please include date, your name and number.
More information on our website: www.womenwritersnsw.org
|
|
|
|
|
WRITING PICTURE BOOKS - study online at Victoria University TAFE
This is a 15 week unit, accredited as part of the Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing. You will read lots of picture books, discuss them, carry out analysis, generate ideas, do writing exercises, join the Discussion Board and write your own picture book and workshop it.
A fully-rounded course that will give you vital grounding in picture book writing. Even if you have written a few already, this intensive study unit may be just what you need to take you to the next level.
Study is via the Collaborate platform at VU. Each weekly module has readings, discussion topics and exercises.
Fees range from $200 (Victorian govt funded students) to $450 (non-funded/interstate students).
Classes start 23 February. For more information, and to enrol, email Sherryl.Clark@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2904.
More information about our course at www.profwritingvu.wordpress.com
(We also offer Short Story, Editing and Nonfiction online in Semester 1. Melbourne writers - we will offer on-campus classes at the Footscray campus in 2015.)
WRITE A NOVEL IN A YEAR
Is 2015 the year that you write that long-dreamed-of novel or memoir?
Whether it be a genre or literary novel, a children’s or young adult novel, or a memoir of your own life, this is the class for you. A novel can be daunting, so daunting that you just keep putting it off. Now you can embark on your writing and get help along the way.
Join this class and write your novel or memoir with support, encouragement, some handy class lectures on character, plot and dialogue, and some workshopping. We will also set up an online support group to keep you in touch and give you an ongoing support network.
We will run a free introductory session on Saturday 14th February, where we will talk about how the course will run, what you can expect, novel genres and word lengths, how to keep writing regularly and productively, motivation and discipline. And answer all of your questions!
Classes will run every 6-8 weeks throughout 2015 on Saturday mornings. Enrolments limited to 12 so book early!
Class dates
Introductory session: Saturday 14 February, 10.30am-12 noon.
Then Saturday 14 March, Saturday 2 May, Saturday 13 June, Saturday 1 August, Saturday 19 September, Saturday 7 November. 10.30-1pm.
Venue: Altona Meadows Library, 2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows (behind Central Square Shopping Centre, with plenty of parking)
Teacher: Demet Divaroren (see www.demetdivaroren.com )
Cost: $350 (full), $300 (conc)
To book a place – email Sherryl.Clark@vu.edu.au or phone 9919 2904.
|
|
|
|
Publishing success comes to Faber Writing Academy graduates
Faber Writing Academy is having an astonishing run of alumni successes. In addition to those listed below, a third of our 2014 Writing a Novel graduates have caught the interest of a publisher or agent, so the stage looks set for more success stories in the near future.
True Stories course graduate Jayne Newling has just been awarded the 2014 Human Rights Commission Award for Literature for her book Missing Christopher, published by Allen & Unwin. Jayne developed her manuscript on Faber Writing Academy’s course in 2013. In an interview with Megalong Books she explained how the course helped her:
I had finished a first draft of the book and hated it. I shoved it in the drawer. When my son, Nic, begged me to write about his brother Christopher I decided to give it another shot. I did the Faber course over a six month period and forced myself to finish it in that time. The course was fantastic because it gave me confidence to continue. All the writers in the group were encouraging and for the first time I started to believe what I had to say was worthwhile.
Writing a Novel course graduate, Debra Jopson, will have her novel published by Random House in early 2016. Oliver of the Levant is the story of a Bondi teenager who gets caught up in the 1970s civil war in Beirut. Debra completed the course in 2011.
Two graduates of the Writing for Children course, Ella Mulvey and Jill Lever, have publishing deals. Ella’s picture book, The Rabbit Hole Golf Course, will be published by Allen & Unwin in early 2017. It tells the story of a little girl heading out with a group of Aboriginal women to hunt for a pet rabbit. Jill Lever's The worm who knew karate, illustrated by Terry Denton, will be published by Penguin in 2015. Jill says the book was created during the picture book workshop she did with Sally Rippin as part of the course.
Getting Published 2012 course graduates Fleur Ferris and Emma Viskic are being published as well. Fleur Ferris has a YA novel coming out in July 2015 with Random House. Fleur believes the advice she received during the course about revising her novel secured her an agent. Emma Viskic’s short story, Web Design, won last year's Ned Kelly Sandra Harvey Award. In addition her story, The Hero, won the previous year’s Thunderbolt Award for Crime Fiction. The Hero also appears in Award Winning Australian Writing 2014. Emma said the feedback she received on our course was extremely helpful.
Faber Writing Academy’s Fiction Course Director, Kathryn Heyman, is available for interview.
