About the Publication

Once Upon a Draft treats children’s book writers with the seriousness their craft deserves.

Writing for children is often misunderstood as a stepping stone to “real” writing, but we know it to be a deeply important literary form.

Once Upon a Draft was founded to provide a quiet, considered space for aspiring and emerging creators to understand the industry and hone their craft. We are not a blog about writing prompts; we are a literary magazine dissecting the architecture of picture books, the pacing of middle grade, and the shifting landscape of global publishing.

Our Principles

1. Editorial Independence.

   We do not accept paid placements, sponsored reviews, or “pay-to-play” features. Our curation is based entirely on editorial merit and utility to our readers.

2. All Paths Valid.

   We cover traditional publishing, small presses, and self-publishing objectively, assessing the merits and challenges of each.

3. UK Based, Globally Minded.

   While our roots and primary focus are on the UK publishing industry, we actively cover international markets and global trends that affect all creators.

Who We Are

Once Upon a Draft was founded by Marleen Lammers, a children’s author published internationally with Penguin Random House, New Frontier, and others. The platform is editorially independent and draws on a network of contributors working within the children’s publishing industry.

We welcome contributions. There are no rigid guidelines – if you have something genuine to say about writing or publishing children’s books, and you can say it well, get in touch.