Helen Carr is a Senior Editor at The O’Brien Press, an independent Irish children’s publisher. She has always been interested in the book world and has blogged about and reviewed books. She edits a broad range of bestselling fiction and non-fiction for adults, young adults and children. She loves meeting authors, talking about their books and their characters, getting a feel for the book and how she can work on it to shape it.

Gráinne Clear is a Commissioning Editor at Walker Books. Before this she was Publishing Manager and Art Director at Little Island Books, an independent Irish children’s publisher. She has also written and hosted two children’s literature series for RTÉ Radio, was president of IBBY Ireland and a board member of Publishing Ireland.

Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin is a writer and publisher, based in An Spidéal, Conamara. His children’s publishing house, Futa Fata, has more than 100 books in print, originated in the Irish language as well as titles translated to Irish. He works across a range of media, including books, music recording and television scriptwriting. A collection of songs on the theme of the seasons, Bliain na nAmhrán (The Year of Song) book/CD was a CBI Book of the Year Award winner and a Gradam Réics Carló Book of the Year in 2017. His TV drama work includes ‘Aifric’, a show for TG4 which he co-created with director Paul Mercier, and ‘Drop Dead Weird’, a TV sitcom in English for kids.

Sallyanne Sweeney studied English at Trinity College before completing an MPhil in American Literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. She is an agent with Mulcahy Associates and is growing her list of award-winning authors and illustrators for children and adults. Passionate about the editorial side of agenting, Sallyanne is always excited by a distinctive voice, strong storytelling and a fresh premise, and enjoys working with debuts as well as helping established authors to take their careers to the next level. She is a regular speaker at writing festivals and events, and was the Chair of the Children's Agents' Circle from 2014-2018.