Children's book industry insiders spill the beans

TWO award-winning, internationally published authors and an acclaimed illustrator will come together this weekend to share tips on how to get published in the children’s book industry.

Kaye Baillie, Stef Gemmill and Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki will discuss how they got started and pathways budding children’s book authors and illustrators might take to break into the industry.

The conversation will be led by award-winning author and illustrator Michelle Conn and cover a range of topics including the art of pitching stories, what publishers are looking for, how to get work in front of publishers and the pros and cons of having an agent.

“Each panellist has experienced the high of getting that magical first publication acceptance, but as we share our experiences, people will learn what to avoid and how to give their stories the best possible chance,” Ms Baillie said.

Kaye Baillie’s most recent book “Mizuto and the Wind” was named this year’s Notable Picture Book at the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Awards.

Ms Baillie’s, whose children’s book Mizuto and the Wind was illustrated by Ms Gioffre-Suzuki and named this year’s Notable Picture Book at the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Awards, core advice is simple: be persistent and never give up.

It’s advice she received herself in the early stages of her career.

“There is a lot involved in finding the right home for your story,” Ms Baillie said.

“Despite how hard it can be, continue to learn the craft, immerse yourself in the industry and never give up. It means you are learning all the time.”

To immerse themselves in the industry, she encouraged aspiring and emerging authors and illustrators to join supportive groups, subscribe to helpful magazines and e-zines, attend conferences and take courses.

“Conferences are an incredible opportunity to meet other people who are striving for the same thing as you, and also you get the chance to meet editors and agents,” Ms Baillie sad.

“Online webinars can come with submission opportunities, and there are some great online courses where experienced tutors will guide you as you develop your style and piece of work.

Professional illustrator Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki’s style is heavily influenced by the decade she spent living in Japan.

The free event is the latest in the Surf Coast Shire’s Shed Talks series and will take place tomorrow (Saturday, June 22) at The Light Box creative hub in Torquay between 10am-12.30pm.

Councillor Kate Gazzard said this weekend’s Shed Talk was a great opportunity to gain some tips from inside the children’s book industry.

“Our Shed Talks provide such a warm, relaxed forum for sharing ideas and information,” she said.

“Who knows, this event could be professionally life-changing for an aspiring author or illustrator out there.”

To register for the talk, head to events.humanitix.com/secrets-to-getting-published