✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ DO IT SCARED ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ YOU BELONG HERE ✱ YOUR STORY MATTERS ✱ WRITE THE BOOK ✱ BACK YOURSELF
MAKE THE MOST OF IT!
creator playground🎨
Hands-on sessions, workshops & 1:1 experiences
(These offers are available for 2026 Once Upon Con ticket holders only)
WORKSHOP
✱✱✱✱✱
SATURDAY 17 october
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
MARKETING MATTERS
Marketing & Personal Branding Workshop
WITH MARY ANASTASIOU
Saturday 17th October
9 - 11am (2 hours)
$160 (limited tickets available)
A 2-hour intensive on marketing and personal branding for authors and illustrators.
Designed for children’s book creators who are ready to stop guessing and actually start building a real career.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to post, when to show up or how to actually connect with your audience… this one’s for you.
In this small group session, Mary will walk you through the foundations of personal branding and strategic marketing, so you can get clear on:
who you are as a creator
who your audience really is
how to show up with confidence and consistency (without the overwhelm)
Perfect for authors and illustrators at any stage who want to feel more confident, more strategic and way less “what the heck am I doing?” when it comes to marketing.
WORKSHOP
✱✱✱✱✱
SATURDAY 17 october
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
judge this book by its cover
How to Design a Standout Book Cover Workshop
WITH janet turner
Saturday 17th October
11 - 1pm (2 hours)
$160 (limited tickets available)
Your story is ready, and illustrations are done (or well along the way), now it’s time to create the cover your book deserves.
In this hands-on workshop with children's book illustrator and book designer, Janet Turner, we’ll breakdown what makes a cover work, then design one together step by step using freely available tools.
This small group workshop will leave you with practical skills, useful resources and the confidence to design a cover you are really proud of.
beginner friendly
hands-on session
learn from an experienced illustrator and book designer
Perfect for authors who like a little DIY and want to give your story the book cover it truly deserves.
WORKSHOP
✱✱✱✱✱
SATURDAY 17 october
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
How to Make Your Story… Not Suck
Self Editing Workshop
WITH kat richardson
Saturday 17th October
9 - 11 (2 hours)
$160 (limited tickets available)
Ready to take your story from almost there to actually really good?
In this small-group, hands-on workshop, Kat will guide you through practical editing exercises you can use to strengthen your manuscript and lift the overall quality of your writing.
You’ll be working on your own story in real time, with support and guidance along the way.
Kat brings both industry knowledge and a trained editorial eye, with a Bachelor of Communications (Children’s Literature) from Charles Sturt University and a Graduate Certificate in Writing and Literature (Editing) from Deakin University.
Bring your:
charged laptop or tablet
notepad and pen
your manuscript
Perfect for creators who want to polish their story, improve their writing, and finally feel confident hitting that next step.
1:1 session
✱✱✱✱✱
SATURDAY 17 october
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
MAnuscript assessment
Written Manuscript Assessment & 1:1 Feedback
WITH MARY ANASTASIOU
Saturday 17th October
Timeslots between 11:30 - 3pm30 minute sessions
$100 (limited assessments available)
Ready for real, honest feedback on your story?
Send through your manuscript and Mary will provide a detailed written assessment, followed by a 30-minute 1:1 session to talk it through together.
These are relaxed, informal chats but don’t let that fool you.
You’ll walk away with valuable, actionable insights from someone who has been on both sides of the industry, as a self-published and traditionally published author, and with extensive experience working behind the scenes in publishing.
Whether you need help strengthening your story, refining your structure or just want that extra layer of confidence before moving forward, this is a powerful opportunity to get personalised guidance on your work.
Perfect for authors who are self publishing or trying their luck the traditional way.
Manuscripts need to be submitted by September 1st
informal 30 minute chat
thorough written feedback
expert advice
WORKSHOP
✱✱✱✱✱
SATURDAY 17 october
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
reel talk
How to Create Scroll-Stopping Reels Workshop
WITH adrian beck
Saturday 17th October
1 - 3pm (2 hours)
$160 (limited tickets available)
Ready to stop posting reels that disappear into the void?
Join award-winning author, TV producer and content creator Adrian Beck for a fun, hands-on small group workshop all about creating scroll-stopping reels for social media.
Adrian’s content is known for being engaging, clever and impossible not to watch… and in this workshop, he’ll break down exactly how he creates it.
You’ll learn:
Adrian’s favourite transitions and filming tricks
What tools and apps work best
how to make your content more engaging
Perfect for authors, illustrators and creatives wanting to feel more confident showing up online and promoting their work in a way that feels fun, authentic and effective.
