Last Saturday my head nearly exploded, but in a nice way.
I attended the 5th Annual Children's and Young Adult Literature Festival at Rozelle in Sydney.
This event was described as 'a craft festival with discussion, panels, networking, insights into kids' and young adult publishing from editors, authors, playwrights and illustrators.'
Yep, it's a smorgasbord alright! After an opening talk by the wonderful author Gabrielle Lord (whose Conspiracy 365 series has every kid around my neighbourhood, and several adults hooked)we made our way into one of two rooms, to enjoy various talks by industry people.
I could go on all day with names and subjects, but we'll just say it was all really interesting, informative and best of all, inspiring.
At the end of the day they had two exciting things running consecutively. In one room you could pitch your story to two publishers/editors and an agent. In the other room, you could have a page (1st) of your story assessed/critiqued by a reviewer, publisher and author. Exciting but intensely nerve wracking! Being my first festival there, I chose the less scary idea of submitting a page, whose assessment was very valuable.
At the end of the day, you can relax (NOT!) on the veranda with all these same industry people. This in itself is a little terrifying. I felt rather like a chocoholic let loose in a Lindt factory- drooling and dazed!
All in all, a great day with loads of opportunities for networking and learning. I shall definitely return and do so with a well rehearsed pitch, as my friend got two publishing offers from doing just that. Well done Jodie!
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