Contact Sarah on 0458 300 462.
Sarah Menary | Communications Manager | Faber Writing Academy at Allen & Unwin
83 Alexander Street CROWS NEST NSW 2065 | T: (02) 8425 0171 |
M: 0458 300462 | Publisher of the Year 2014 for the 12th time | Follow us on Twitter @AllenAndUnwin | Find us on Facebook | www. faberwritingacademy.com.au
Upcoming courses
SYDNEY: Start to Write! 13 Dec, True Stories (Feb-June) & Writing a Novel (Mar-Sep)
MELBOURNE: Masterclass: Picture Book Creators (Feb), Writing for Children (Mar-May) & Writing a Novel (Mar-Sep)
Writing a Novel Scholarships available in 2015 – click here for more details.
|
|
|
Writing for Children course
|
|
Writing for Children is a three-month evening course (plus some Saturdays) for people writing for children and young adults. It runs from 4 March - 27 May 2015 and is taught by Martine Murray with guests including Sally Rippin. This course covers the elements required to create a stand-out manuscript. Discover how to craft a compelling story, memorable characters, authentic dialogue and an evocative setting. Learn about your audience and the themes and language suited to different age groups. The course will also discuss what publishers are looking for and how to convince them that you are worth publishing. Writing for Children is suitable for writers of all levels of experience. Participants are encouraged to bring along ideas for stories, novels-in-progress and/or favourite children's books and young adult novels. For full details visit www.faberwritingacademy.com.au and select Melbourne courses or email: faberwritingacademy@allenandunwin.com
Past students who are being published
- Jill Lever's first book The worm who knew karate, illustrated by Terry Denton, will be published by Penguin in 2015. (2013 student)
- Davina Bell, has her first picture book coming out with Scribe in March 2015. The Underwater Fancydress Parade will be illustrated by Allison Copoys and it's part of a two-book deal. In 2016 she also has a picture book with Allen & Unwin called Hattie Helps Out which will be co-written with Jane Goodwin and illustrated by Freya Blackwood.
- Ella Mulvey will have her first picture book published by Allen & Unwin in early 2017. The Rabbit Hole Golf Course will be illustrated by Karen Briggs (Kick with my left foot) and it tells the story of a little girl heading out with a group of Aboriginal women to hunt for a pet rabbit.
Praise for Writing for Children
'The course was absolutely wonderful…The course structure and content were so helpful and I learnt so much. Martine was a fabulous teacher. The course materials were great and I have referred back to them numerous times. The venue was perfect - I could not imagine doing this course anywhere else.'
- Kate Hutchings, Writing for Children 2014
'Well, I certainly have all the tools and information I need to write a children's picture book. And a good one at that! Perhaps a series of short stories or a novel might come of it. There are no excuses now… If you are serious about writing for children, then this is the course for you. I loved it!' - Tanya Allison, Writing for Children 2013
About the Course Director
Martine Murray writes for children and young adults. Her first novel The Slightly True Story of Cedar B Hartley was included in the White Ravens international list of outstanding children's books, and was shortlisted for the Victorian, NSW and Queensland Premier's Awards, and the CBC Award. She won the Queensland Premier's Award for How to Make a Bird and again for The Slightly Bruised Glory of Cedar B Hartley. She was shortlisted for the Prime Ministers Award for Mannie and the Long Brave Day. Her books have been published internationally and translated into seventeen languages. Martine has taught in the professional writing course at RMIT in Melbourne.
About the guest
Sally Rippin has been writing and illustrating children's books for over fifteen years. She has over forty books published, many of them award-winning, including two novels for young adults. She has taught writing for children courses at the Council of Adult Education, the Victorian Writers' Centre and as a part of the Professional Writing and Editing program at RMIT University. She is regularly invited to speak at writers' festivals and seminars around Australia and overseas, and has been writer-in-residence in schools in Beijing, Shanghai and Ghana. Sally's books include the award-winning YA novel Chenxi and the Foreigner, the children's novel Angel Creek, recently published to critical acclaim, and the immensely popular Billie B Brown series, which became the highest-selling fiction series for under eights in the year it was first released.
www.sallyrippin.com
|
|
|
|
LIZ ANELLI
Please describe your chosen illustration
DPS from Howzat! Children playing street cricket in a village near Kabul, Afghanistan.
~What medium did you use?
Collage, acrylic and gouache paints, dip pen and ink.
~How long did it take?
3 days
~What is it for?
Howzat! By Mike LeFroy, published by Walker Books Australia, picture storybook about cricket around the world.
When did you know you had a talent for illustration?
