Once upon a time, there was a person with an idea.

But it takes more than idea to get a children’s book planned, written and published… and that’s where a new webinar from West Cork Literary Festival could really come in handy.

Start Your Story: A Beginner’s Guide to Writing and Illustrating for Children will be hosted on Saturday, January 30th, 2021 as part of the #ProperBook series of practical events and workshops for new and emerging children’s writers.

Tickets are €25 so it’s a low-cost way to dip a toe into the industry without leaving the house.

Presented by West Cork Literary Festival in association with Children’s Books Ireland and Sarah Webb, the practical tutorial will cover everything from the recommended word count for a picture book and how long a middle-grade novel should ideally be, to what agents and publishers are looking for when it comes to children’s books.

Participants will hear from a wide range of book industry experts on all aspects of writing and publishing for children, with plenty of no-nonsense information to help get your children’s book idea off the ground. Children’s writers and illustrators will talk about how they got published and give tips for new writers and illustrators and everyone is invited to “come with questions and leave with answers”.

The Zoom webinar takes place from 10am to 1.15pm on Saturday, January 30th, 2021 and you’ll find tickets (€25) and a full schedule for the class here.