Celebrating new Black-British writing for children

Plus:

• A 12-month scholarship membership with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

• A 12-month membership to the Society of Authors including unlimited access to their resources, industry guides and advisors

• A copy of A Writer's Journal Workbook by Lucy van Smit

• A copy of Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2023, foreword by Smriti Halls

Two runners-up will each receive:

• Mentoring from Anna McQuinn, editor-at-large at Alanna Max, or Natascha Biebow, editor at Blue Elephant Storyshaping 

• Art direction consultation with author-illustrator Ken Wilson-Max from Alanna Max

• A copy of Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2023

Two writers with potential will each receive:

• Detailed script feedback and a chance to chat with children's book editor and author Naomi Jones

• A copy of Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2023 

• Priority booking for our future workshops

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:

• • Feature an authentic-feeling Black or mixed-Black main character

  • Be well-structured stories with a clear beginning and satisfying ending

  • Be written in rhyme or prose

  • Be uplifting and light-hearted, humorous or thought-provoking 

  • Feel original and relevant to 21st-century children

  • Not have historical, distressing or overtly anti-racist themes

  • Be age-range appropriate, eg must not be first-word or look-'n'-feel books aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers

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