WORKSHOP
✱✱✱✱✱
SATURDAY 17 october
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
so... you want to illustrate your own book?
Illustrating Workshop
WITH kat richardson
Saturday 17th October
1 - 4pm (3 hours)
$290 (limited tickets available)
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already illustrated a book (or two) and want to take things up a notch, this hands-on workshop will help you elevate your visual storytelling.
Because here’s the thing... illustrating a picture book isn’t just about drawing what the words say.
It’s about adding meaning, emotion and depth to the story through your visuals.
In this small-group session, Kat will guide you through how to take a manuscript and bring it to life visually, thinking beyond the words and creating illustrations that truly support and enhance the story.
You’ll also cover the practical stuff (the things no one tells you until it’s too late 😅), including:
canvas size, bleed and setting up your files correctly
choosing and building colour palettes
how to take traditional artwork (paper + pencil) and bring it into a digital format
This session is designed for beginners using Procreate but the principles apply no matter how you like to create.
Just a heads up - this isn’t a “how to draw” class. It’s about learning how to illustrate a book.
Bring along:
your charged iPad (with Procreate installed)
Apple Pencil
OR paper and pencils if you prefer to go old school (no paints please)
Perfect for creators who are ready to start illustrating with intention
masterclass
✱✱✱✱✱
SATURDAY 17 october + zoom
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
meta ad masterclass
Hands on Workshop
WITH tania wieclaw & laura feldman
Saturday 17th October
11 - 1pm (2 hours) + 2 x ONLINE classes on October 22 + 29
$330 (limited spots available)
Ready to stop boosting random posts and actually learn how Meta ads work?
Join Laura Feldman and Tania Wieclaw for this hands-on, small group workshop designed to help authors and creatives confidently set up and run their own Facebook and Instagram ads.
Over these in-person and live online sessions, you’ll learn:
How to create scroll-stopping ad creative
How to test audiences instead of just guessing
How to read and understand your results
What to do next when something is actually working
This is a practical, step-by-step workshop where we’ll walk you through creating your ads, understanding the data and scaling your campaigns in a way that actually makes sense.
PLUS, your ticket includes a live Zoom follow-up session on Wednesday 21 October to review your test ads and results and a second follow-up session on Wednesday 28 October for support and next steps.
Please note: This workshop is designed for attendees who already have their Meta Pixel connected and functioning correctly before the session.
photoshoot
✱✱✱✱✱
SATURDAY 17 october
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
Express Headshot Sessions
Author Headshot Glow-Up With Melissa Decarli
WITH her golden point
Saturday 17th October
15 minutes
$120 (limited spots available)
Every author needs a professional headshot… for your website, socials, speaking gigs, wholesale sheets, media opportunities and the inevitable “please send through a bio and headshot” email.
These express 15-minute sessions are designed specifically for authors and illustrators wanting polished, professional images without the awkward all-day photoshoot.
You’ll receive:
2–3 professionally edited headshots
A clean digital background matched to your branding colours
High-resolution and web-sized images ready to use across your platforms
Just wear something that makes you feel fabulous, bring your book if you’d like to include it in your photos… and Mel will take care of the rest.
Images will be delivered within 3 weeks of the event.
EVENT DISPLAY
✱✱✱✱✱
FRIDAY 16 october
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
DISPLAY YOUR BOOK
Display and Sell Your Book at Once Upon Con
Friday 16th October
$35 (limited spots available)
One of the best parts of Once Upon Con is discovering the incredible books created by the people in the room.
If you’d like your book included on our Once Upon Con Book Shop table, we’ll beautifully display it throughout the day for attendees to browse during breaks.
Your book will be displayed on our shared Book Shop table along with a QR code linked to your chosen purchase page.
Attendees who purchase your book during the event will collect it directly from you at the end of the conference, giving you the opportunity to connect, chat and sign books if you’d like.
A gorgeous little way to showcase your book and be part of the magic of the day.
MAKE THE MOST OF IT!
creator playground🎨
Hands-on sessions, workshops & 1:1 experiences
(These offers are available for 2026 Once Upon Con ticket holders only)
HAVE YOU GOT YOUR AFTER PARTY TICKET?
JOIN US!
"worth every cent! can we do it again?"
Frequently Asked Questions
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where Should I Stay?
There is a hotel right next to the venue - Quality Hotel Taylors Lakes
Mention "Once Upon Con" when booking over the phone for a discount (while available)
P: 03 9217 9500 www.taylorslakeshotel.com.au
What Should I Bring?
For Once Upon Con, bring a notepad, pen and your wonderful self!
If you would like to participate in the "mystery book swap", bring along a copy of your book wrapped in plain kraft, white or newspaper.
