The 2016 First Edition Children's Book Contest is now closed.
How to Submit a Manuscript
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
FAILURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ACCURATELY WILL RESULT IN ELIMINATION
INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
How to Submit a Manuscript
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
FAILURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ACCURATELY WILL RESULT IN ELIMINATION
INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Submit the manuscript as a Word document attached to an email to lcroy@swhd.org.
Email Subject Line: "Manuscript Title – Last Name." For example, "The Cat in the Hat - Seuss."
Note: Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.
Word Count: 600 words maximum
How to Format the Manuscript
- Type the manuscript using 12-point Calibri in black ink.
- Double-space the text with no more than 25 lines to a page, except for the first page which begins 5 inches from the top of page one.
- Allow margins of 1 inch on each side of the paper and at the top and bottom of each page.
- In the upper right hand corner of the first page include the following:
Intended Audience:
Word Count:
- Type the TITLE IN CAPS 5 inches from the top of the first page.
- Begin typing the story 4 lines below the title.
- Number each page of the manuscript consecutively in the top right-hand corner, with the exception of the first page, which is not numbered.
- Do not include any of the following on the manuscript:
First and last name
Address
Phone number
Email address
- Do not send illustrations or art direction. If you are a professionally skilled illustrator and your manuscript is chosen for publication, we may consider the option of publishing an author/illustrator. However, the Project Editor reserves the right to choose and hire a professional illustrator not connected with the entry.
How to Enter the Manuscript
- Download and complete the entry form.
Note: If the manuscript is co-authored, each writer must complete an entry form.
- Sign the form digitally by opening it in Adobe Reader.
Adobe Reader can be downloaded for free at https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
Alternatively, print, complete and sign the form. Scan or take a picture of it, save it to a computer and send as an attachment to the email with the manuscript.
- Failure to complete all information or sign and date the form will result in elimination.
- Southwest Human Development employees and members of their families may not enter the contest.
2016 Contest Entry Fee Rules
- Credit card payment is required.
- May 31st - August 31st early bird fee is $50.00.
- September 1st - September 30th entry fee is $75.00.
- October 1st - October 15th, entry fee is $100.00.
- The deadline for entering the contest is October 15, 2016.
- Manuscript entries will be checked against payment records prior to beginning the manuscript review process. Failure to pay the submission fee will result in elimination.
- Entry fees are non-refundable and not transferable.
- Entry fees support the publication of the book.
- Funds normally donated to Southwest Human Development to support programs for young children and their families will not be used to support this project.
- Money raised in excess of publication costs will go to benefit the programs and services Southwest Human Development provides for the 135,000 children and families served each year.
Multiple Submissions
- Multiple submissions by a writer will be accepted.
- Each manuscript must have a separate entry form and entry fee.
