Publisher & Bookseller

Larrikin House Publisher James Layton is passionate about creating fun, edgy and unique books for young readers. His industry experience spans thirty years as both a bookseller to schools and in 2018 a children’s publisher. His first question to authors when assessing manuscripts is always ‘What’s the buy-in for the kid?’ As a young reluctant reader himself, James started creating humorous books to engage kids and make them laugh. His frank, no-nonsense approach is invaluable for anyone who wants a publishing deal.

Publisher, Publicist, Author & Podcaster

Dani Vee is host of the popular literary podcast Words & Nerds. With more than one million downloads, she has interviewed hundreds of authors about their writing process. She is publisher and publicist at Larrikin House. Dani has published picture books, junior fiction novels and a short crime story in an anthology. As Larrikin House publicist she liaises with industry professionals and assesses picture book manuscripts together with James Layton (Publisher) in the Larrikin House slush pile. Dani currently has nine books in the pipeline with Larrikin House writing both issue based and comedic manuscripts.

New York Times Bestselling Author

Adam Wallace is a New York Times Bestselling author who has visited over 500 schools and libraries, over 800 markets and festivals and, more importantly, who has a mini-golf course in his backyard! After advice given to Adam by authors who shall not be name-dropped (initials Andy Griffiths and Michael Salmon), and after his own experiences in schools, Adam believes that connecting face-to-face with students, librarians and teachers is the best base to build a writing career from. It gets you amongst the most important people in children’s books, it improves your writing, it improves your confidence, and it builds your cash flow.