Pitch It! Competition Winners 2019

Just Write For Kids Australia held its second annual writing competition for Australian writers of children’s literature throughout September this year. The aim was to forward a pitch for a manuscript 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 point of difference. We are truly grateful to the team, Debra Tidball, Kellie Byrnes, Julie Grasso, Pamela Ueckerman, Kate Gordon and Nadia L King. xx

Just Write For Kids is thrilled to announce the following winners in the 2019 Pitch It! Competition.

 

Picture Book Category

Winner:

The Secret Life of Henrietta Penfeather – Annaleise Byrd

Congratulations, Anna! Your pitch has proven to capture “a fun title and concept… love all the puns and clever language throughout… your writing will be strong enough to get it across the line with a publisher (or many!).” (Picture Book Judge).

You will receive your choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either at Wombat Books, Little Pink Dog Books or Big Sky Publishing. 🙂

 

Runner Up:

You’re a Monster (But I Love You) – Ingrid Elkner

Congratulations, Ingrid! You have presented an “accomplished pitch that shows you really know the market – well done you!” (Picture Book Judge).

You will receive a manuscript critique for your picture book from author and mentoring coach, Kellie Byrnes. 🙂

 

Honourable Mentions:

Duke and Snickers Make a Bucket List – Anita Weller

Float or Sink? – Kylie Covark

Shawn the Yawn – Kate Talbot

The Black – Shaye Wardrop

No Hat Pat – Carla Fitzgerald 

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:

Stella Duke and the Sandgirl’s Curse – Samantha Brennan

Congratulations, Samantha! Your pitch proved to have “a great opening hook and use of voice… well-crafted… sounds amazing!” (Middle Grade Judges).

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

 

Runner Up:

Dolsa Bones – Rochelle Sharpe

Congratulations, Rochelle! Your pitch “begins with a clear hook and flows well with a good comparison title.” (Middle Grade Judges).

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

 

Honourable Mentions:

The Grand Old Dude Named York – Ross Curnow

The Sketchy Time Stoppages of Steward Kay – Rebecca Chaney

Nobots – Andy Segal

Congratulations to these writers! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being unique, crafted with great punch and marketing potential.

 

Young Adult Category

Winner:

Ocean Blue – Verity Croker

Congratulations, Verity! Your pitch had the judges “hooked from the first sentence… intrigued by the story’s premise. A strong, well-crafted pitch.” (Young Adult Judges).

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

 

Runner Up:

The Lifters – Ashleigh Hardcastle

Congratulations, Ashleigh! Your pitch was described as “Wow! I am so keen to read this story… the narrative makes use of current themes.” (Young Adult Judges).

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

 

Honourable Mentions:

Life Without Clouds – Fiona Miller-Stevens

Scars of Mysticayhem – Carolyn Richer

The Grim Wars – Jess Kuppan

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

 

Thank you to all the entrants and everyone involved in making our second 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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