Just Write For Kids Australia’s fifth 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!
Gigantic thanks once again to Debra Tidball, Stef Gemmill, Amelia McInerney, Kate Gordon and Crystal Corocher xx
We are also thankful for the generosity of our prize givers for offering such invaluable opportunities for our writers. Thank you:
Michelle Worthington Coaching Services, and
So, without further ado, Just Write For Kids is thrilled to announce the following winners in the 2022 Pitch It! Competition…
Congratulations to all!
…
Picture Book Category
Winner:
Celeste – Kylie Miller
Congratulations, Kylie! The judges commented, “Your use of descriptive emotional language sets the tone of the story beautifully.” “A well structured pitch with a warm hearted, universal theme that takes advantage of the market trend…” “… the story description makes the reader want to know all about…”
You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from TWO commissioning editors at either
Larrikin House, Daisy Lane Publishing, CSIRO Publishing, EK Books, or Wombat Books / Rhiza Edge.
PLUS FREE one-hour coaching session with international award-winning author and entrepreneur, Michelle Worthington Coaching Services.
Runner Up:
A Hairy Holiday – Jess Horn
Congratulations, Jess! Your pitch had the judges commenting, “A well set out pitch with the hook front and centre, unique characters and an intriguing twist teaser that made me want to read the full manuscript!” “… an enticing, effective pitch.”
You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either
Larrikin House, Daisy Lane Publishing, CSIRO Publishing, EK Books, or Wombat Books / Rhiza Edge.
Third Place:
Brand New and 60,000 years old – Carly Foster & Shanai Kellett
Congratulations, Carly and Shanai! The judges noted, “There is a huge gap on the shelves waiting for ‘own voice’ books like this. What I love about the pitch is the creative hook.” “… original idea…” “… an important theme…”
You will receive THIRD choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either
Larrikin House, Daisy Lane Publishing, CSIRO Publishing, EK Books, or Wombat Books / Rhiza Edge.
Fourth Place:
Mysterious Manta – Julie Murphy
Congratulations, Julie! The judges commented, “The pitch is effective in promising an engaging text…” “The language used in the opening sentence is active and visually appealing.” “… a clearly considered narrative arc for the story in a smoothly flowing pitch.”
You will receive FOURTH choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either
Larrikin House, Daisy Lane Publishing, CSIRO Publishing, EK Books, or Wombat Books / Rhiza Edge.
Honourable Mentions:
Chooks Can’t Meditate – Michelle Wilson
Grandma Always Everywhere – Alexandra Guest
MEGA! – Laura Holloway
Tooth Fairy on Strike – Megan Gim
PLUS! Special Judges’ Mentions – Individual judges’ favourites…
Slug and the Shallow Pool – Olivia Coates
Ruby’s Fearsome Fangs – Elizabeth Pulsford
When Dust Danced – Alison Ferguson
The Big Green Fib – Ruth McGurk
Congratulations, everyone! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being intriguing, well-crafted with emotion and with great marketing potential.
Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Category
Winner:
The Haunting of Hux Hollow – Edwina Howard
Congratulations, Edwina! The judges commented, “… this one sounds madcap and strange enough to be a real winner!” “… delivers a snagging hook that sets it apart.”
You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either
Larrikin House, Daisy Lane Publishing, or Wombat Books / Rhiza Edge.
PLUS FREE one-hour coaching session with international award-winning author and entrepreneur, Michelle Worthington Coaching Services.
Runner Up:
Chalky and the Parallels – Steve Tyrrell
Congratulations, Steve! Your pitch had the judges commenting, “…this has so much potential…” “This is a STRONG pitch, and gives the sense that the author knows the target reader well and is crafting something fresh and original…”
You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either
Larrikin House, Daisy Lane Publishing, or Wombat Books / Rhiza Edge.
Third Place:
Holly Huntley is Definitely Not Going to the Cross Country Finals – Ruth McGurk
Congratulations, Ruth! The judges noted, “I absolutely love the environmental angle and the idea of actions having consequences.” “… this story feels very relatable!”
You will receive THIRD choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor at either
Larrikin House, Daisy Lane Publishing, or Wombat Books / Rhiza Edge.
Honourable Mentions:
Ella and the Amazing Frog Orchestra – Cassy Polimeni
The Exuberant Isabella Dabbler – Anna Lidstone
The Lost Loot of Lima – Melissa Wray
PLUS! Special Judges’ Mentions – Individual judges’ favourites…
Rainbow Bleak’s Family Tree – Sandi Parsons
Congratulations to these writers! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being innovative ideas, with great marketing potential.
Young Adult Category
Winner:
The Whisper Tree – Bianca Breen
Congratulations, Bianca! The judges agreed, “I hope to see this come to fruition…”
You will receive a manuscript publisher appraisal from commissioning editor, Jennifer Sharp at
PLUS FREE one-hour coaching session with international award-winning author and entrepreneur, Michelle Worthington Coaching Services.
Runner Up:
Ostium – Hayley Jackson
Congratulations, Hayley! Your pitch had the judges believe your manuscript is, “…on trend for the current upper YA market.”
You will receive a part manuscript critique from award-winning author and mentor, Kate Gordon.
Honourable Mention:
Secrets in Skyscrapers – Suzanne Grantham
Congratulations, Suzanne! The judges noted, “This sounds like it could be an excellent YA sci fi… intriguing!”
Thank you to all the entrants and everyone involved in making our fifth 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
#pitchitcompetition #pitchit2022 #competitionwinners #competitionforwriters
