Writing NSW is pleased to announce that our 2025 Kids and YA Festival will return on Saturday 9 August, directed by one of Australia’s most popular authors for children, Jacqueline Harvey.

‘We hope you enjoy this opportunity to come together with some of Australia’s finest children’s and young adult authors, illustrators and publishing professionals to learn more about the industry, make connections and further your own writing journey,’ Jacqueline Harvey said.

This year’s festival showcases some of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming talent as well as dearly loved authors. We will examine emerging trends in the children’s book market, engage with celebrated authors, and offer informative panels and discussions about publishing and writing for children and young adults. The festival will be held in Callan Park, Lilyfield on 9 August 2025.

The festival program will be announced and bookings will open in June 2025. Register via the form on this page to receive updates.

Media Enquiries: Anna Moore (Communications Officer) amoore@writingnsw.org.au
View the full media release here.

More from Writing NSW

Discover more opportunities in writing for children and young adults from Writing NSW:

Online: Writing for the Education Market with Louise Park
Wednesday 7 to Tuesday 13 May 2025, online
This online course with author and educator Louise Park provides you with the knowledge and tools you need to write for the education market. Find out how to get started in this introduction tothe field. You’ll learn about education briefs and guidelines, how to accommodate editorial considerations, and the basics of education publishing contracts. You’ll find out what makes a winning manuscript, and you’ll learn skills easily transferable to trade publishing.

Fierce, Funny, True: Writing for Children with Lisa Shanahan
6 x Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm – 3, 10, 17, 24 June, 1, 8 July at Writing NSW
Join award-winning writer Lisa Shanahan and learn the art and craft of writing for children, from picture books to junior novels to middle-grade fiction. Explore the essential narrative requirements of all of these forms, including the key differences. Discover how to create convincing, believable characters and how to develop a strong, dynamic voice. Study the important fundamentals of structure, setting, plot, dialogue and emotional resonance.

Online Feedback: Children’s Books with Belinda Murrell 
Monday 14 July to Friday 21 November 2025, (5 months), online
In this online writing course, author Belinda Murrell will provide feedback on your writing for children, enabling you to hone your skills over five months. Feedback will vary depending on each submission, but it may focus on areas such as storytelling, plot, structure, characterisation, theme or voice.

Check out our full range of writing courses in Sydney, our online writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your creative writing journey. Find out about our competitions and opportunities, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.