Submission guidelines

Picture Book Script clinic 2024

• You must identify as Black-British, ie of African, Caribbean or mixed heritage Black to use this service.

• You can be a traditionally published, self-published or unpublished writer. What's most important is your desire to develop a picture book script. 

• You must also live in the UK and be aged 18 or over at the time of entry. There is no upper age limit.

• You will need to provide a link to a visible social media profile containing an image of you. If you do not have a social media profile then you will need to attach a headshot to your submission. 

• Send your manuscript in a Word doc or PDF file (max. file size 1MB) via the Google form on our Script Clinic webpage.

• Your word count must be no more than 700 words (excluding the title page and any illustration briefs).

• Your submitted manuscript must be your own original work; you can submit multiple entries.

• You can only submit picture book stories; stories can be written in rhyme or prose.

• Historical fiction and non-fiction submissions are not eligible.

• Your manuscript must be written in the English language with UK spellings and a legible 12pt to 14pt font.  

• You must include a title page at the start of your document including your name, story title and word count.

• Please use the following file-naming convention: your_story_title_firstname_surname.doc

• Self-published work can be submitted if it was self-published from January 2021 onwards. Please send a text-only version of your book WITHOUT any illustrations otherwise we will not be able to offer feedback.

• We will endeavour to send your editor feedback promptly via email no more than one month after receiving your submission.

• Submissions open on 13 May 2024 at 9am and close on 1 October 2024 at midnight (GMT). Submissions received after this time will not be accepted.

NOTE: If your submission does not meet ALL the above entry criteria, it will NOT be considered.

• There is no charge to use the Script Clinic service.

If you have any questions about our submissions process, please contact us at jerichoprize@gmail.com.