Queer Publishing Day: Queer Writing and Publishing for Children and Young Adults

What does it mean to write queer stories for young readers today — and how do those stories find their way into the world? 

From joyful representation to navigating gatekeepers, our panel shares insight, experience and hard-won advice on bringing authentic stories to life. Expect an honest discussion of challenges, breakthroughs, and the power of seeing yourself on the page at any age.

Join children’s author Simon James Green and YA novelist Tanya Byrne for a vibrant conversation on creating and publishing LGBTQ+ books for children and young adults, chaired by award-winning publisher, Eishar Brar. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, educator, or passionate reader, this session will inspire you to imagine bigger, bolder futures for queer storytelling.

3-Day Festival and Friday Pass holders: This event is free to attend with your pass, but advance registration is required as places are limited. Please book a Pass Holder Free Registration ticket to reserve your place. Without a reservation, we cannot guarantee entry.

Simon James Green is the award-winning author of seventeen books for children and young adults. His titles include Finn Jones Was Here (an Indie Book of the Month); Noah Can’t Even (picked by WHSmith as one of the most important LGBT books of the last 50 years); Alex in Wonderland (nominated for the Carnegie medal); Heartbreak Boys, (an Indie Next List Pick in the US); You’re the One That I Want (shortlisted for the YA Book Prize), Gay Club! (nominated for the Carnegie Medal); and Boy Like Me (long listed for the Carnegie Medal, and winner of the Readers’ Choice Award at the Diverse Book Awards).

After eight years at BBC Radio, Tanya Byrne left to write her debut novel, Heart-Shaped Bruise, which earned her a nomination for New Writer of the Year at the National Book Awards. Since then, her novels have hit both the Amazon and Waterstones bestseller lists and have been published around the world. She has also contributed to several short story anthologies including A Change is Gonna Come, which was named Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week and was honoured with a Special Achievement Award by the YA Book Prize.

Eishar Brar (chair) is Publisher, Fiction & Non-Fiction, at Macmillan Children’s Books; specialising in inclusive, commercial children’s literature. She leads a dynamic editorial team that publishes for age 6 up to YA/crossover, including two imprints: First Ink (YA/Crossover) and Rocket Fox (middle-grade non-fiction). A 2021 Bookseller Rising Star, she has a distinguished track record of championing inclusive, commercial, and award-winning literature. In committing to authentic and representative publishing, the authors she has published have won every major UK children’s book prize, and reached countless young readers. Throughout her career, Eishar has remained steadfast in her mission to prove that representative stories are major market successes. She has actively curated a list that is defined by joy & authenticity, and is always open to submissions that center inclusive and diverse voices.