Three experts from the world of children’s publishing were In East London this week giving advice on Getting Published. Julia Eccleshare the children’s Books Editor of the guardian, Anne McNeil who oversees the children’s list at Hodder and Jodie Marsh; partner of united agents and representative of  80 children’s writers.

‘Getting Published’ took place on Thursday March 14th, at the Discover Children’s Story Centre in Stratford where 60 budding children’s authors and illustrators gathered to get hands on advice from the expert panel, the second half of the evening set aside for an hour-long question and answer session where the audience were able to seek advice.

Amongst the many questions the panel answered on how best to get noticed or indeed your manuscript read and your illustrations seen the overall advice was clear, children’s publishing is about love and passion as Ann McNeil explained. “The process of publishing starts with someone falling in love with your book, your character, your idea.”

In the last 10 years children’s literature has been thrust into the spotlight by huge authors such as Julia Donaldson, Rod Campbell and of course J K Rowling. Julia Eccleshare reminded the audience that however wacky their idea may sound  to stick with it, as she jokingly reminded them that “in 1997 the world had no idea that what they wanted to hear was a story about a boy who went to a school for wizards”

The talk was the last of three panel events for adults with an interest in children’s literature, as a part of the Discover children’s Story Centres 5th anniversary Big Write Festival, not only giving children and their parents the chance to meet their favourite authors and illustrators but a chance to get involved in activities with them, tickets to draw the famous Gruffalo character with Axel Scheffler the books illustrator sold out almost immediately

Before the talk took place the audience were given a tour of the facilities, including their Story Trail, where Discovers website invites children to “Explore a secret cave, make a spoon puppet, have a tea party, find the giant’s legs, slide down a magic tower, dance on noisy polka dots and dress up in a weird and wonderful costume.”

Discover children’s Story Centre is a registered charity and the first of its kind in the UK giving children, their careers and teachers the chance to really interact with literature, become immersed in the worlds of the books they recognise and help develop a love of reading.

‘Getting Published’ was certainly a great success with its audience leaving with a buzz of excitement about one day having their stories bring children happiness and joy.