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Member only guide to the Australian book industry.
Have a picture book manuscript or illustration portfolio you’d like to get in front of publishers and agents? This new event gives picture book authors, author-illustrators, and ASA Style File illustrators a unique six-minute opportunity to pitch their work to Australian publishers and agents, and forge connections with key book industry professionals.
The picture book market is highly competitive because, due to the size of the market, publishers only publish a limited number of Australian picture books each year. In a tough market it is vital to ensure publishers and agents can find the kinds of creators they are actively seeking for their lists. That’s why, incorporating feedback from publishers and creators, we’ve created this new pitching event specifically designed to help picture book authors, author-illustrators, and ASA Style File illustrators make meaningful connections in the industry for potential future work.
3 June 2025, 10am AEST
10 June 2025
10 June 2025, 10am AEST
23 June 2025, 12pm AEST
Week of 16 July 2025
23 July 2025, 5pm AEST
30 July 2025
1 August 2025
Want to see the full 2025 Literary Speed Dating calendar? Click here.
Wednesday 30 July 2025
Please note, all times are in AEST. Please check your time zone to determine your local time.
Time slot
Publisher/Agent
Accepting:
What I’m looking for:
10:00-11:00 am
Scholastic Australia
Rebecca Young | Senior Publisher
Picture book manuscripts
Illustrator portfolios
“I’m looking for original picture book manuscripts that explore heartfelt and memorable stories with personal connections, plus engaging stories with loads of humour, heart and lovable protagonists.
With portfolios, I’m looking for illustrators who can capture character, warmth, expression and movement. Examples of people and animals, and characters within scenes, would be great too.”
10:00-11:30 am
Walker Books Australia
Eve Tonelli | Publisher
“Fiction, humour, Australian content, narrative arc, strong kid-centric appeal (rather than appealing to adult purchasers).”
12:00-1:30 pm
Hachette Publishing
Jeanmarie Morosin | Head of Children’s Publishing
Picture book manuscripts (author-illustrators preferred)
“Works from author-illustrators, Own Voices stories, Australian content, non-fiction picture books, humorous picture books.”
Sarah McKenzie Literary Management
Sarah McKenzie | Agent
“Actively pursuing diverse and marginalised voices and First Nations authors.”
Thames & Hudson Australia
Clair Hume | Publisher, Children’s
“Picture books: Fresh storytelling styles; interesting variations on common pic book themes; non-rhyming text (unless the rhyme is outstanding); entertaining/poetic/rhythmic when read aloud; funny, moving and/or clever text. Non-fiction subjects that are framed in new ways; topics relevant to the kids of 2025; text with a clear and concise idea of readership age; outlines with a clear sense of structure; and text delivered in an innovative and engaging way.
Illustrator portfolios: Artful, distinctive styles; promising newcomers to illustration; and intelligent visual storytelling abilities.”
2:00-3:00 pm
Hardie Grant Children’s
Chren Byng | Publisher
Picture book manuscripts from author-illustrators ONLY
“For our Little Hare imprint I’m looking for heart-filled, narrative-driven texts kids will want to read and re-read, as well as hooky, concept-driven texts that will have everyone laughing from the moment they see the cover. For our Bright Light imprint I’m looking for books that spark conversations and reflect the diversity of our world.”
2:00-3:30 pm
The Jacky Winter Group
Naomi Perry | Agent & Producer
“I’d love to meet author-illustrators! But I am equally interested in viewing illustrator-only portfolios from artists who have a particular interest in picture books, and feel like they’d be bringing something fresh to the table.”
Friday 1 August 2025
Pooja Desai | Art Director
“Picture books that are a joy to read for the whole family (even on the hundredth read through) for both Bright Light and Little Hare imprints. Championing diverse voices who have meaningful stories to tell. Stories that weave the traditions of culture with modern life. Narrative-led everyday stories from marginalised perspectives. Subversive stories with heart and humour. Catchy, clever hooks that draw you in and guarantee a laugh.”
Allen & Unwin
Anna McFarlane | Publisher, Books for Children and Young Adults
“I am most keen to see author-illustrator projects. And I’m happy to see some children’s non-fiction picture book proposals, and portfolios and projects from illustrators including those who want to create graphic novels for children in the picture book category.”
Bookings for our free information session introducing Picture Book Matchmaker are now open! If you intend to lodge a booking application for Picture Book Matchmaker and want to better understand the process, we encourage you to register.
By following our booking application instructions and providing us with all the requested information, you’ll give our assessors the details they need to find your potential perfect match among the attending publishers and agents.
You can attach up to three files totalling a maximum of 20 pages for assessment. These application materials can take the form of a manuscript, written pitch, storyboard, illustrator portfolio, or statement. A total of 1-3 picture book manuscripts can be pitched per appointment, and this must be factored in when compiling your application materials.
You will be provided with a form to complete your application via email, and asked to submit a statement and portfolio via return email. Booking applications for ASA Style File members close on 23 June 2025 at 12pm AEST.
As illustrators featured on the ASA Style File have already been assessed and met a professional standard, portfolio applications from Style File members will be assessed only on suitability for the attending publishers and agents.
Booking applications are assessed by two external assessors with extensive experience in Australian picture book publishing.
