✱ 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
A"NOT-SO-TRADITIONAL"AUTHOR EVENT
partnership
opportunity
I'm interested in:
check out the 2025 event
Date: Friday October 16 + Saturday October 17
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Taylors Lakes Hotel
Join us for two transformative days of inspiration, education, creation and connection - designed especially for creators of children's picture books.
With an incredible lineup of industry experts, best-selling authors and illustrators, you'll walk away with fresh ideas, practical strategies and a renewed sense of confidence in your publishing journey.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this event is packed with insights to help you succeed!
Tickets go on sale on Sunday 17th May 2026
"worth every cent! can we do it again?"
✱✱✱✱✱
THE EVENT AUTHORS CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT
the story
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 is 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!
You’ll be learning from award-winning and New York Times best-selling authors, as well as experienced illustrators and industry experts who truly understand the world of children’s publishing.
But this isn’t your typical "sit-and-listen" kind of event.
There’s space to create, collaborate and connect.
Take part in a collaborative art installation, join the mystery book swap, browse our pop-up “book shop” and meet your future illustrator from our carefully curated Australian Illustrator Showcase.
For those ready to go deeper, there are also optional workshops, manuscript assessments, professional photoshoots and small group sessions designed to help you refine your work and take your next step with confidence.
And with IngramSpark joining us, you’ll have direct access to the world’s leading publishing platform and book distributor.
This is a weekend designed to move you forward creatively, professionally and personally.
Tickets go on sale on Sunday 17th May 2026
author | illustrator event 2026
award categories
Most Heartwarming
For the book that gives you all the feels. If your story inspires kindness, empathy, hope or brings a tear to the eye - this is your category.
Writing Excellence
This category recognises excellence in storytelling, including strong narrative structure, engaging language and age-appropriate tone. Whether it's lyrical, funny, heartfelt or clever - this award honours outstanding writing.
Big Feelings and Beyond
For books that help children understand, express and navigate their emotions or physical health. This category recognises stories that support mental health, emotional and psychical resilience and wellbeing, including topics like anxiety, body awareness, healthy habits, mindfulness, grief and more.
Picture Perfect
This one’s all about the visual storytelling. For books that shine through their artwork - whether hand-drawn, painted or digitally illustrated (human only, no AI). Judges will consider style, technique, originality and how well the illustrations enhance the story.
Celebrating Diversity
Celebrating books that champion inclusivity and representation. This category is for stories that reflect diverse voices, cultures, abilities, genders and identities - books that help all children feel seen, valued and understood.
Most Humorous Book
We’re looking for giggles and full-on belly laughs. This category celebrates books with humour, quirky characters, playful storytelling or unexpected silliness that kids love.
For Greater Good
This award honours creators using their work to spark change, raise awareness or give back to communities.
Home Grown
Celebrating books made entirely in Australia. This category recognises stories that have been written, illustrated and printed locally - highlighting the incredible talent and creativity within our own backyard.
Wildcard
This category is for any children's book that doesn't quite fit the other categories - whether it's for older readers, a unique format or published through a hybrid or vanity press. As long as it's a non-traditionally published children's book released in printed form between 2022 and 31st August 2026.
Book of the Year
The standout favourite. A picture book that excels across the board. This award celebrates a title that is exceptional in storytelling, illustration, design and overall impact. It can be about any topic, any theme.
Book of The Year will be selected by our judges from the shortlisted titles across all categories
"the best author event i've ever seen"
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