This mentorship is open only to Book Links members. Applicants are invited to submit a synopsis and the first two chapters or first 6000 words, of a work of fiction for either junior or YA readers, or 2 picture book manuscripts. The mentorship will provide the winner with the opportunity to develop their early draft manuscript to a publishable standard with professional mentor Robyn Sheahan Bright. Deadline for submission is 31 July 2019

This two day festival for writers, illustrators, teachers and librarians promotes excellence in children’s literature. The festival offers quality, affordable workshops and master classes and the opportunity to obtain feedback on pitches, manuscripts and portfolios. There will be key panel sessions with editors, agents, authors and illustrators and focused sessions with book creators. $95 members, $125 non-members (Book Links and CBCA Qld Branch)

Marisa Pintado is the publishing director for children’s and young-adult fiction at Hardie Grant Egmont in Melbourne. Marisa is currently looking at pitches for junior fiction series, with a particular interest in humour, mystery and magic. She is passionate about publishing middle-grade and YA. She is also accepting pitches for high-concept and commercial children’s non-fiction on both the Saturday and Sunday. $70-$100

Susannah Chambers is a publisher of books for children at Allen & Unwin. She has worked with some of Australia’s best, and best-loved, authors and illustrators. Susannah will be providing feedback on manuscripts covering Picture Books, Early Readers and Middle grades as well as portfolios on both the Saturday and Sunday. $70-$100

Justine Barker is an agent at Mayfair Literary Agency. Her clients include Michelle Worthington, Paul Collins, Yvonne Mes and Mike Lucas. Mayfair Literary Agency opened in 2018 and is Australia’s first and only literary agency dedicated exclusively to children's and young adults' fiction. Mayfair's vision is to discover exceptional authors and cultivate best-selling, long term writing careers. Justine is interested in manuscripts for Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle grades and YA. $70-$100

Rowena Beresford is the Acquisitions Editor and Managing Director of Yellow Brick Books. The mission of Yellow Brick Books is to help kids fall in love with reading by publishing off-beat, quirky and humorous picture books and junior fiction that will keep them coming back for more. Rowena will be providing feedback on manuscripts covering Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle grades and portfolios on Saturday. $70-$100

Emily Lighezzolo is the Managing Editor and Publicity Coordinator of Wombat Books, so is constantly swapping project hats. She is particularly passionate about giving youths a voice, leading to the emergence of Rhiza Edge imprint for young adults in 2018. She has talked about her role in publishing at conferences, festivals and guest lectures. Emily will be providing feedback on manuscripts covering Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle grades and YA on Saturday. $70-$100

Sarah Davis is a multiple award-winning illustrator, and art director for Walker Books Australia. Sarah will be providing feedback on manuscripts covering Picture Books, Early Readers and Middle grades as well as portfolios on both the Saturday for a limited number of sessions. $70-$100

StoryArts Brisbane presents Sarah Davis 'Illustration Toolbox': An intensive day designed to give you the essential tools for illustration; beginning with a shared prompt, participants will work individually to create a finished illustration and in the process will learn how to brainstorm and develop a concept, design a character, and explore basic principles of form, colour, line, composition and personal style. $60 - $90

Susannah Chambers is a publisher of books for children at Allen & Unwin. She has worked with some of Australia’s best, and best-loved, authors and illustrators. Susannah will be providing 20 minute feedback on manuscripts covering Picture Books, Early Readers and Middle grades as well as portfolios on both the Saturday and Sunday. $80-$110

Justine Barker is an agent at Mayfair Literary Agency. Her clients include Michelle Worthington, Paul Collins, Yvonne Mes and Mike Lucas. Mayfair Literary Agency opened in 2018 and is Australia’s first and only literary agency dedicated exclusively to children's and young adults' fiction. Mayfair's vision is to discover exceptional authors and cultivate best-selling, long term writing careers. Justine is interested in manuscripts for Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle grades and YA. $80-$110

Rowena Beresford is the Acquisitions Editor and Managing Director of Yellow Brick Books. The mission of Yellow Brick Books is to help kids fall in love with reading by publishing off-beat, quirky and humorous picture books and junior fiction that will keep them coming back for more. Rowena will be providing 20 min feedback on manuscripts covering Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle grades and portfolios on Saturday. $80-$110

As part of StoryArts Brisbane we are offering this masterclass in the art and craft of writing chapter books and middle grade fiction with award winning author Lisa Shanahan. Limited spaces available. $60 - $90

Marisa Pintado is the publishing director for children’s and young-adult fiction at Hardie Grant Egmont in Melbourne. Marisa is currently looking at pitches for junior fiction series, with a particular interest in humour, mystery and magic. She is passionate about publishing middle-grade and YA. She is also accepting pitches for high-concept and commercial children’s non-fiction on both the Saturday and Sunday. $80-$110

Join, or renew your membership for, Book Links - the Centre for Children's Literature to support our work, receive discounts at local book shops, discounts on event tickets, receive the latest news on what's happening in Qld Children's Literature and find out more about our resources and programs. Join Book Links (QLD) Inc.now! This is an annual membership that runs from January to December.