Hello, I'm Ashleigh

I've loved stories since before I could read and have wanted to write ever since I could use a pencil. Lucky for me, I now get to write for a living.

I am a children's author and copywriter based in Sydney, Australia. This means all my working hours are spent on my own creative projects or crafting copy for clients in various industries all over the world. I also spend a lot of time presenting to kids (and adults) about the importance of reading and writing. No two days are the same – just the way I like it.

I write across multiple categories and genres - wherever my ideas take me. My work include picture books, junior fiction and middle grade novels which have been published by HarperCollins, Hachette Australia and UQP.

Before writing full-time, I pursued my love of books (children's books especially) by working in some of Australia's biggest publishing houses. I ran marketing and publicity campaigns for globally-renowned authors and illustrators, including some of my all-time favourites.

I live in Sydney with my husband, our three young kids and a very barky little dog called Poe in house filled with books. To keep up to date with book news, events and random updates, follow me on Instagram.

AWARDS

2021 CBCA Notable – What Do You Call Your Grandpa?
2022 CBCA Shortlist – What Do You Call Your Grandma?
2023 CBCA Notable – How Do You Say I Love You?
2025 CBCA Notable – Dinosaur In My Pocket
2026 CBCA Notable – How to Sail to Somewhere
2025 Speech Pathology Book of the Year Shortlist – Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Space Cadet

SOME OTHER THINGS ABOUT ME

I'VE WORKED AS...

A freelance copywriter, content writer and marketing strategist
The Children's & YA Marketing & Publicity Manager at a Big 5 publishing house
A paralegal
A nanny
A tutor
A PR intern
An advertising intern
A "gappie" at a boarding school in the English countryside
A retail assistant in a gift shop, a candle shop and a stationery shop

I STUDIED...

A double degree in Law and Public Communication at the University of Technology Sydney. I even completed my practical legal training and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of NSW before promptly pursuing a career in books
Four different languages in high school. Sadly, I spent too much time practising my origami in Japanese lessons and failed the Year 7 exam

I WROTE...

My first "book" at age 6, which was self-illustrated and self-published. (The cover says "by Ashleigh Barton, age 6" so this fact is irrefutable.) There was only ever one copy in circulation. Currently somewhere in my parents' garage.
A murder mystery that got handed around my grade one chapter at a time. I never finished it so apologies to my peers – they'll never know who the murderer was. (And neither will I)

I LOVE...

Coffee
Eating
Watching TV
Children's books (and grown-up books)
Travelling (especially to somewhere new)

I'M SCARED OF...

Birds
Cockroaches
Reverse parking

AS A CHILD I LOVED READING...

Ten books at a time (my school library's borrowing limit)
Instead of going to sleep or watching my brothers play soccer
Anything by Roald Dahl
Every Ramona Quimby book

Work With Me

If there's one thing I love more than writing, it's talking about writing. I especially love talking about ideas and where they come from, story writing techniques, how to create compelling characters and the importance of creativity. I've presented to groups of all sizes and people of all ages.

I'm available for workshops, school talks, presentations and festivals. I've presented to children of all ages, as well as to adults.

To find out more or to book me for your event, festival or school, get in touch.

Contact Me

Get in Touch

If you'd like to work with me, find out more about my work or book me to speak at your school or event, I'd love to hear from you!