Writing Children's Literature Day
The Hold, Ipswich, IP4 1LR
Saturday 2nd May 2026
Explore Your Creativity with Darley Anderson Children’s Books
Do you have a brilliant idea for picture book, middle grade, or young adult readers? Are you keen to develop your craft as a children’s book writer or illustrator? Would you like a chance to pitch your work to a literary agent?
If so, join us on Saturday 2 May for a day with Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency, the largest specialist agency for children’s books in the UK!
Specialist workshops, talks and Q&As with Darley Anderson’s authors, illustrators and literary agents will help you to hone your skills, gain insider tips and learn more about the children’s book industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this event will ignite your passion for writing and illustrating children’s books.
A bookshop with author signings will be available, courtesy of Dial Lane Books.
This event is delivered in partnership with the English Department at the University of Suffolk.
This ticket is for the full day of events. If you would like to book for individual sessions only please follow the links below.
Event Schedule
10:30am - Complimentary welcome tea and coffee
11-12pm: Writing and Illustrating Picture Books with Claire Powell
Do you have a great idea for a picture book story? Would you like to learn more about how to be a successful children’s illustrator? Join Claire Powell, New York Times bestselling children’s illustrator and author for this supportive, fun-filled workshop.
Claire is known for bringing characters to life from her imagination that are bursting with humour, joy and mischief. Her debut series takes readers into the quirky world of Little Ditch, where Marty Moose works as the resident Postmouse and delivering mail is positively perilous!
Claire has also illustrated a range of children’s books for other authors, including Alasdair Beckett-King’s Murder at the Museum, Beth Lincoln’s The Swifts and an abridged version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Everyone is welcome to join this workshop. No previous experience is required.
12-1pm: Break for lunch (not provided), optional free Behind the Scenes Tour of Suffolk Archives, and time to browse Dial Lane Books stand.
1-2pm: Writing Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction with J.P. Rose
Would you like to write a book for children or teenagers? Do you need professional tips and advice to help shape your story? Join J.P. Rose, prize-winning and bestselling author for this guided, skills-based writing workshop.
J.P. Rose is a best-selling author of over 14 crime novels for adults. Her debut novel for teenagers, The Haunting of Tyrese Walker, was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing, the Branford Boase Award and the Diverse Book Award.
As a Black author with dual heritage, J.P.’s passion is to smash down barriers and to tell stories to ensure that all children see themselves reflected in the books they read has never left her. Her middle-grade animal adventure Birdie (2024) explores themes of family, racism and identity won its category in the Diverse Book Awards.
Everyone is welcome to join this workshop. No previous experience is required.
2pm: Break for complimentary tea and coffee
2.30-3.30pm: How to Find a Literary Agent with Clare Wallace
Are you looking to publish a book for children or teenagers? Would you like guidance on how to find a literary agent? Join Clare Wallace, Managing Director at Darley Anderson Children’s Books for an informative talk on submitting work to agents and an open Q&A with two of her clients, J.P. Rose and Claire Powell.
In 2024, Clare was shortlisted for Agent of the Year by the British Book Awards. Her clients have been Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers and shortlisted for the Carnegie and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
Clare represents everything from picture books to young adult novels. Her tastes are wide and varied, but she is always looking for standout voices and characters. Clare is passionate about inclusivity and is keen to read submissions from under-represented writers.
All ticket holders will be eligible to pitch their children’s book for the chance to receive live feedback from the Darley Anderson team. Please submit up to 30 words to [email protected] no later than Monday 20 April. Authors should write something concise and attention-grabbing, highlighting the novel’s main character, conflict, and unique appeal. Illustrators may submit up to 3 illustrations to showcase their work. The panel will select 3 pitches for live feedback. Best of luck!
Do you have a brilliant idea for picture book, middle grade, or young adult readers? Are you keen to develop your craft as a children’s book writer or illustrator? Would you like a chance to pitch your work to a literary agent?
If so, join us on Saturday 2 May for a day with Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency, the largest specialist agency for children’s books in the UK!
Specialist workshops, talks and Q&As with Darley Anderson’s authors, illustrators and literary agents will help you to hone your skills, gain insider tips and learn more about the children’s book industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this event will ignite your passion for writing and illustrating children’s books.
A bookshop with author signings will be available, courtesy of Dial Lane Books.
This event is delivered in partnership with the English Department at the University of Suffolk.
This ticket is for the full day of events. If you would like to book for individual sessions only please follow the links below.
Event Schedule
10:30am - Complimentary welcome tea and coffee
11-12pm: Writing and Illustrating Picture Books with Claire Powell
Do you have a great idea for a picture book story? Would you like to learn more about how to be a successful children’s illustrator? Join Claire Powell, New York Times bestselling children’s illustrator and author for this supportive, fun-filled workshop.
Claire is known for bringing characters to life from her imagination that are bursting with humour, joy and mischief. Her debut series takes readers into the quirky world of Little Ditch, where Marty Moose works as the resident Postmouse and delivering mail is positively perilous!
Claire has also illustrated a range of children’s books for other authors, including Alasdair Beckett-King’s Murder at the Museum, Beth Lincoln’s The Swifts and an abridged version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Everyone is welcome to join this workshop. No previous experience is required.
12-1pm: Break for lunch (not provided), optional free Behind the Scenes Tour of Suffolk Archives, and time to browse Dial Lane Books stand.
1-2pm: Writing Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction with J.P. Rose
Would you like to write a book for children or teenagers? Do you need professional tips and advice to help shape your story? Join J.P. Rose, prize-winning and bestselling author for this guided, skills-based writing workshop.
J.P. Rose is a best-selling author of over 14 crime novels for adults. Her debut novel for teenagers, The Haunting of Tyrese Walker, was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing, the Branford Boase Award and the Diverse Book Award.
As a Black author with dual heritage, J.P.’s passion is to smash down barriers and to tell stories to ensure that all children see themselves reflected in the books they read has never left her. Her middle-grade animal adventure Birdie (2024) explores themes of family, racism and identity won its category in the Diverse Book Awards.
Everyone is welcome to join this workshop. No previous experience is required.
2pm: Break for complimentary tea and coffee
2.30-3.30pm: How to Find a Literary Agent with Clare Wallace
Are you looking to publish a book for children or teenagers? Would you like guidance on how to find a literary agent? Join Clare Wallace, Managing Director at Darley Anderson Children’s Books for an informative talk on submitting work to agents and an open Q&A with two of her clients, J.P. Rose and Claire Powell.
In 2024, Clare was shortlisted for Agent of the Year by the British Book Awards. Her clients have been Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers and shortlisted for the Carnegie and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
Clare represents everything from picture books to young adult novels. Her tastes are wide and varied, but she is always looking for standout voices and characters. Clare is passionate about inclusivity and is keen to read submissions from under-represented writers.
All ticket holders will be eligible to pitch their children’s book for the chance to receive live feedback from the Darley Anderson team. Please submit up to 30 words to [email protected] no later than Monday 20 April. Authors should write something concise and attention-grabbing, highlighting the novel’s main character, conflict, and unique appeal. Illustrators may submit up to 3 illustrations to showcase their work. The panel will select 3 pitches for live feedback. Best of luck!
