I couldn’t wait to tell you about the exciting picture book competition in this month’s Writing Magazine! It’s open to any unpublished and unagented writer and the prize is a lunch consultation with top children’s agent Julia Churchill (plus a subscription to Writing Magazine – oh, and £200 as well). And who knows where that could lead?
From my critique pile I know loads of you have some fantastic picture books waiting for the right opportunity, and there’s no entry fee so I urge you to give it a go!
Your text should be no longer than 800 words and can be rhyming or prose. You can present it in page spreads or as continuous text. No illustrations, pop-ups etc. Details here.
There’s also some great tips on picture book writing from prolific picture book writer Amy Sparkes in the accompanying article (August edition).
Closing date is 29 September. Good luck!
Lou Treleaven 
Dear Lou, thank you for posting up the competition. Do you know if i enter the competition will it be accepted from Ireland.
Kind regards Teresa McHugh
I will check Teresa!
Amy Sparkes says it’s open to all. She thinks the only condition is that people are willing and able to travel for any award ceremony.
Thanks Lou for sharing this – it looks very exciting indeed!
I’m in! Sounds like a fun opportunity for a 63 year old grandfather from Ohio in the USA.
The link doesn’t work. Could you replace the link or tell us what the URL is? I tried searching it on Writers Online too and it doesn’t come up. Thanks.
Oh dear! Will check – they were having trouble with it before!
Sorry about the dodgy link everyone! It’s now been corrected.
Thank you, Lou. The details here link is not working (Page Not Found).
*Doreen Diorio* *Author, Artist, and Art Teacher* *http://ddiorio.itgo.com/ *
Reblogged this on About Fauna Park Tales and commented:
Thank you for bringing this competition to our attention, Lou Treleaven. There is so much undiscovered talent out there and this is a great opportunity for prospective Picture Book children’s authors.
Thanks so much, Lou! I’ve reblogged this post. Your information is as usual most topical.
what is her address
Julia Churchill is based in London.
Hi Lou,
My apologies for the delay in responding to you. Thank you for informing us/me about this competition.
When I tried opening the link that you’d kindly included an automated message popped up telling me that the relevant page isn’t accessible. Have you had similar comments from others?
Do you happen to have another link or even better the website or email address for the people holding this competition? I’d really appreciate you sending me any such added info.
Have a lovely Sunday!
Thanks!
Regards,
Arun Datt
Sent from my iPhone
Hi Arun. Yes the page keeps disappearing for some reason! Try this:
http://www.sparkey.org.uk/Books/the-first-ever-writing-magazine-picture-book-prize/
This is great. Can we submit a story if we are from the U.S.?
Have checked with Amy Sparkes. She says, “Hi Lou, it’s open to all. I think the only condition is that people are willing and able to travel for any award ceremony.”
Well, that’s great! Thanks for checking on specifics. Good luck to all!