Are you writing and/or illustrating for children? Join us for our Children’s Writers & Illustrators Festival 2025: an online, craft-based festival for Children’s writers & illustrators of fiction and non-fiction at all stages of their careers.
We're proud to present this full-weekend line-up of authors, illustrators, agents and industry professionals, who will each talk tips, offer advice, share experiences and pass on knowledge.
Our festival bill is made up of live craft-based masterclasses, exclusive pre-recorded sessions, and real-time discussion, with our goal across the weekend being to provide attendees with an invaluable blend of tips on the creative process, insight into the current Children's publishing marketplace, and information that helps demystify the publishing process.
Masterclass+ ticketholders will have access to seven hours of content over the weekend. This consists of one of our real-time masterclass sessions (with either Laura Mucha, Sara Grant or TBC), access to six exclusive videos from authors and illustrators, and our live panel discussion with two literary agents about the process of seeking representation (which includes an opportunity to receive feedback on your own book pitch!). A single entry into our festival raffle is included, too.
If I Book a Masterclass+ Ticket, How Do I Select My Masterclass?
We'll drop you a line in the week leading up to the festival and ask you to select which of the real-time masterclasses you'd like to attend, then send you the joining instructions accordingly. Take a look through the festival line-up below and click on the links against the individual masterclasses for a full breakdown of what Laura, Sara and TBC will cover in each of their sessions.
Full Festival Line-Up:
Speaker bios and further information about our raffle and live agent panel can also be found by scrolling down this page.
Saturday:
09.30-09.45: Welcome!
09.45-10.15: Video 1: Writing picture books with Chitra Soundar
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
10.15-10.30: Comfort break
10.30-12.00: Live 1: Writing poetry for children with Laura Mucha (click here for more details)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
12.00-12.30: Video 2: Writing non-fiction for children with Hiba Noor Khan
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
12.30-13.30: Lunch break
13.30-14.00: The children’s publishing landscape with Rebecca McNally (TBC)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
14.00-15.30: Live 2: Bringing stories to life with Alex Wheatle (TBC)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
15.30-15.45: Comfort break
15.45-16.15: Graphic novels with Chanté Timothy
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
16.15-16.30: What to expect from tomorrow
Sunday:
09.30-09.45: Welcome back!
09.45-10.15: Illustration with Dapo Adeola (TBC)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
10.15-10.30: Comfort break
10.30-12.00: Edit better with Sara Grant (click here for more details)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
12.00-12.30: Video 5: Writing Authentic Characters with Laura Noakes
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
12.30-13.30: Lunch break
13.30-14.00: Alternative routes to publication with Jasmine Richards
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
14.00-14.30: Video 6: Using fantasy to tackle big themes with Clara Kumagi
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
14.30-14.45: Comfort break
14.45-16.15: Agent panel (TBC)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
16.15-16.30: Raffle and closing remarks
Camilla Chester describes herself as a dog walker who writes.
After receiving a distinction in a Diploma for Creative Writing and Literacy, Camilla went on to self-publish three children’s novels. She was a finalist in the National Literacy Trust New Author Award 2016 and Mslexia Children’s Novel Award 2019. Her traditionally published children’s novel, entitled Call Me Lion, was shortlisted for the Oxfordshire and Portsmouth Awards in 2023 and won the SCBWI 2023 Crystal Kite Award. Camilla also writes for the popular online school resources, Serial Mash and Fiction Express.
Camilla has a long history of supporting other writers both voluntary and through her freelance work. She has a very practical eye and likes nothing more than helping writers find the heart of their story.
Laura Mucha is an ex-lawyer turned poet and Author-in-Residence in the Department of Public Health & Primary Care, University of Cambridge. Her writing has won multiple international awards and been featured on TV, radio and public transport, as well as in hospitals, hospices, prisons, books, magazines and newspapers around the world.
Her books have been described as ‘stunningly original’ (BookTrust), ‘fantastic’ (Daily Mail), ‘brilliant’ (The Telegraph), ‘a must for every school library and classroom’ (The School Librarian) and ‘a marvellous feat’ (Richard Curtis). When not writing, Laura spends her time visiting schools around the world and working with organisations such as the Royal Society of Medicine, National Literacy Trust and UNICEF to try to improve the lives of children.
Writer, editor, lecturer and mentor Sara Grant is the author of Revision Revolution: A Step-by-Step Guide to Dissecting and Improving Your Children’s or YA Novel. She also consults part-time as Storymix’s talent manager. Dark Parties, her first YA novel, won the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Europe. Publishers in the US, UK and Europe, including Scholastic, Little, Brown and Orion, have published ten of Sara’s books for children/teens. She’s taught master’s courses on writing for children/teens at Goldsmiths University and the University of Winchester. She co-founded Undiscovered Voices – which has launched the writing careers of more than a hundred authors.
