Seeding Readers: Author and Illustrator Call for Submissions
Early Childhood Literacy Committee
Are you a local author? Do you have a story that celebrates the joy of reading, the magic of books, or the power of oral storytelling traditions? Are you an emerging illustrator who delights in bringing stories to life through your art? The Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Calgary, invites you to submit your stories or illustrations to our Seeding Readers Campaign.
In celebration of 20 years of service in our community, the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale is launching our Seeding Readers Campaign. Each year a new picture book will be written and illustrated by a local author and illustrator, and it will be published and distributed to families in our community. Like a dandelion spreading its seeds upon the wind, it is our wish that these books find their way into the homes of children and help them grow a deep-rooted love for reading.
Authors are invited to submit their manuscript for a chance to have it illustrated and produced into a hardcover children’s picture book. Manuscripts should be appropriate for children ages 4-8, with a word count of approximately 500-700 words. Ideally the subject of the story will be related to the joy of reading, the magic of books, or the power of oral storytelling traditions. Authors must be open to editorial revisions. Please include a cover letter describing your interest in participating in the campaign, and any previous experience you’ve had with the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, Calgary Reads, or The Rotary Club of Calgary. Please include the title “Author Submission” in the subject line of your email.
Illustrators are invited to submit 1-3 images representing your work, along with a link to your online portfolio and/or social media accounts. Illustrators must be able to work with a deadline of approximately 6 months to produce a children’s book. Emerging illustrators are welcome to apply, and mentoring will be available if needed. Illustrators must be open to editorial revisions. Please include a cover letter describing your interest in participating in the campaign, and any previous experiences you’ve had with the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, Calgary Reads, or The Rotary Club of Calgary. Please include the title “Illustrator Submission” in the subject line of your email.
Author-Illustrators are welcome to submit their manuscript and preliminary storyboard or dummy book. Please indicate whether you are willing to have your writing and illustrations considered separately. Please include a cover letter describing your interest in participating in the campaign, and any previous experiences you’ve had with the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, Calgary Reads, or The Rotary Club of Calgary. Please include the title “Author-Illustrator Submission” in the subject line of your email.
The selected author will receive $3500 plus 150 books (approximately $2000-$3750 value). The selected illustrator will receive $6000 plus 150 books (approximately $2000-$3750 value). The chosen author and illustrator must be available for 1-3 author/illustrator events where the books will be given to children in Calgary throughout the month of May 2025.
Please send your submissions to seedingreaders@bigbooksale.ca
The deadline to submit is May 31, 2024.
Q: Who can apply?
A: Authors and Illustrators ages 18 years and older are welcome to apply. You must be a Canadian citizen, and preference is given to authors and illustrators in Calgary and surrounding areas.
Q: Are author/illustrator teams welcome to apply?
A: Yes, an author/illustrator team is welcome to apply. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you’d like to also be considered separately.
Q: How many pages does the story need to have?
A: A typical picture book is 32 pages long (approximately 500-700 words). This includes the title page, copyright page, and sometimes an author/illustrator bio page. The actual story is approximately 28 pages long. The author does not need to paginate the manuscript prior to submission. Pagination will be determined during the editing and illustration process.
Q: Do I need to have any previous experience writing or illustrating picture books to apply?
A: No. This is a great opportunity for emerging authors and illustrators to build their portfolio and gain experience. A willingness to work with the project director to edit and evolve your story or illustrations is a necessity, as is the ability to meet deadlines.
Q: How many copies of the book will be printed, and where will it be distributed?
A: The book will have a limited print run of 1000 copies. Of those copies, 300 will go to the illustrator and author, and 700 copies will be given away for free to children in Calgary. Authors and illustrators are welcome to sell the copies of the book that they receive.
Q: How will the winning submissions be chosen?
A: A jury will select a story that best fits our theme of growing strong readers and the power of stories. After the story is selected, the jury will once again select an illustrator whose style best suits the story.
Q: When will the winning authors and illustrators be notified?
A: The selected author and illustrator will be notified no later than June 30, 2024.