This beginner’s guide to writing and illustrating for children is presented by West Cork Literary Festival in association with Children’s Books Ireland and Sarah Webb.

Have you ever thought about writing for children but don’t know where to start? This webinar is for you – part of the #ProperBook series of practical events and workshops for new and emerging children’s writers.

Discover the recommended word count for a picturebook, how long a middle grade novel should ideally be, what agents and publishers are looking for when it comes to children’s books, and hear from a wide range of book industry experts on all aspects of writing and publishing for children. This back to basics event will provide the no-nonsense information you need to get your children’s book idea off the ground. Plus hear children’s writers and illustrators talk about how they got published and give tips for new writers and illustrators. Come with questions and leave with answers!

Children’s Books Ireland is the national books organisation of Ireland. Through their many activities and events they aim to engage young people with books, foster a greater understanding of the importance of books for young people and act as a core resource for those with an interest in books for children in Ireland. One of their missions is to champion every child’s right to excellent books and live literature events and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland. This event was programmed by Sarah Webb and Aoife Murray for West Cork Literary Festival.

Speakers include: Philippa Milnes-Smith, Managing Director, The Soho Agency; Ashwin Chacko, Author and Publisher of What Wondrous Shapes We Are; Princess Okonkwo, Editorial Administrator, The O’Brien Press; and Muireann Ní Chíobháin, Children’s Writer and Irish Language Editor of Children’s Books Ireland Inis Magazine.

For more details including the event schedule, see the event listing below.