Jevita Nilson is a children’s author from Perth who is passionate about creating meaningful and uplifting stories that encourage young children to embrace their imaginations and explore the world around them.
Inspired by a love of nature, words, and all things wondrous, Jevita began writing for children in 2018.
Her debut picture book, Happy Hearts, was published by New Holland Publishers in 2020 and she has two non-fiction picture books due for release with CSIRO Publishing in 2024 and 2025.
Jevita writes lyrical fiction and non-fiction picture books that weave together nature, family, emotions, and the eternal joys of childhood. She also writes fun, rhyming picture books and chapter books for young readers.
WHAT CYA CONFERENCE DID FOR ME
I have been attending the CYA Conference, engaging in CYA assessments, and submitting manuscripts into the CYA Competition every year since 2021.
In 2021, I was extremely fortunate to win the Aspiring Non-Fiction Picture Book category in the CYA competition. While this win didn't directly lead to a publishing contract, I received wonderful feedback on the manuscript from the judges and from Cathy Vallance who was the final judge for the non-fiction category. This reassured me that the manuscript was well-written and publishable, and it gave me the determination to keep persisting with submissions.
But success is often a long road, and it took me another two years for the manuscript to find a home. Having my manuscript land in the inbox of Melinda at CSIRO Publishing has changed the course of my writing career and I am forever grateful that she saw potential in my story, and in me. Our World Full of Wonder, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft, will be released in November 2024, with another book to follow in February 2025.
Over the past four years, I have participated in nine assessments with editors and agents through CYA. All of these have provided constructive and positive feedback on my work, and resulted in a deeper understanding of the children's publishing industry. Some of these assessments have led to my work being taken to acquisitions and the opportunity to submit further manuscripts to editors. The online conference has also been a great source of information on ways to improve my craft, tips on how to build my author brand, and insights into the current state of publishing.
In 2024 I was honoured to be recognised in the CYA competition, receiving first place in the Aspiring Non-Fiction Picture Book category, and second place in the Chapter Books for Young Readers category. I'm excited to see where these opportunities might lead over the coming years.
CYA is a highlight on my kidlit calendar and something I look forward to each year. Bring on the 20 year celebrations in 2025!
