Join the Jericho Prize Twitter/X Picture Book Pitch Event on Friday 25 October 2024 #PitchJPPB24

Are you a new or established Black-British writer with a passion for picture books? Want to get your picture book noticed by publishing professionals? Join us for the Jericho Prize Twitter/X Picture Book Pitch Event on Friday 25 October – a unique opportunity to be brave and get your book ideas noticed!

What is the Jericho Prize Picture Book Pitch Event?

This Friday, writers can share their picture book ideas directly on Twitter/X, where industry professionals, including agents, editors and publishers, will be on the lookout for new talent. If you're a Black writer with a fully formed unpublished picture book or a fantastic book concept, this event is for you! 

Who can join?

This event is open to Black-British writers. Whether you're unpublished or already have some published books under your belt, the Jericho Prize welcomes all Black writers looking to make their mark in the world of children’s picture books.

How does it work?

Step 1: Craft your pitch – create a concise, engaging pitch for your picture book. Remember, you're working with limited characters on Twitter/X, so make every word count! Here's what to include in your pitch:

• A 1- to 2-sentence summary of your original picture book story

• An introduction to the main character by name and their unique challenge or journey and/or why your idea is sellable to the target market

• Very important – insert the hashtag #PitchJPPB24 to make sure your pitch gets seen by the right people

Step 2: Post your pitch – post on Twitter/X on Friday 25 October between 9am and 4pm (GMT). Publishers, agents and editors will be following the hashtag all day to discover exciting new voices. 

You can post as many different pitches as you like during the day, but each pitch must be posted separately and in one post.

What happens next?

Once your pitch is live, industry professionals will either like, comment or message you directly if they are interested in your pitch. If your pitch captures their attention, you could receive requests for your manuscript, although we cannot guarantee this!

• Likes: A 'like' from an agent or editor usually signals they're interested in hearing more about your story.

• Comments: Pay attention to your post comments, as some professionals may offer useful feedback or ask important questions.

• Direct Messages: Some agents or editors may reach out privately to request more details about your work.

Remember: be ready with a polished manuscript or a clear overview of your picture book concept so you can send it over if someone expresses interest. That said, there is no guarantee that your pitch will receive a response so be mindful of this, and try not to take it personally. Instead, try again with a different book concept perhaps later in the day! 

Tips for a successful pitch

• Keep it concise: Twitter/X’s character limit forces you to focus on the heart of your story. Make every word count!

• Show your voice: let the tone of your picture book come through in your pitch.

• Engage with others: don’t just post and leave! Support fellow writers by liking and commenting on their pitches, and engage with agents and editors if they show interest in your work.

• Be authentic: it's your story! Make sure your pitch highlights what makes it unique and why it needs to be told.

Why participate?

The Jericho Prize Twitter/X event is a fantastic way to get industry exposure without leaving your house! It's designed to amplify Black voices in the children's book industry, an area where diverse representation is crucial but still lacking. By participating, you'll be joining a supportive community of writers, and you'll have the chance to connect with key decision-makers in the publishing world. So, mark your calendars for 25 October, and get ready to share your amazing picture book stories with the world.

For updates and more details, follow @JerichoPrize on Twitter/X and Instagram, and stay connected.