My latest manuscript, Dragon Scales, features a mixed Mexican American / white main character and a diverse cast, so I'll be entering this contest this year, in addition to PW. It's open to submissions starting in October, so there's plenty of time to prepare your submission materials, even if you don't submit to PW, or if you feel like you need a bit more time to prepare.
I'm cautiously optimistic, and it doesn't hurt to prepare a submission packet for each of these contests.
One of the MG mentors is mentoring authors from both contests, so as my MS probably won't find a home in PW, which gets an overwhelming number of applicants, this is worth a try. You never know, and it only takes one "Yes," right?
Again, as with PW, you'll need to get ready:
- Synopsis
- Query letter
- First 10 pages
But this one also has questions you'll need to answer in short, 250 word responses. There are two of them:
- An autobiographical statement with how you identify as diverse (if you identify within an underrepresented group) and your career summary (250 words or fewer).
- A statement on how you or your work will bring forward an underrepresented voice or viewpoint (250 words or fewer).
In addition, you'll need to prepare a brief pitch of your attached manuscript, 100 words or fewer, so if you did #PitMad, you're set.
As with PW, research the mentors. This contest offers mentorships for illustrators and picture books (PB) writers, in addition to YA and MB.
And you've got a month-long submission window of Oct. 1-31. Also, for this one, being agented doesn't disqualify you for entry.
Let me know if you enter, or plan to enter, and I'll root for your MS!
Good luck everyone!
