Are you an unpublished author of color who writes for young readers? If so, we encourage you to submit your manuscript to LEE & LOW’s annual writing contests. Our well-established contests
support new authors of color and highlight voices that remain underrepresented in traditional publishing. Past winners include Ink and Ashes and Juna’s Jar.
New Voices Award
- Awarded to a picture book manuscript by an unpublished author of color.
- Winner receives $1000 cash prize and a publication contract with LEE & LOW BOOKS.
- Submissions close September 30, 2015.
- See the full submission guidelines.
New Visions Award
- Awarded to a middle grade or young adult novel by an unpublished author of color.
- Winner receives a cash prize of $1,000 and a publication contract with Tu Books, an imprint with LEE & LOW BOOKS.
- Submissions close October 31, 2015
- See the full submissions guidelines
Have questions about either contest? Leave them here in the comments and we’ll get you an answer.
Further Reading:
Awards and grants for authors of color
I have written two MS with POC as main characters. I am an unpublished POC writer. While still learning the requirements for word count for the many categories, both of the MS I have written, are over the 1500 word limit for picture books. I am working on both to meet the guideline of 1500, without losing important content. In obtaining the correct word count, can descriptions of a scene to some extent be limited, since there will be pictures? Should I focus more on stating emotions or actions over describing?