Whether you are ready to submit, in the middle of your book, or just starting out, this is an unmissable opportunity to explore the industry in the company of experts. Featuring top children and YA agents, published authors in the genre, and the mastermind behind Europe’s biggest writing resource website Writing.ie , this seminar can help you take the next step in your writing career.
Please note the €70 Early Bird Ticket to the Seminar will be available up until the 24th of April.
Friday 22nd May Schedule
9:15-10:00. Check in (tea and coffee available).
Session 1. 10:00-11:30. Meet the Agents. Three top agents provide a realistic perspective on the challenges of breaking into the world of Children’s & YA books. Topics include querying agents and publishers, how to write a compelling manuscript, and the key industry trends in children’s literature. Featuring agents Sallyanne Sweeney, International Creative Agency (Early Readers & Picture books), Clare Wallace, The Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency (Middle Grade), and Molly Ker Hawn, David Higham Associates (Teen/YA).
11:30-11:45. Refreshments.
Session 2. 11:45-12:45. How to Get Noticed. Agents and publishers are inundated with submissions. Vanessa Fox O’Louglin, bestselling writer (writing as Sam Blake, her YA novel, Something’s About to Blow Up won International Education Services Teen & YA Novel of the Year 2024 at the An Post Irish Book Awards) and founder of Writing.ie, discusses what you can do to stand out from the crowd.
12:45-13:30. Lunch. Enjoy a catered lunch on the grounds of the beautiful Merrion Square Park (included in the ticket price).
Session 3. 13:30-14:30. Meet the Editors. Two leading Children and YA editors discuss what they are looking for in a submission, market trends and forces, and what you absolutely should not do when submitting your work for consideration. Featuring Gráinne Clear, Editorial Director, Walker Books and Helen Carr, Senior Editor, O’Brien Press.
14:30-14:45. Refreshments.
Session 4. 14:45-15:45. Inside Editing. Learn the secrets of self-editing - essential for turning a draft into a polished submission capable of hooking an editor’s attention. Featuring Gráinne Clear, Editorial Director, Walker Books, and Helen Carr, Senior Editor, O’Brien Press.
Session 5. 15:45-16:45. My Big Break. Debut authors Gráinne O’Brien (whose YA verse novel Solo won 2025 An Post Irish Book Awards’ International Education Services Teen & YA Book of the Year,) Christopher Galvin (author of The Thing About Giants, an exciting fast-paced tale of bravery and unlikely friendship for age 9-12), and Emily Hourican ( author of nine bestselling novels and one book of non-fiction. Her first novel for kids, Murder at the Ivy Hotel , was published in February 2026) discuss their route to publication and what comes next
16:45-17:00 Closing Remarks
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Refreshments throughout the day and the catered lunch on the grounds of Merrion Square Park are included in the ticket price. Tickets are issued by email, along with the schedule for the day.
Successful applicants to Date With An Agent have their agent dates during either Session 2 or 3. Time slots are notified in advance.
Time for Q&A is included into each session.
In partnership with Writing.ie .