I always drew out the stories in my head – I copied my mum’s loopy ‘e’s and ‘l’s too, thinking that was writing.
~How did you know? Did someone encourage you?
I guess so, certainly nobody stopped me and my dad gave me endless reams of electrical engineering paper to draw on. My tutor on my Foundation Art Course said he didn’t think I had it in me.
Have you ever studied your craft at an institution of any sort?
~Which institution?
Colchester School of Art, Leicester Polytechnic and Derby University - all in England.
~How long was the course?
Foundation was 1 year
Honours Degree was 3 years
PGCert was 1 year
~How affordable was the course?
There were no fees in my day! A fruit picking job in the holidays paid off each terms’ living expenses overdraft.
~Would you recommend it to upcoming artists/illustrators?
Definitely - There’s nothing to equal the freedom of Art School.
~Do you run courses or workshops yourself?
Yes – for adults and for children. I used to teach illustration, printmaking and design to university students. I got into drawing cities in a big way when running a series of worldwide workshops for British Council to complement Quentin Blakes’ curated touring exhibition of British Contemporary Children’s Books Illustration, ‘The Magic Pencil’. I’ve been part of The Big Draw http://www.thebigdraw.org since it started in year 2000 and brought it to Newcastle, NSW in 2012.
What computer programmes do you use?
Photoshop
Have you illustrated any books or magazine pieces or placed in any competitions?
YES
Awards:
- European Illustration Award
- UK Association of Illustrators ‘Images’ Award 2000
- Australian Society of Authors Children's Picture Book Illustrators' Initiative 2014
- May Gibbs Trust Creative Time Residential Fellowship 2015
~How many books?
12
~Do you have a favourite?
Howzat!
~How are you usually commissioned? What is the process?
By being contacted by the publishing editor, reading the manuscript many times, creating a storyboard, working these thumbnails up into double page spread roughs, doing tons of research drawing, having kittens whilst thinking about making the artwork…. And then I forget to be nervous and just get on with it.
~Do you have contact with the authors?
Not usually until after publication
~On average, how long does a picture book take to illustrate?
9 months – but that’s not every day, there’s lots of waiting for the publisher to get back to me.
~Is it difficult working to deadlines? Does it interfere with your creativity?
No I love it
Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why?
Shaun Tan. He does ‘scary’ exactly as I remember my childhood dreams & he’s clearly absorbed in what he makes.
What’s your website or blog address (if you have one)?
www.lizanelli-illustration.com (currently under re-construction so please keep coming back to it)
Facebook blog: Liz Anelli illustrator
Would you like to tell us anything else about yourself and/or your work?
I also love making characters and stories using found object printmaking and I love making illustrated maps.
|
|
|
USEFUL BOOKS, BLOGS, WEBSITES, APPS
|
|
|
|
School Visit Advice
Dawn Finch, published author and teacher librarian, offers comprehensive advice to authors and illustrators about school visits.
|
|
|
Author Websites that show, and don’t tell.
Jin & Co. Author Websites show off your unique creations, rather than telling it so.
$30 a month.
Find out more here: http://www.jin.com.au/author-website
|
|
|
It’s hard to believe that it’s 'Back to School' time already! And for many little ones this may mean their first day starting school.
The Storybox Library team remember all too well the apprehension that this milestone can bring for Foundation kids – and their parents!
To help, we assembled the most adorable bunch of first graders to give advice and share their experiences about what they’ve learnt, both about themselves and at school, in the last 12 months.
Members of Story Box Library have access to this super cute video that is also accompanied by the children reading the delightful Starting School by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker.
Here is a teaser link for you to enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKurKJkTu4
https://vimeo.com/117148136
It would be fantastic if you could help us spread the word about Story Box Library by sharing this link across your social media networks.
|
|
|
|
Monthly Manuscript Makeover at
DeeScribe Writing - Your Writing
Questions Answered
Do you have a burning writing question or a passage of your work that just isn't coming together?
Every month on DeeScribe Writing, I'll give one blog reader a chance to get help with your writing dilemma or question so that you perfect that next draft of your manuscript.
Here's what you have to do.
1. Send me 200 words of the manuscript with your question or outline of what you need help with.
2. Alternatively, you can just send me the writing question/dilemma itself. For example, "My main character isn't very likeable, what can I do about it?"
Email your 200 word writing piece or your question or both, together with a paragraph about yourself and a paragraph about your work in progress.
Email to dee@deescribe.com.au
I look forward to helping you with your manuscript makeover.
Dee
http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com
|
|
|
|
AUSTRALIAN WRITERS' CENTRES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
