2010 Contests and Grants for Children’s Writers
Photo by J.L. Martin
Yes, we should all be working on our novels, but it’s also good to enter contests and apply for grants. But what to enter? Here are five really great opportunities I’ve found so far. If you enter any of these, good luck!
Highlights for Children Short Fiction Contest
Deadline: Jan 31, 2010
Word count: 750 words
Who can enter: anyone
Prize: $1000 or tuition for the Writers Workshop at Chautauqua (3 prizes)
Why enter: It’s a great magazine with a great reputation.
Highlights Foundation Workshop Scholarship
Deadline: Feb 12, 2010
Word count: 2000 word writing sample plus a novel synopsis
Grant: Tuition for the Writers Workshop at Chautauqua
Who can apply: based on financial need
Why apply: This is one amazing workshop.
Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Grants
Deadline: Mar 15, 2010
Word count: check the site
Grant: $1500 (four available)
Who can apply: SCBWI members
Why apply: It’s worth it just to become a SCBWI member.
The Writers Union of Canada Writing for Children Competition
Deadline: April 24, 2010
Word count: 1500 words
Prize: Submission to three children’s publishers
Who can enter: Canadians and landed immigrants
Why enter: Get judged by published authors.
Katherine Paterson Prize for Young Adult & Children’s Writing
Deadline: June 30, 2010 (site says 2009, but the contest is running this year)
Word count: up to 10,000 (one story or novel excerpt)
Who can enter: anyone
Prize: $1000 and publication in Hunger Mountain
Why enter: The judge is author Katherine Paterson!