Emily Baulch - Contemporary Children's Publishing
Local Word Writers Festival
Sunday, August 02
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Join Emily Baulch, former head of Bluey's global publishing program, for a hands-on writers workshop exploring what works in contemporary children's publishing.
Learn how to craft stories that engage both children and the adults reading aloud, with practical guidance on voice, themes, pacing, and interactive elements.
Through examples from today’s market and interactive exercises, you’ll discover how to create books that resonate across audiences, reflect current reading trends, and leave a lasting impression for families, publishers, and young readers alike.
This workshop is available for up to 20 people aged 18+ with some background in writing preferred but not essential. The workshop runs for four hours with breaks included. Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring water and snacks if required.
Tickets: $40 or $20 Concession
Emily Baulch is a children’s author, editor, and publishing professional with extensive experience across creative and industry roles. She managed the global publishing program for Bluey at Ludo Studio, where she authored and edited multiple top 10 titles, including the New York Times bestselling Bartlebee’s First Christmas. She continues to freelance with Penguin Random House in the UK and US, contributing to both editorial and author-led projects. She is currently a McKenzie Fellow at the University of Melbourne where she studies children's literacy and children's media trends.
Emily holds a PhD in publishing and cultural studies (University of Queensland) and has taught university courses in publishing, editing, and authorship. She has also studied copyright law at Harvard University and publishing at Oxford University, combining research-led insight with practical industry experience.
To discover more of our fabulous local writers, visit our Local Authors Fair from 12pm-3pm on Saturday 29 August at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre - free entry and refreshments provided.

Corio Library
This busy and vibrant branch serves Geelong’s northern suburbs. Highlights of this branch include zoned areas for study, reading and children’s activities, bilingual picture books, LOTE (Languages other than English) magazines, a learning English collection, World DVDs and a parenting collection. The library has a large meeting room for community hire, a range of accessibility features and a dedicated makerspace enabling discovery and creativity. Regular Baby, Toddler, Inclusive and Preschool Story Time sessions are held here, as well as events and programs for adults taking place throughout the year.
