✱ 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
check out the 2025 event
✱
A"NOT-SO-TRADITIONAL"AUTHOR EVENT
once upon con
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!
"worth every cent! can we do it again?"
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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.
"the best author event i've ever seen!"
Celebrating excellence in independently published children's books
choose your adventure
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friday october 16
all-day creative event
once upon con
Incredible line-up of guest speakers
Learn from New York Times Best Selling and Award-Winning Authors & Illustrators
Industry Experts, Exclusive Discounts & Goodie Bags
Network, Collaborate, Learn and Grow
Fully Catered Event - Morning Tea, Lunch & Afternoon Tea
... and more!
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saturday october 17
optional add-ons
workshops
Marketing | Growing Your Personal Brand Workshop
Judge This Book by Its Cover: How to Design a Standout Cover Workshop
Reel Talk - Creating Clever & Engaging Reels Wokshop
Self Editing Workshop - Polish Your Story
1:1 Manuscript Assessments
... and more!
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saturday october 17
awards gala
slvr book awards
Celebrating, acknowledging and encouraging excellence in self publishing
A night to recognise your creativity, dedication and the bold decision to back yourself!
Delicious three-course dinner
Beer, wine & soft drink flowing all night
Live entertainment by Dave Van Elst
... and more!
Celebrating excellence in independently published children's books
Celebrating excellence in independently published children's books
2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards gala
children's book awards
The aim of the 2026 SLVR Children's Book Awards is to recognise & celebrate the outstanding work of self-published creatives.
In an industry that often overlooks self published books, we're here to shake things up - because if the industry won’t acknowledge the brilliance of self-published books, we’ll do it ourselves.
SLVR CHILDREN'S BOOK
AWARDS GALA
Celebrate excellence in the self-publishing industry with an elegant and joy-filled gala night.
We’ll swap notebooks for champagne flutes and celebrate the incredible achievements of self-published children's book authors & illustrators in style.
This is a night to recognise your creativity, dedication, and the bold decision to back yourself!
Delicious three-course dinner
Beer, wine & soft drink flowing all night
Live entertainment by Dave Van Elst
Dancing, mingling and celebrating!
Up to 3 entries into the Children's Book Awards (2 x category entries + 1 for Book of The Year)
Let your hair down and celebrate yourself, your peers and the industry!
see you there!
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"
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.
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!
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.
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