Liz Ledden is a Sydney-based children’s book author and podcaster. She has a background in professional writing, from marketing to magazines, and holds an MA in Writing and Literature.
Liz’s latest picture book WALKING YOUR HUMAN is a light-hearted dog’s guide to all the best things to do on a walk. This story placed 2nd in the CYA Competition’s preschool picture book category in 2018. Her picture book TULIP AND BRUTUS is about bugs and friendship. It was published following a pitch session at the CYA Conference in 2018.
Liz also co-hosts kids’ book podcast One More Page with friends, authors and book lovers Kate Simpson and Nat Amoore, where she interviews kids’ book industry professionals and reviews the latest books.
Liz is a member of SCBWI, CBCA, Writing NSW and several critique groups. She can typically be found seeking out new cafes or maxing out her library card.
WHAT CYA CONFERENCE DID FOR ME
The CYA Conference was one of the first things I got involved in when I started writing for kids. It opened my eyes to the world of manuscript assessments, pitching and writing competitions, and I learnt so much by participating in all of these.
The CYA Competition helped boost morale as I noticed my rankings and feedback improve over a few consecutive years entering. I placed 3rdin the non-fiction picture book category in 2016, had three picture books in the top 10 in 2017, and in 2018 was fortunate enough to place 2ndin both the pre-school and non-fiction picture book categories.
A pitching session at the 2018 conference with Meredith Costain of Ford Street Publishing resulted in a request to submit, and my first picture book contract not long after. The book is due out around October 2019. I have so much to thank CYA Conference for – it’s one of the most warm and supportive kidlit communities, and I highly recommend it!