If you are participating in the "Book Shop", bring your books and promotional material (as per email instructions).
If you are participating in the "Illustrator Matchmaking", bring your portfolio and promotional material (as per email instructions).
For the optional workshops, each session has different requirements. Please bring along the items listed in your email.
For the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala, please just bring your wonderful self and your dancing shoes!
Can I Bring My Kids?
As much as we adore children and dedicate our work to creating books that inspire and educate them - all events; Once Upon Con, the Workshops and the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala, are strictly 18+ events.
This ensures all attendees can fully engage with the professional development, networking and celebration without distraction.
We hope you enjoy a well-deserved day (and night!) just for you.
Can I Do a Workshop if I'm Not Attending Once Upon Con?
We knew you'd get fomo on this! But unfortunately, no.
All optional workshops, 1:1, assessments and other add-ons are exclusively for Once Upon Con ticket holders only.
We know they sound incredible, but they’ve been designed as an extension of the main conference experience and are all about building deeper connections within the community over the weekend.
Plus… it’s way more fun when you already know everyone from Friday anyway!
Who Are The Speakers at Once Upon Con?
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the legendary Scott Stuart as our special keynote speaker to kick off the morning.
Following Scott’s keynote, we’ll be joined by an incredible lineup of authors, illustrators and industry professionals who will share their knowledge and experience throughout the day, including the absolutely brilliant, hilarious and best-selling authors; Adrian Becks and Adam Wallace.
The full speaker lineup and schedule will be released shortly.
Why Should I Enter The SLVR Children’s Book Awards?
Because self-published authors deserve to be celebrated too 🪩✨
You backed yourself.
You took the risk.
You brought your story to life without waiting for permission from a traditional publisher.
You wrote the book, sourced the illustrator, figured out the formatting, the printing, the marketing, the launch, the sales, the social media (and approximately 47 minor emotional breakdowns along the way 😌)
That deserves recognition.
The SLVR Children’s Book Awards exist to celebrate the creators doing the work and sharing stories that matter.
I Used a "hybrid" Publisher, Can I Still Enter?
Yes!
If you've used an assisted publishing service or a vanity publisher, your book might be eligible for the Wildcard Category.
What Do Finalists & Winners Receive?
Winners receive:
* A premium engraved trophy
* A luxe framed certificate with raised gold foiling
* Premium embossed award winner stickers for your books
* Promotion across Little Ivory Haus socials and email marketing channels (12k+ followers and 10k+ email subscribers)
Finalists receive:
* Premium embossed award finalist stickers for your books
* Promotion across our socials, website and email channels
The visibility, credibility and celebration that comes with being recognised amongst this community is pretty special too 💃🏼
Can I Get a Discount For the Gala if I Don't Drink?
We love that you asked, and the answer is a gentle but firm no! Your ticket includes a three-course dinner, beer, wine and cider all night and world-class entertainment - and we think that's pretty spectacular value at $249 (with two award entries) or $225 (for those not entering, partners and support crew).
If you don't drink, we promise the food, the people and the vibe will more than make up for it.
Can I Make More Than 2 Entries into the SLVR Awards?
Absolutely!
You can purchase as many entries as you like, they are $90 each.
If you're attending the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala, then you automatically get 2 category entries (+ Book of The Year) and you can purchase additional entries for $90 each.
I Don't Live in Australia, Can I Still Enter?
Absolutely! We won't let distance stop us from celebrating our wonderful community!
Your book might be eligible for the Wildcard Category.
Do I Need to Be Attending the Gala to Enter My Book?
No, but we would love to have you there!
The whole purpose of the event is to get together and celebrate - the awards are just a bit of fun!
Can Previous Winners and Finalists Enter?
Absolutely! Previous finalists and winners are welcome (and encouraged!) to enter again.
Honestly, it would feel wildly unfair to tell incredible creators they can’t come back just because their books did well last year.
Every year brings new books, new competition, new judges and new magic. So yes… it’s absolutely fair game.
Are Tickets Refunadable?
Tickets are not refundable, but if you can no longer attend, you're welcome to pass your ticket onto someone else.
Please contact us ASAP to update the booking details.
What Should I Wear?
For Once Upon Con and the Workshops, think smart casual, or whatever it is that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
For the SLVR Children's Book Awards Gala, think cocktail or semi-formal - whatever makes you feel fabulous!
We don't believe in telling people what to wear - so please wear what makes you comfortable!
I am Interested in Sponsorship/Becoming a Partner
We would love to hear from you to see if we are a good fit.
Please register your interest HERE and we'll get back to you ASAP.
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