Pitch It! Competition 2020 – Winners, Runners Up and Honourable Mentions Announced!

Just Write For Kids Australia held its third annual writing competition for Australian writers of children’s literature throughout September this year. The aim was to craft a manuscript pitch to a publisher that is focused, concise and appealing; showcasing a strength in voice, marketability and writing ability. Our judging panel meticulously analysed each entry for their adherence to the guidelines, but most importantly, their originality, emotive qualities and point of difference. We are truly grateful to the team, Katrina McKelvey, Robert Vescio, Stef Gemmill, Kate Gordon and Nadia L King. xx

We are also thankful to the generosity of our prize givers for offering such invaluable opportunities for our writers. Thank you Big Sky Publishing, EK Books, Larrikin House, University of Queensland Press, Adam Wallace, Mayfair Literary Agency and Affordable Manuscript Assessments and Editing Service.

AND we have a special announcement to make… Each category will now be awarded THREE PLACE PRIZES! That’s right. We will have a WINNER, a RUNNER UP and a THIRD PLACE winner for each category, PLUS Honourable Mentions! How exciting is that?!

So, without further ado, Just Write For Kids is thrilled to announce the following winners in the 2020 Pitch It! Competition…

 

Picture Book Category

Winner:

The Garden at the End of the World – Cassy Polimeni

Congratulations, Cassy! The judges commented, “Your pitch was very strong. I loved the opening line. ”, “I could visualise the adventurous journey…”, “…makes the story feel unique.” (Picture Book Judges).

You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either EK Books, Larrikin House, UQP or Big Sky Publishing.

PLUS FREE access to the Kid’s Book Creator Capital course bundle by Adam Wallace.

 

Runner Up:

The Memory Collector – Jevita Nilson

Congratulations, Jevita! Your pitch had the judges commenting, “…I can see this one published”, “…use of evocative language and drawing the reader in on the first line.” “The pitch is engaging…” (Picture Book Judges).

You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either EK Books, Larrikin House, UQP or Big Sky Publishing.

 

Third Place:

The Paper Aeroplane – Gemma Patience

Congratulations, Gemma! The judges noted, “this pitch was written beautifully”, “Your pitch opening lines had me hooked at the start.”, “Like a picture book, each word counts.” (Picture Book Judges).

You will receive a manuscript appraisal from author, editor and mentor, Sally Odgers at Affordable Manuscript Assessments Service.

 

Honourable Mentions:

Albert’s Gift – Melissa Wray

Rosie and the Rainbow Smile – Thea Donoghue

James’s Joy – Jenny Catalano

Congratulations, everyone! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being intriguing, well-crafted with emotion and marketing potential.

 

Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Category

Winner:

The Great Ned Head Heist – Sandi Parsons

Congratulations, Sandi! Your pitch was described as: ” The energy of this pitch is extremely appealing.”, “…this concept appealed to me…” (Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Judges).

You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either UQP or Big Sky Publishing.

PLUS FREE access to the Kid’s Book Creator Capital course bundle by Adam Wallace.

 

Runner Up:

How to Rule the World? – Carla Fitzgerald

Congratulations, Carla! The judges commented, “What a premise”, “I absolutely adored this concept.” (Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Judges).

You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either UQP or Big Sky Publishing.

 

Third Place:

The Rat-catcher’s Apprentice – Maggie Jankuloska

Congratulations, Maggie! The judges felt, ” I am utterly intrigued by the idea of this story…”, “I adored this pitch.” (Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Judges).

You will receive a manuscript appraisal from literary agent and editor, Justine Barker at Mayfair Literary Agency.

 

Honourable Mentions:

Timefire – Nean McKenzie

Once Upon a Blood Moon – Maggie Jankuloska

92 Addington Place – Pauline Cleary

Congratulations to these writers! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being innovative ideas, with great marketing potential.

 

Young Adult Category

Winner:

Peacemaker – Elissa Moss

Congratulations, Elissa! Your pitch had the judges ” hooked by the quote at the beginning of this pitch”, “I can see it flying off the shelves!” (Young Adult Judges).

You will receive a manuscript publisher appraisal from the commissioning editing team at Big Sky Publishing.

PLUS FREE access to the Kid’s Book Creator Capital course bundle by Adam Wallace.

 

Runner Up:

Rules of the Stitch Up – Geraldine Borella

Congratulations, Geraldine! Your pitch was described as “A fun, quirky premise – the comparison novel is excellent”, “an intriguing story”  (Young Adult Judges).

You will receive a manuscript appraisal from author, editor and mentor, Sally Odgers at Affordable Manuscript Assessments Service.

 

Third Place:

The Inventor and the Comet – Bianca Breen

Congratulations, Bianca! The judges’ notes included, “I was sold the moment you mentioned the comparison titles…”, “I can’t wait to read this one!”

You will receive a manuscript critique from award-winning author and mentor, Kate Gordon.

 

Honourable Mentions:

The Shrinking World – Sara Tacey

The Luminance – Kylie Covark

The Burrow – Ali Davies

Congratulations to these writers! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being well-crafted with intriguing and powerful premise, strongly encouraged to pursue further.

 

Thank you to all the entrants and everyone involved in making our third Pitch It! Competition a success. Winning, runners up and honourable mention entrants will be contacted shortly.

 

X Romi and the Just Write For Kids Team

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