‘So when are you going to write a proper book?’ Inspired by a question every children’s writer or illustrator is asked at some stage of their career, #ProperBook is back by popular demand.

This practical and informative event about writing, illustrating and getting published is aimed at professional, emerging and new children’s writers and illustrators. Discover what agents and publishers and looking for, and hear from industry experts on all aspects of writing and publishing for children. Find out how much writers and illustrators get paid, and how important events are. Come with questions and you’ll leave with answers!

In association with Children’s Books Ireland 

10am
Online Welcome

10.20am-11.30am
Writing and Illustrating Books for Children - A Practical Guide
Mary Murphy, Deirdre Sullivan and Padraig Kenny in conversation with Shane Hegarty

Children’s writer and journalist, Shane Hegarty talks to three award-winning and best- selling creatives from the children’s book world about their lives as writers and illustrators – from coming up with ideas, to finishing their work. 

Mary Murphy has written and illustrated more than 40 bright, strong books for babies and toddlers. She lives in Dublin with her two dogs, Honey and Alfie. Her latest book is Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree. Pádraig Kenny's latest children’s novel, The Monsters of Rookhhaven, illustrated by Edward Bettison, is receiving rave reviews. His previous children’s novels are Pog and Tin. From Kilkenny, he now lives in Limerick. Deirdre Sullivan is a leading Irish YA author. Her novel Needlework won the Honour Award for Fiction at the Children’s Books Ireland Awards. Her Primrose Leary series was also widely acclaimed. Her latest book is Savage Her Reply. 

11.30am-11.40
Online Break 

11.40am-12.00pm
How I Got Published – Debut Writers Talk about Their Journey to Publication
Helen Corcoran and Eve McDonnell in conversation with Sarah Webb 

Helen Corcoran grew up in Cork, Ireland, dreaming of scheming queens and dashing lady knights. After graduating from Trinity College, Dublin, she worked as a bookseller for over a decade. She lives in Dublin, writing fantasy novels and haunting coffee shops in search of the perfect latte. Her debut YA novel is Queen of Coin and Whispers.

Eve McDonnell is a children’s writer and artist based in north Wexford. Her debut children’s novel, Elsetime won the Wells Festival of Literature Book for Children Award. Her background is in graphic design, brand development and project management.

12:00 - 12:10
Online Break 

12.10pm-1.10pm
Getting Published, and Supports and Bursaries for Children’s Writers and Illustrators 

Aoife Murray from Children’s Books Ireland talks publishing and support for writers with three experts from the book world: Sarah Bannan, Head of Literature, The Arts Council; Helen Carr, Senior Editor, The O’Brien Press; and Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, Publisher, FutaFata

The Gutter Bookshop is sad they can’t be at the festival in person this year but you can browse (and purchase!) books by the featured authors at the special ILFDublin festival shop - CLICK HERE. And remember that there’s no postage to pay in Ireland if you spend over €30 or if you choose to collect your books from either of our bookshops. Just choose the ‘Free Shipping’ or ‘Click & Collect’ options at checkout!