The Macmillan Prize was established by Macmillan Children's Books to stimulate new work from young illustrators in art schools, and to help them take the first steps in their professional lives. This coveted award, which is currently in its 32nd year, has discovered such talent as Emily Gravett, Chloe Inkpen and Gemma Merino, amongst many others.
The competition is for a series of outstanding illustrations that show that the artist understands how to match pictures to text. The pictures should also demonstrate the entrant's grasp of narrative, pacing and characterisation.
The judges will focus on the quality of the illustrations rather than the standard of the writing. Good stories are welcome, but the text will not be the main criterion for judging. The judges are ultimately looking for high-quality illustrations, suitable for children's books, which are considered to be an original contribution to the field.
All entrants must submit:
• Pencil roughs or sketches for a children’s picture book – cover to cover – including text or a clear indication of the story line.
• Finished artwork for at least four double-page spreads, or at least three spreads and a front cover.
Picture books should be 32 pages long, including the front and back endpapers, a title page and a copyright page. Books with novelty elements (e.g. flaps, fold-out pages) should not exceed 24 pages. Pop-up books should not exceed six double-page spreads. The page size of the finished book should not exceed 300mm in width or height.
If shortlisted, the entrant will need to supply the original artwork or high-quality print-outs suitable for exhibition.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to all students in higher education establishments in the United Kingdom during the academic year 2016/2017.
Prize
• First Prize: 1,000 GBP (approx. 1,240 USD)
• Second Prize: 500 GBP (approx. 620 USD)
• Third Prize: 250 GBP (approx. 310 USD)
The prize winners, plus the highly commended entrants and their tutors, will be invited to a reception where the winners' work will be exhibited.
Moreover, Macmillan Children's Books will have the option to publish any of the prize winners. An offer to publish would be made and would include an advance against the royalties to be earned. This would be in addition to the prize money.
