Pitch It! Competition 2021 Winners Announced!

Just Write For Kids Australia’s fourth Pitch It! Competition for Australian writers of children’s and young adult books was held 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. The biggest piece of advice: have a strong, clear opening hook!

Thanks again to the team, Katrina McKelvey, Debra Tidball, Stef Gemmill, Kate Gordon and Pamela Ueckerman. xx

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

Each category will be awarded FOUR PLACE PRIZES! We have a WINNER, a RUNNER UP, THIRD PLACE and FOURTH PLACE winners for each category, PLUS Special Honourable and Judges’ Mentions! How exciting is that?!

So, without further ado, Just Write For Kids is thrilled to announce the following winners in the 2021 Pitch It! Competition…

Picture Book Category

Winner:

The Book of Smells: Medieval A-Z – Jenny Catalano

Congratulations, Jenny! The judges commented, “This pitch drew me in at the first question. Full of humour and well-structured, I feel this pitch will certainly turn the heads of publishers.”, “This pitch is definitely a winning pitch in my books!” (Picture Book Judges).

You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either Larrikin House, UQP or Daisy Lane Publishing.

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

Runner Up:

Scribble – Jeanette Stampone

Congratulations, Jeanette! Your pitch had the judges commenting, “I adore the themes – your story definitely has the WOW factor!”, “…found this pitch compelling.” (Picture Book Judges).

You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either Larrikin House, UQP or Daisy Lane Publishing.

Third Place:

Dragonfly Pie – Laura Holloway

Congratulations, Laura! The judges noted, “The plot sounds intriguing.”, “The hook of this story grabs you from the first line.” (Picture Book Judges).

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

Fourth Place:

Tough Cookie – Heather Gallagher

Congratulations, Heather! You will receive a special book pack with signed book copies from our very own judges and a fantastic titles courtesy of Big Sky Publishing!

Honourable Mentions:

The Great Biscuit Plan – Lindsay Fletcher-Hammond

Clementine’s Cake – Linda Harrison

Bunchy Undies – Alexandra Guest

PLUS! Special Judges’ Mentions – Individual judges’ favourites…

The Keyboard Warrior – Jeremy Kalbstein

The Girl on the Moon – Vikki Marmaras

My Cat is a Grump – Jess Horn

Arabel Cat and the Milking Shed Mayhem – Robyn Grayson

Racoon’s Rules – Lynelle Kendall

In the Wild – Kirsten Ealand

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:

Druscilla Wallop Dragon Detective – Holly Bidwell

Congratulations, Holly! Your pitch was described with, ” Great opening sentence and hook!”, “This premise sounds so fun…”, “I’m all in!” (Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Judges).

You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either Daisy Lane Publishing or Larrikin House.

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

Runner Up:

Frances Tempus-Renegade Timeline Officer – Bethany Loveridge

Congratulations, Bethany! The judges commented, “Your pitch is packed with creativity and punch!”, “What an intriguing premise!” (Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Judges).

You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either Daisy Lane Publishing or Larrikin House.

Third Place:

Lottie and the Littles: Birthday Surprise – Dannielle Viera

Congratulations, Dannielle! The judges felt, ” The story sounds sweet and highly commercial…”, “…immediately had me onside.” (Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Judges).

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

Fourth Place:

Searching – John Charlton

Congratulations, John! You will receive a special book pack with some fantastic titles courtesy of Big Sky Publishing!

Honourable Mentions:

Luna Merrian – Little Librarian – Hayley Gannon

In a Pickle – Trudy Parry

Shadow on the Horizon – John Charlton

Space Worms – Heather Gallagher

PLUS! Special Judges’ Mentions – Individual judges favourites…

Nobots – Andy Segal

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

Young Adult Category

Winner:

Dylan’s New Atlas– Emma Holifield

Congratulations, Emma! Your pitch had the judges commenting, ”Great opening hook! The story is dark and compelling, perfect for YA”, “I really love this premise – unique and intriguing. Dark and adventurous.” (Young Adult Judges).

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

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

Runner Up:

Portal on the Platform – Bianca Breen

Congratulations, Bianca! Your pitch was described as “…unexpectedly fresh!”, “I can’t wait to read more!”  (Young Adult Judges).

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

Third Place:

Plagued Lands – Nikki Brooke

Congratulations, Nikki! The judges’ notes included, “…with diversity and a refreshing twist. ”, “…have depth and complexity.”

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

Fourth Place:

Hemlock’s Reflection – Hannah Adam

Congratulations, Hannah! You will receive a special book pack with some fantastic titles courtesy of Big Sky Publishing!

Honourable Mentions:

The Forgotten Girls – Cherie Corbett-Jones

Alba – Verity Croker

Ruarnon Manipulator’s War – Elise Carlson

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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