THAT'S A WRAP!
once upon con was certainly "one for the books!" 🎉
Once Upon Con 2025 was a sold-out success and an unforgettable day for self-published children’s book authors and illustrators across Australia.
Held in Melbourne, the event brought together passionate writers, illustrators and aspiring creators from every corner of the country for a day of inspiration, education and connection.
Created by Laura Feldman of Little Ivory Haus, Once Upon Con was designed to uplift and empower creators in the self-publishing children’s book industry... no gatekeeping, just genuine support and practical insights from those who’ve done it!
The legendary Mem Fox opened the day as keynote speaker, sharing her wisdom on writing in rhyme and her extraordinary journey as one of Australia’s most beloved authors.
We were joined by Chris Munnery from IngramSpark, who shared exciting updates about print-on-demand publishing, global distribution and IngramSpark’s new e-commerce tools for self-published authors, helping indie creators sell directly from their own websites.
A major highlight was Scott Stuart’s fabulous presentation as he shared his journey from self-published author to international success. His honest, hilarious and deeply inspiring talk left the audience feeling empowered and inspired to write better quality books.
In “The Future of Publishing” discussion, Laura Feldman and Nell Harris explored how self-publishing is no longer a Plan B, but the first choice for many modern authors.
They unpacked the realities of traditional publishing, from slim royalty margins to pulped books and why indie authors are choosing creative control and higher earnings.
Nell also led a brilliant session on visual storytelling, sharing illustrator insights on pricing, finding your style and creating picture books that truly connect with young readers.
Our Marketing & Making Money Panel featured Amy Gomes, Tania Wieclaw, Mary Anastasiou and Laura Feldman, diving into social media strategy, personal branding and building heart-led businesses. Amy’s story about collaborating with the original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, was a crowd favourite!
To wrap up an already magical day, guests traded their notebooks for champagne glasses at the SLVR Children’s Book Awards Gala, celebrating the outstanding achievements of independent authors and illustrators.
💖 Thank You
Once Upon Con 2025 was more than an event, it was a movement.
A reminder that storytelling changes lives, that indie authors are shaping the future of children’s publishing and that when we work together, we create magic.
Missed the fun?
Don’t worry... we'll be back in 2026 for another fabulous day of professional development and connection.
"best author event i've ever been to"
stay tuned for 2026!
A TRANSFORMATIVE EVENT TAILORED JUST FOR INDEPENDENT
CHILDREN'S BOOK CREATORS
speaker lineup↓
"worth every cent! can we do it again?"
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
MEM FOX
We were BEYOND THRILLED to welcome
Mem Fox as our keynote speaker for Once Upon Con 2025!
Mem kicked off our day with a fabulous keynote presentation that was full of wisdom, wit and heart.
Her presentation on writing in rhyme and storytelling had us all feeling absolutely inspired.
With more than 40 beloved picture books to her name, Mem's words have touched children and families around the world.
Mem’s journey began with the iconic Possum Magic, which was rejected five times over nine years, and if that's not a reminder to us all that perseverance pays off, I don't know what is!
author | illustrator event 2026 - details coming soon!
sold out sold out sold out
"The best guest speaker I've ever heard"
special guest
scott stuart
Scott is a best-selling children’s book author, illustrator, speaker and proud dad whose work is all about empowering kids to embrace who they are.
His books have been shortlisted for CBCA and ABIA awards, translated across the globe and his heartfelt messages on parenting, identity and inclusion have reached millions.
From his viral videos on joyful parenting to brilliant picture books like My Shadow is Purple, Scott is a passionate advocate for creating safe, affirming spaces where kids can truly shine as their authentic selves.
He’s warm, witty and full of heart, and what a privilege it was to learn from him, laugh with him and leave feeling inspired at Once Upon Con.
BESTSELLING AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
panel SPEAKER
nell harris
Nell Harris is an inclusive children’s book author and illustrator with a passion for creating stories that celebrate neurodiversity.
Based in a small beachside town on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, Nell combines her lived experience, creative flair and deep commitment to neuroinclusivity to create meaningful stories that connect with children and families alike.
At Once Upon Con, Nell shared her insights into self-publishing and visual storytelling - from how to collaborate effectively with illustrators to how we can create children’s books that are both inclusive and impactful.
Her work and perspective are as vibrant and thoughtful as her illustrations, and it was an absolute joy welcoming her to Once Upon Con.
Senior Key Account Manager, IngramSpark Australia
industry expert
Chris Munnery
A big THANK YOU to our major event partner, IngramSpark for supporting Once Upon Con.
With over two decades of experience in the Australian publishing industry, Chris Munnery has worn many hats, from on-the-road educational rep to national sales leader, general manager of a major university publication and Director of Sales across Asia.
