Books for children, publishing for liberation: 30 and 31 May 2026

from $190.00

Welcoming writers, artists, illustrators, comic creators, zine makers, publishing workers, caring creatives, anti-imperialists and anyone who would like to recalibrate their relationship with the publishing industry.

Also welcoming previous workshop participants at a 50% discount. We’d love to hear how your creative practice is growing!

Day one: Saturday 30 May

What are the power structures, political imperatives and ideologies of western children’s publishing? How might these forestall or sabotage our collective liberation? What are the industry’s red lines and how do we cross them?  

We’ll introduce and demystify the process of making both traditional and alternative print objects for children. We’ll answer your questions and resource you to navigate this industry. 

Day two: Sunday 31 May

We’ll workshop your own manuscripts, portfolios and ideas in a supportive, engaged environment. If you want to take a conventional path with your work, we’ll provide you with the information you need. If you want to challenge conventions, we’re here to help you build a creative strategy.

Location

Wurundjeri Land Coburg

Access

Sensory friendly environment. We will have HEPA filters and masks are encouraged. Wheelchair accessible. Further details and images of the space will be shared ahead of time. Online attendance warmly welcomed.

Cost

$380 for 2 days / 10am–4pm

$190 for previous workshop participants (50% discount)

Free for First Nations people (email us to reserve your place at hello@slingshotbooks.com.au)

Testimonials

‘The workshop was so fortifying. To be with like-minded people quietly blew my mind. It was illuminating and galvanising to listen to your experienced perspectives andstaunch activism. Big thanks to Matt and Tess for their generosity and expertise. And to meet so many wonderful creative people was a balm for the soul and spark for the brain. The whole experience was refreshing and stimulating and inspiring.’

—Julianne Negri

‘I’m still reeling from the goodness of our time together. I’m seeing everything differently, more clearly. I’m communicating more effectively with my children, somehow. I think it’s bringing the child-centric lens into everything we do together.’

—Jasper Peach

Was an incredible weekend listening to your ideas and experiences. I’m very lucky to have found such a staunch community of writers.’

—Patrick Mercer

‘I learned a lot! I’m feeling so inspired and refreshed after learning about the work you both do, and it was just a great group you assembled! I’ve been raving all week.’

—Bria McCarthy

‘I loved being among such a committed and creative group of comrades, artists and good eggs. Tess and Matt thank you for sharing your knowledge, doing it with care, and pulling such a good crowd.’

— Emma Kersey

‘Thank you so much Matt and Tess for your guidance, generosity, spirit and good vibes. I un/learned a lot in those two days, so I am very grateful to you and all of you who were present in the physical space or online.’

Glenda Mejia

Price:

Welcoming writers, artists, illustrators, comic creators, zine makers, publishing workers, caring creatives, anti-imperialists and anyone who would like to recalibrate their relationship with the publishing industry.

Also welcoming previous workshop participants at a 50% discount. We’d love to hear how your creative practice is growing!

Day one: Saturday 30 May

What are the power structures, political imperatives and ideologies of western children’s publishing? How might these forestall or sabotage our collective liberation? What are the industry’s red lines and how do we cross them?  

We’ll introduce and demystify the process of making both traditional and alternative print objects for children. We’ll answer your questions and resource you to navigate this industry. 

Day two: Sunday 31 May

We’ll workshop your own manuscripts, portfolios and ideas in a supportive, engaged environment. If you want to take a conventional path with your work, we’ll provide you with the information you need. If you want to challenge conventions, we’re here to help you build a creative strategy.

Location

Wurundjeri Land Coburg

Access

Sensory friendly environment. We will have HEPA filters and masks are encouraged. Wheelchair accessible. Further details and images of the space will be shared ahead of time. Online attendance warmly welcomed.

Cost

$380 for 2 days / 10am–4pm

$190 for previous workshop participants (50% discount)

Free for First Nations people (email us to reserve your place at hello@slingshotbooks.com.au)

Testimonials

‘The workshop was so fortifying. To be with like-minded people quietly blew my mind. It was illuminating and galvanising to listen to your experienced perspectives andstaunch activism. Big thanks to Matt and Tess for their generosity and expertise. And to meet so many wonderful creative people was a balm for the soul and spark for the brain. The whole experience was refreshing and stimulating and inspiring.’

—Julianne Negri

‘I’m still reeling from the goodness of our time together. I’m seeing everything differently, more clearly. I’m communicating more effectively with my children, somehow. I think it’s bringing the child-centric lens into everything we do together.’

—Jasper Peach

Was an incredible weekend listening to your ideas and experiences. I’m very lucky to have found such a staunch community of writers.’

—Patrick Mercer

‘I learned a lot! I’m feeling so inspired and refreshed after learning about the work you both do, and it was just a great group you assembled! I’ve been raving all week.’

—Bria McCarthy

‘I loved being among such a committed and creative group of comrades, artists and good eggs. Tess and Matt thank you for sharing your knowledge, doing it with care, and pulling such a good crowd.’

— Emma Kersey

‘Thank you so much Matt and Tess for your guidance, generosity, spirit and good vibes. I un/learned a lot in those two days, so I am very grateful to you and all of you who were present in the physical space or online.’

Glenda Mejia

The workshop was so fortifying. To be with like-minded people quietly blew my mind. It was illuminating and galvanising to listen to your experienced perspectives and staunch activism.

Big thanks to Matt and Tess for their generosity and expertise. And to meet so many wonderful creative people was a balm for the soul and spark for the brain. The whole experience was refreshing and stimulating and inspiring.
— Julianne Negri
I’m still reeling from the goodness of our time together. I’m seeing everything differently, more clearly. I’m communicating more effectively with my children, somehow. I think it’s bringing the child-centric lens into everything we do together.
— Jasper Peach
Was an incredible weekend listening to your ideas and experiences. I’m very lucky to have found such a staunch community of writers.
— Patrick Mercer
I learned a lot a lot! I’m feeling so inspired and refreshed after learning about the work you both do, and it was just a great group you assembled! I’ve been raving all week.
— Bria McCarthy
I loved being among such a committed and creative group of comrades, artists and good eggs. Tess and Matt thank you for sharing your knowledge, doing it with care, and pulling such a good crowd.
— Emma Kersey

About Matt

Matt Chun is an artist, writer and picture book maker, with over ten years’ experience as a creator and editor within the publishing industry and its counter spaces. 

He is a founding and current co-editor of anti-imperialist print periodical The Sunday Paper.

About Tess

Tess Cullity is the publisher at Slingshot Books. 

After working as an in-house children’s book editor for four years and as a freelance editor for a decade, Tess now runs her own tiny radical publishing house for kids and their grown-ups.

It’s her intention that the growing Slingshot library helps raise curious, brave, loving and critically engaged children who are committed to collective liberation.