Celebrating new Black-British writing for children

Instagram button
Twitter button
You Tube button
Arts Council England logo

Click here to read our winner's announcement

Calling all unpublished and self-published Black-British children's writers!

From 7 November 2022 to 9 January 2023, send us your finest picture book manuscript for a chance to win a publishing contract with Scholastic UK, SCBWI membership, exclusive access to publishing professionals, and more. We need your stories! 

Reedsy Best Writing Contests 2022 logo

The prizes

The winner will receive:

Scholastic UK logo

Plus:

Two runners-up will each receive:

Two writers with potential will each receive:

What are we looking for in your submissions?

Stories that suit the picture book format and are aimed at young readers aged 3 years plus. They must be no more than 700 words long and should:

Read Writing a children's book, FAQs and Submission guidelines for more info.

Before you make your submission

We'd strongly encourage you to attend our online picture book workshops and panel sessions led by top editors from Scholastic UK, literary agents and authors of colour who write for children. These sessions will take place on Saturdays from September until November

NOTE: we will not be offering specific advice on your manuscripts during these sessions. They are intended to prepare and inspire you before you start writing, and will focus on need-to-know UK market insights, the craft of writing a compelling picture book, working with an editor, and the dos and don'ts of manuscript presentation. 

Places are limited, so don't hesitate to book your FREE place for each session when they are advertised. Check our Workshops page as we are taking bookings now.

Thanks to our generous funder, partners and sponsors:

Logos of the Jericho Prize funder, partners and sponsors: Arts Council England, Scholastic UK, Alanna Max Books, SCBWI, Society of Authors, Peters Books, Black Writers' Guild and Blue Elephant Story Shaping