Testimonials from 2023 and 2024 Festivalgoers
"Treated me like a professional, motivated artist"
"Inspiring, informative, inclusive & confidence building."
"Excellent speakers, a well thought out and balanced programme, very inspiring and enjoyable."
"Made a few little idea's into a realistic possibility of being published one day; something between a big hug & a kick up the proverbial bum."
"Practical tips, inspiring and well organised."
"Something for everyone currently writing for children."
"Inspirational. I felt like I had been immersed in a world of children’s literature and heard the perspectives of many from the industry."
"Such a great sense of community and lots of really interesting workshops and talks"
"Inspiring, uplifting and made me want get back to my desk and write :-)"
"Really feels like it has been totally designed with writers in mind."
"Absolutely FANTASTIC! [...] I'm new to the world of writing - and I wasn't expecting much as a result - but I have to say that it completely knocked my socks off in every way."
"Every live session left me with loads of notes in my notebook and really inspired."
"A lovely way to enter this world and get some helpful, encouraging advice."
Pitch Your Book to Literary Agents: Live Panel Discussion
Your Masterclass+ ticket includes a free place at our live panel discussion with two literary agents, which starts at 14.45 on Sunday 23rd March, 2025.
Ahead of this session, you will be invited to submit your own novel pitch. A select number of pitches will then be chosen by our agents, and critiqued during the session itself! Look out for an email from W&A in days leading up to the festival, which will contain all the information you need about how to submit your pitch.
Ticketing Information
Weekend Pass+ £125: Access to all 10 hours of festival content (3 live masterclasses, 6 pre-recorded videos, 2 discussions with industry professionals on routes to publication, 1 literary agent panel) plus a bespoke editorial report on the opening of a story (and full synopsis) by Middle Grade author Clare Povey. Limited to 25 tickets. x3 raffle entries
Weekend Pass £90: 10 hours of content made up of 3 real-time masterclass sessions, 6 pre-recorded videos, 2 discussions with industry professionals on routes to publication, and our live literary agent panel. x2 raffle entries
Masterclass+ £75: 7 hours of content by selecting one of our real-time masterclass sessions, access to all 6 pre-recorded videos, plus entry into our live literary agent panel. x1 raffle entry.
Festival Player £50: 4.5 hours of content. Watch all 6 pre-recorded sessions, and gain access to our live agent panel. Single raffle entry.
Single Masterclass £40: 3 hours of content. Book one of our real-time masterclass sessions (choose from Laura Mucha, Sara Grant or TBC) and then come along to our live literary agent panel. Single raffle entry
Festival Raffle
Every festival attendee is automatically entered into our festival raffle. Weekend Pass+ ticketholders receive three entries, Weekend Pass ticketholders receive two entries, and Masterclass+, Festival Player and Single Masterclass ticketholders receive a single entry. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the festival, with the following prizes up for grabs:
3rd prize: Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2025 and Bloomsbury Children's book bundle
2nd prize: complimentary place at any W&A evening masterclass (RRP £30) + Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2025 and Bloomsbury Children's book bundle
1st prize: gratis Opening Chapters editing service (RRP £240/£380)
Your Masterclass+ ticket gives you access to all seven hours of festival content. This is made up of one live craft-based masterclass (with either Laura Mucha, Sara Grant or TBC), six pre-recorded videos, two sessions with children's publishing professionals and a live panel with literary agents. You will also receive a single entry into our festival raffle.
This festival will take place online in full, and will be presented using video conferencing software. Joining instructions, links, and full guidance will be circulated for the above in the week leading up to the festival.
Any event materials associated to individual masterclasses will be made available to attendees at the author's discretion, and all recordings will be made available for a time-limited period.
Your Masterclass+ place is priced at £75 (inc. VAT), and payable in full online.
Please note that payment instalment plans are available for all W&A events, writing courses and editing services. Contact W&A Admin on events@writersandartists.co.uk so that we can find a payment schedule that works for you.
To view our event refund and cancellation policy, please click here.
Accessible to All
It’s of real importance to Writers & Artists that our events and courses remain accessible to all.
- Writers & Artists has made one Weekend Pass+ available as part of our accessibility scheme. Please visit our bursaries page for further information about how to apply. All bursary applications must have been submitted for consideration by 2nd March 2025
- At the author’s discretion, event materials will be made available to attendees after their real-time masterclass.
- A link to a recording of live masterclasses will be circulated after the event. This will be made available to event attendees only, and for a time-limited period.
- Each event will include written text and visuals. Please contact us in advance so that we can make arrangements to be sure all documents appear in a format that works for you.
- If you’d like to attend but have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, then please email AccessWA@bloomsbury.com