Today, Chris heads up the self-publishing division at IngramSpark Australia, where he champions independent authors and publishers as Senior Key Account Manager.
IngramSpark is the global print-on-demand and distribution platform trusted by self-publishers to get their books into the hands of readers — online, in libraries, and on the shelves of bricks-and-mortar bookstores across 40,000+ global channels.
Chris brings a wealth of insider knowledge, offering practical, up-to-date insight on how to publish professionally, distribute globally, and tap into the power of one of the most influential platforms in the publishing world.
heart-led advocate for community health
panel speaker
amy gomes
Amy Gomes is a Critical Care Paramedic, children's book author, and heart-led advocate for community health. After publishing her first book, inspired by her family’s real-life work as paramedics, Amy has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across Australia.
Passionate about saving lives both in and outside of her uniform, Amy has raised over $3,500 for just one charity initiative, and continues to drive impact through storytelling, education, and advocacy. Her strategic marketing efforts, including collaboration with Greg Page from The Wiggles, showcase what’s possible when purpose meets creativity.
Amy joined us on the Marketing Panel at Once Upon Con to share her insights on heart-driven book marketing, grassroots impact and how to rally communities behind a mission.
AUTHOR, BOOK DESIGNER & COACH
panel SPEAKER
Mary Anastasiou
Mary Anastasiou is a creative powerhouse with deep roots in both traditional and self-publishing. As an award-winning author, book designer, editor, and publishing coach, Mary has helped bring countless children's books to life, including her own beloved I Want to Be… series, which continues to inspire and empower young readers across Australia.
With experience as the former Creative Director for Larrikin House and Managing Editor for Five Mile, Mary has worked behind the scenes in some of the country's leading publishing houses. These days, she’s passionate about mentoring aspiring authors and helping them build strong, authentic personal brands that connect with readers and stand out in the market.
Mary joined us on the Marketing Panel at Once Upon Con, sharing her wisdom on branding, market positioning and how to make your author identity shine, whether you’re self-published, traditionally published or just starting out.
BESTSELLING AUTHOR
panel SPEAKER
TANIA WIECLAW
Tania Wieclaw is a bestselling children’s book author and passionate neurodiversity advocate. An autistic and ADHD mother of two neurodivergent children, Tania draws from lived experience to create books that support and celebrate kids who see and feel the world differently.
Her debut book When My Brain Is Messy has sold well over 20,000 copies and helped families around the world navigate sensory overload with calm, understanding and compassion. Tania’s mission is to make every neurodivergent child feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Tania has a degree in Marketing and joined us at Once Upon Con, sharing her best tips on how to market your self-published children's picture books.
BESTSELLING AUTHOR, EVENT ORGANISER
PANEL SPEAKER
Laura Feldman
Laura Feldman is a best-selling children’s book author, publishing coach and the heart behind
Once Upon Con. As the founder of Little Ivory Haus, Laura has guided over 2,000 aspiring authors through the process of publishing their very own picture books, many of whom have gone on to become best-sellers themselves.
With a deep passion for childhood literacy and a mission to empower everyday people (especially women) to share their stories, Laura believes in the magic of self-publishing. To her, it’s not just an option, it’s a whole movement. One that hands the power back to creators, gives them control over their journey and removes the gatekeepers from the world of publishing.
Laura had never hosted a conference before but she didn't let that stop her!
Laura shared why self-publishing is not only the future of books, but a powerful vehicle for creative freedom, personal empowerment and long-term success.
see you next year, legends!
Saturday october 11
EVENT TICKET OPTIONS
Conference only
$400
Learn from legendary authors Mem Fox & Scott Stuart
Panel discussions with industry experts
Insider tips from traditional publishers
Writing in rhyme masterclass
Exclusive discounts
So much more...
Member Discounts
Payment Plan Available
SLVR gala
$230
Delicious three-course dinner
Beer, wine, and soft drinks served all night
Book Awards presentation
Live entertainment by Dave Van Elst
Dancing, networking, and celebrating!
Up to 3 book entries into the SLVR Children's Book Awards (now closed)
Member Discounts
Payment Plan Available
conference + gala
$500
Includes everything listed in both the Conference and Gala packages
Save when you buy both together in one ticket
Payment plan available
Member Discounts
Payment Plan Available
WITH THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL
EVENT PARTNERS
you have a story to share.
share it with the world.
Everything you need to publish, print, promote and sell your book to millions of readers.
It costs you nothing to sign up for an IngramSpark account and to upload your print or ebook.
With every book published through IngramSpark you will receive:
Global book distribution for more sales opportunities to our network of 45,000 booksellers and librarians
Affordable book advertising options
Free publishing tools and resources (weekly blog, online courses, downloadable guides, and more)
Access to IngramSpark's Book-Building Tool
Get started today and create your FREE IngramSpark account.
View our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions here © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
