Entries are invited for our popular children’s picture book text competition. Submit the complete manuscript and a short pitch that tells us what the story is about. This year the competition is for unagented and unpublished writers only. Best of luck!
Prizes
Top 10 Shortlisted Entries
Your entry included in Searchlight’s Pitch Book of winning stories, which is sent to literary agents and publishers to help your work get noticed.
Your entry and biography included in our Winners’ Gallery on the Searchlight Awards’ website, which agents, publishers, friends and family can access.
Second Prize
Your entry included in our Pitch Book of winning stories and Winners’ Gallery, plus a detailed editorial review of your manuscript by expert picture book editor Natascha Biebow of Blue Elephant Storyshaping.
First Prize
Your entry included in our Pitch Book of winning stories and Winners’ Gallery, plus a £500 cash prize and a one-to-one call with our agent judge.
Key Information
Submissions from 14th May 2024 to 1st September 2024
Judge: Lorna Hemingway of Bell Lomax Moreton
Word limit: Your text and illustration notes together should be no more than 1000 words.
Pitch: maximum 125 words
Entry fee per story: £12
Results published: 7th February 2025
Please read the rules below before entering the competition
Enter Now
This competition is now closed