ticket & event details
ticket sales dates
1 March 2026 - event ticket 2
3 May 2026 - event ticket 1
3 May 2026 - add-on - writing competition
3 May 2026 - add-on - illustration exhibition
31 May 2026 - add on - pitch pro sessions
*all tickets on sale at 9am
venues
event 1 & 2
Jan Juc Surf Lifesaving Club
10 Clubhouse Road, Jan Juc 3228
accomodation nearby
Torquay Foreshore caravan park
Wyndham Hotel link to 20% discount
illustration exhibition
Anglesea Art Space
Shop 2/103 Great Ocean Rd, Anglesea VIC 3230
ticket types & prices
Important: Attendees must hold an event ticket 1 or 2 before purchasing any add-on activities
what you get
event ticket 1
professional development days
part 1 & 2
professional Development days part 1
Event ticket 1 holders receive 2 full days of on-line professional development sessions.
The professional development days program include;
The scoop from Australian trade publishers on what’s hot and what’s not.
Publisher presentations on what makes a manuscript stand-out from the rest.
Publisher panels on pitch tips and book collaboration with editors, art directors, authors & illustrators.
Masterclass presentations from award winning experts (authors, publishers, illustrators, mentors, agents)
Publisher Q&A panels.
Development day notes.
First pages competition winner insights from the publishers.
A recording of the day’s panels & masterclasses available for viewing for 30 days via a password protected website.
IN-PERSON OPTION
There is an option to attend our part 1 event IN-PERSON where you can meet publishers, expert creatives and your creative tribe.
In-person extras
Fully catered day in a beach side venue
Network with creatives and publishers over lunch and leave your details on the fun Connect wall to stay in touch or start a writer/illustrator group
Illustrator exhibition at our beach side venue and the Anglesea Art Space gallery
Book shop & author-illustrator signings
Beachside after-party including grazing platters and drinks with the publishers.
First-class wholesome catering for a huge range of dietary types
With this event ticket, you can add-on tickets to pitch pro sessions, first pages competition or illustrator gallery exhibition.
The in-person add-on tickets are limited and will sell out fast!
professional development days part 2
On-line professional development full day of talks, tips and activities by award winning creative experts helping you level-up your writing and illustration skills.
The program includes;
Hands-on creative workshops for writers and illustrators of all levels.
Opportunities to ask creatives your burning questions.
Development day notes.
On-line networking activities.
A recording of the day’s workshops & presentations available for viewing for 30 days via a password protected website.
event ticket 2
coach camp
publisher coaching workshops
Event ticket 2 holders receive 1 day of coaching and manuscript/illustration assessments from publishers plus hands-on workshops.
One day developing your craft in workshops (writing and/or illustrations) with a publisher or senios editor.
Work in a small group capped at 5 attendees.
Specific written manuscript/art assessment/s on your work-in-progress.
Group discussion on each work-in-progress to help your understanding of what publishers look for in submissions.
Direction on next steps to improve your manuscript.
Time to edit your work-in-progress.
A second round of coaching feedback.
A pitch writing workshop with award-winning author and Pitch it! competition winner Stef Gemmill.
Invitiaton to submit a manuscript/illustration to your Coach
Publisher Q&A panel in-person (on-line campers provide questions and receive Q&A summary)
Network with creatives and publishers over lunch and leave your business card on the fun Connect wall to stay in touch (in-person).
All day catering, beach walks and ocean views (in-person).
With this event ticket, you can add-on tickets to pitch pro sessions, first pages competition or illustrator gallery exhibition.
on-line pitch month
18th september - 11th october
pitch pro sessions
Here is a rare chance to pitch your manuscripts and illustration portfolios and receive feedback and advice from a wide selection of publishers and agents open to submissions.
The sessions times run for 2 hours. Check the TRYBOOKING pitch session timetable and please make sure you're available. You will be emailed the exact time of your 10 minute slot 1 week prior to the session.
Add-on ticket includes;
10 min live ZOOM with one publisher or agent of choice.
Read up to two synopses or manuscripts or your illustration portfolio.
Screen sharing of your storyboard or portfolio.
Publisher/agent feedback, advice and market fit of your works.
After the session, the festival team will let you know if you’re invited to submit your work for publishing consideration. This may take up to 2 weeks to communicate to you.