Are you interested in becoming a children's book author or illustrator but not quite sure how to get started?

Join Surf Coast award-winning authors Kaye Baillie and Stef Gemmill alongside award-winning illustrator Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki to learn about how they got into the children's book industry - and the different paths you can take to achieve your goals.

If you're an emerging author or illustrator and dream of being picked up by a trade publisher this discussion is for you. The panellists will share industry secrets including the art of pitching your stories or portfolio, what publishers are looking for and how to get your work in front of them and the pros and cons of having an agent.

About the Panellists

Kaye Baillie is a writer of fiction and non-fiction children’s picture books. She has a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing. In 2024 her book ‘Mizuto and the Wind’ was a Notable Picture Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Awards. In 2022 her book ‘When the Waterhole Dries Up’ was Shortlisted in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Awards and many of her picture books have won or shortlisted in awards such as the Speech Pathology Australia Book Awards, NSW Premier’s History Awards, WAYRBA, and the Children’s Peace Literature Award. Her work is published in Australia and internationally. One of Kaye’s passions is telling stories about remarkable people or events. She also loves humorous stories which encourage audience participation. She lives on the Surf Coast, Victoria and is a committee member of SCBWI Victoria.
Instagram: @bailliekaye
Website: kayebaillie.com

Stef Gemmill is an international award-winning children’s picture book and middle-grade fiction author. Her debut picture book, A Home for Luna won the 2020 Rubery Book Award. Leaning on her background as a Montessori teacher, music journalist and technical writer, she writes about complex concepts and issues in a unique style that places the reader in the shoes of the main character.
Currently a Writer in Residence for the Ardoch Education Charity, she loves to share her passion for writing by creating picture books with children in underprivileged schools. She lives on Waddawarrung Country on the Surf Coast of Victoria where she is surrounded by nature and story inspiration.
Website: www.stefgemmill.com.

Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki is a professional illustrator, artist and teacher based in Victoria. After spending over a decade in Japan, her personal style has developed with influences from vibrant Japanese culture and is underpinned by her Fine Art training and love of colour.
Luisa uses a variety of mixed media including inks, watercolour, acrylic, pastel, pen and pencil to create her colourful imagery.
Instagram: luisagioffresuzuki

There will be an opportunity for a Q&A so please send your questions to Michelle Conn at mconn@surfcoast.vic.gov.au