The Writing NSW 2025 Kids & YA Festival on Saturday 9 August 2025 was a fantastic day celebrating children’s and young adult literature. Over 150 enthusiastic writers and readers attended the day at the Rozelle Campus of the University of Tasmania.
Curated by internationally bestselling author, Jacqueline Harvey, the program boasted some of Australia’s leading emerging and established children’s and young adult authors.
‘It was such a thrill to have so many of Australia’s best loved literary creators for young people gathered at the fabulous University of Tasmania campus at Callan Park. To see the number of published and aspiring authors in attendance (the event had booked out…) as well as teachers, librarians and people who are genuinely just interested in literature for young people was fantastic.’ – Jacqueline Harvey
Attendees braved wet weather for an excellent day of panels, book signings, networking opportunities, and pitching sessions.
We kicked off with a keynote conversation between Jacqueline Harvey and Sally Rippin, discussing important topics from inspiring young people to read to the challenges neurodiverse readers frequently face. The following panels on series fiction and picture books featured wonderful conversations on the value of familiar characters and valuable insights into publishing illustrated books. Authors who have ‘made it’ shared insights on their experiences as emerging writers, and YA writers spoke about why Australian stories are vital for Australian teens.
‘Still buzzing after attending the 2025 Children’s & YA Writers Festival hosted by Writing NSW and set in the beautiful University of Tasmania Campus. Left feeling inspired, full of knowledge, and so many new friends.’ – Laila Mandoh
Writers and kids’ literature enthusiasts alike chatted avidly over lunch before hearing from AL Tait and Dani Vee on creating communities of authors, illustrators, and readers. Attendees heard from some of the best about writing graphic novels, verse novels, and poetry, and non-fiction writers discussed why true stories are increasingly important. The Penguin Random House team led a mock acquisitions meeting, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process; and established authors discussed career longevity and sustainability in the children’s and young adult writing world.
Throughout the day, Better Read Than Dead’s pop-up shop selling a selection of speaker’s books was the place to be, as attendees purchased books to be signed by the festival’s ultra-talented line-up of speakers. No one left empty-handed, as every attendee walked away with a complimentary copy of Writing Hannah, generously donated by the author, Libby Gleeson.
‘A joyous day of learning, chatting & fabulous book buying at Kids & YA Festival run by Writing NSW. Such an inspiring lineup of panellists presenting on the full gamut of publishing for kids & young adults.’ – Anne Farrell
Excitement (and a bit of trepidation!) was in the air as pitch session participants waited for their turn to speak to an experienced publisher from Penguin Random House or Larrikin House. But, after hearing all about why their books would be the next big thing, publishers noted how well-prepared and interesting the pitches were. Authors, aspiring writers, and readers unwound over networking drinks as the sun set on a wonderful day dedicated to children’s and young adult literature.
All of us at Writing NSW are so thankful to the wonderful team of speakers, publishers, sponsors, and volunteers who made the day so valuable, and are looking forward to more exciting events in coming months.
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