Deadline
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Categories
Prizes
First Place: $1,000 cash prize, a T-shirt from Strive, a tote bag from Free Spirit, and a meeting with Mary Taris, founder of Strive, and an editor from Free Spirit to discuss the winner’s project. The winning submission will be seriously considered for publication by Free Spirit, cobranded with Strive; however, publication is not guaranteed.
Second Place: $500 cash prize, a T-shirt from Strive, and a tote bag from Free Spirit
Third Place: $250 cash prize, a T-shirt from Strive, and a tote bag from Free Spirit
Description
Now in its fourth year, the Black Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest is going national! The contest is now open to Black authors who at the time of entry are at least 18 years of age and residing anywhere in the United States.
As always, the contest’s mission is to elevate authentic, culturally relevant children’s stories written by and about Black people. Every entry is considered for publication and three cash prizes will be awarded.
Eligible entries will include original children’s books for ages 0–4 (50–125 words) or for ages 4–8 (300–800 words) featuring authentic, realistic Black characters and culture and focusing on one or more of the following topics: character development, self-esteem, identity, diversity, getting along with others, engaging with family and community, or other topics related to positive childhood development. Religious and fantasy themes will not be considered. All entries must be your original work, unpublished, and not accepted for publication anywhere at the time they are entered in the contest.
Contact Information
Website
https://www.freespirit.com/black-voices-in-childrens-literature-writing-contest