Celebrating new Black-British writing for children
Celebrating new Black-British writing for children
Embedded Files
Submissions are open!
Submissions are open!
Calling all unpublished and self-published Black-British picture book writers!
Calling all unpublished and self-published Black-British picture book writers!
From 11 January 2026 to 14 February 2026, send us your finest manuscripts for a chance to win a £1250 cash prize from Hachette Children's Group, plus Society of Authors membership.
There are two award categories this year:
baby and toddler books (1–3 years)
picture books (3–7 years)
Get creative and send us your scripts by 14 February. We need your stories!
The prizes
The prizes
The winner in each category will receive:
A £1250 cash prize from Hachette and one-to-one editorial feedback at their offices
A 12-month membership to the Society of Authors including unlimited access to their resources, industry guides and advisors
A copy of Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2027 supplied by Bloomsbury
Runners-up in each category will receive:
A copy of Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2027
A Zoom session with editor Anna McQuinn or literary agent
A children's book bundle from Hachette
Please read our FAQs and Submission guidelines for more info.
Proud to be partnered with
Proud to be partnered with
This year's judges
This year's judges
Amy Anderson is Editorial Director at Hachette Children’s Group, where she oversees a diverse list of award-winning, best-selling picture books. She previously worked at Penguin Random House Children’s, and is committed to publishing stories that entertain and inspire every child.
Amy is judging our picture books (3–7 years) category
Iman Khakoo is currently an Editor at Hachette Children’s Group. She works on the preschool and picture book team across a wide range of books, from innovative preschool novelty concepts to commercial picture books and key series and brand-led publishing.
Iman is judging our baby and toddler books (1–3 years) category
Anna McQuinn is Editor-at-Large at Alanna Max. She is the creator of the successful inclusive series Booky Girl Lulu and Zeki Books. Her eloquent style of writing brings all aspects of a subject together in the most poetic way. She has written over 30 picture books and is published worldwide in many languages by Annick Press, Barefoot Books, Chicken House, Scholastic, O’Brien Press, Alanna Max, and many others.
Anna is judging our baby and toddler books (1–3 years) category
Rachael Davis-Featherstone is a mixed-raced Black-British multi-award-nominated author and literary agent. She co-founded Creative Roots Studio which helps writers and illustrators build sustainable careers. Rachael is also a Non-Executive Director for ALCS, a Trustee for English PEN and a RLF Fellow. As an author, Rachael has published over 20 books ranging from picture books to adult novels. She has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards and shortlisted for the Inclusive Books for Children Awards. Rachael is currently pursuing a PhD in authentic representation of the mixed-raced identity in children’s literature at Bath Spa University.
Rachael is judging our picture books (3–7 years) category
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse