CYA Conference Children s & Young Adult Writers and Illustrators ~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 General Information for all competition entries: Dates: The 2018 competition dates are: Opens: 16 th January 2018 Closes: 4 th April 2018 Last email by 24H00 - (Standard time zone: UTC/GMT +10 hours.) No late entries will be accepted. Shortlisted awards will be notified by 20 th June 2018. Winners will be announced at the CYA Conference held on 7 th July 2018. Prizes will be mailed if winners are unable to attend the conference. Eligibility: Hatchlings: All writers/illustrators who are 8 18 years old (as at 4 th April 2018) worldwide, who have not been published in book format within the CYA genres. All entries must have a parent or guardians electronic signature of permission on the entry form. Contest entry may not be contracted or published in any form when entered. Aspiring: All writers/illustrators worldwide, who have not been published in book format within the CYA genres. This contest is also open to current published writers/illustrator worldwide who are either: Published with one book in print within the CYA genres ONLY; OR Published in e-book format with one book within the CYA genres ONLY; OR Self-published with one book within the CYA genres ONLY. Published with books in print and e-book format in other genres. Contest entry may not be contracted or published in any form when entered. Published (Opens 30th January 2018): This contest is open to current published writers/illustrators worldwide, who are either: Published with two books or more in print within the CYA genres ONLY; OR Published in e-book format with two books or more within the CYA genres ONLY; OR Self-published with two books or more within the CYA genres ONLY. Contest entry may not be contracted or published in any form when entered. How to Submit entries: All entries are lodged electronically. Illustrations, graphic novels and illustrated picture book entries to use mail address below. 1) Make sure you have read the Category requirements (Aspiring, Hatchling or Published), Preparing Your Entry and Checklist sections (writing) (art work) before submitting your entry. 2) All entries electronically submitted. Includes payment via PayPal/credit card only. No cash or cheques. 3) Illustrations ONLY sent to CYA Conference, P.O. Box 275, Bribie Island, Queensland, 4507, Australia. 4) All entries will be automatically acknowledged by email on receipt to the primary email address specified in the entry. Invoices are emailed out at the time of payment being completed. 5) Paper copies (illustrations only) must be received by 1 st July 2018. CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 1 of 9
~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 Feedback: Since 2007 everyone has received their score sheets back, to give some feedback and to help improve their entries for the next competition they choose to enter, or submissions to publishing houses. These will be returned by 31 st August. CYA will announce when the sheets are sent out via our newsletter and social media. Category Consolidation: As has been done in previous years - If there are not enough entries into a single section, the section will be consolidated with another similar category in this competition. This will be done at the organisers discretion. Judging: Judges decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into. If you shortlist, your entry goes in front of a professional editor. ALL illustrations go in front of a professional editor. Other important info: Do not identify yourself on the contest entry. All results will be published on the CYA Conference web site. Each written entry must be original work, unpublished nor accepted elsewhere for publication or broadcast. Each illustration entry must be original work but photocopied or computer printout only, unpublished nor accepted elsewhere for publication or exhibition. All writing entries will be destroyed after the competition, and the electronic files deleted. Illustrations will be displayed on the CYA website and physical copies may be retained to display at future conferences. Illustrations are not returned. Special Note from co-ordinators: This competition is designed to help authors and illustrators get ready for the submission process to publishing companies. So, send in your best effort, checked for spelling errors and edited. Make sure your entry follows the guidelines (just as a publishing house has guidelines), do everything in your power to make that entry arrive in a neat condition - appearances count! Preparing Your Entry: Entries not complying with formatting conditions may be eliminated, and you will lose judging marks. Writing: All submissions are to be electronically submitted. Manuscript title, targeted publisher, finished manuscript word total (not extract submitted) and consecutive page numbers to appear in the header of every page of your entry. (Visit FAQs on cyaconference.com for sample formatting documents.) Text must be double-spaced on A4 size page, 12 point Courier or Courier New font, or New Times Roman, left justification with an indent to indicate new paragraphs. Margins: 3.0 cm on the left, right, top and bottom of the page. Picture Books ONLY: Must be set out neatly, easily legible format. Illustration notes are accepted and don't form part of your word count, but must be clearly marked as such. Picture book texts are subjective with set outs and often use set out as part of emphases etc., this is quite acceptable. Ensure when you lodge your electronic entry form that your text file is saved in Microsoft Word format, or RTF (rich text format) or PDF or JPG formats ONLY. CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 2 of 9
~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 Graphic Novels, Illustrated Picture Books & Middle-Grade Illustrated Novels: Please note: CYA REQUIRES the paper copy to display on the wall at CYA Conference on 7 th July 2018. Only the electronic format is required for the competition date cut off. All submissions are to be electronically submitted. No original Illustrations to be sent in. Colour photocopies and computer prints allowed only. Every electronic copy needs a paper copy sent in as well, for display purposes. A3 page max size - A4 min size. Paper entries must not be folded. A3 size can be placed in a cylinder available from Australia Post. Mounting types are welcome to be put on your paper display entries as the electronic files are used for judging and the paper copies for display. Max 3 pages (up to 500 words only) per entry of Graphic Novel & Illustrated picture books. Middle-Grade Illustrated Novels ONLY: 3 illustrations of middle-grade novel, with the words present on the pages. Words in English must be original and not previously published in any format, nor accepted elsewhere for publication or broadcast. (Complete story to accompany - not judged.) Set out as you would on a page (See Brian Falkner Northwood or Michael Gerard Bauer & Joe Bauer's Eric Vale, Epic Fail, or Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer Between The Lines, for examples of this category it's varied and exciting.) Published Section Illustrators ONLY: DRAFT mock-up and two completed pictures from that same layout/mock-up. (No word limit as words will NOT BE JUDGED.) The full text on your story must be submitted to help the judges understand where the illustration fits into the story, but the TEXT FILE WILL NOT BE JUDGED but is used in the judging process for the artwork. Ensure when you lodge your electronic entry form that your files are attached. Text Files: either Microsoft Word format or RTF (rich text format) or PDF. Illustrations: JPG format ONLY. Note: (The bigger the graphics file, the better please don't skimp on the resolution for smaller files as your work is judged in high resolution. However, the organiser does look at the paper copies sent for display to check if there are special items there (like flaps, metallic paints and glitters etc.) that have not been scanned. Also, to see that the colours used on the scanning process are as sharp as the printouts. If the scan files are not good, the organiser will ask for better files to be sent. Limit of 10MB per file please and 20MB per group of files via the entry form. If you have a problem please email us on info@cyaconference.com Checklists and Formatting: IMPORTANT NOTICE: If together your files are bigger than 10MB each or 20MG per group - please email directly to CYA Conference as the automated system doesn't like large files. (And it's better to email three files at 10MB than attempt to send 30MB at once.) Writing: Checklist: Entrant s name doesn t appear ANYWHERE on the entry except entry form. Target publisher, manuscript title, total manuscript length (not extract) and sequential page numbers are in the header on all pages. YA Novels only: Synopsis is 1-page max, and SINGLE SPACED. Entry does not exceed maximum word or page count. Electronic lodgement includes the entry form, entry files and you have completed the PayPal transaction. Entry is saved in Microsoft Word, or RTF (rich text format) or PDF ONLY. CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 3 of 9
~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 Formatting Page is A4 portrait orientation; Text is double-spaced; Text is indented to indicate paragraphs; Margins are set to 3.0cm all around; Font size is 12 point: Courier or Courier New font, or Times New Roman. Electronic entry form has your files attached, saved in Microsoft Word or RTF (rich text format) or PDF ONLY. Checklists and Formatting: Graphic Novels, Illustrated Picture Books & Middle-Grade Illustrated Novels IMPORTANT NOTICE: If together your files are bigger than 10MB each or 20MG per group - please email directly to CYA Conference as the automated system doesn't like large files. (And it's better to email three files at 10MB than attempt to send 30MB at once.) Checklist: Entrant s name doesn t appear ANYWHERE on the entry except on the entry form. Electronic lodgement includes entry form, entry files and you have completed the PayPal transaction. Competition entry is attached to entry form saved as Text: Microsoft Word or RTF (rich text format) or PDF. Illustrations: JPEG ONLY. Paper copy (artworks only) has been sent to CYA Conference for display. (P.O. Box 275, Bribie Island, Qld, 4507.) Formatting Page is A3 or smaller, but no smaller than A4. Electronic version is attached to the electronic entry form. Electronic entry form has your files attached in Microsoft Word or RTF (rich text format), or PDF or JPEG formats ONLY and of high resolution. CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 4 of 9
~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 Categories, Entry Fee and Prizes Prize for each section: $200.00 per category, (1st - $100, 2nd - $60, 3rd - $40) and all shortlisted entries are read by at least one publisher of children s books. The winning entry and short-listed finalist will be judged by a publisher of children s books, with no guarantee of publication. Author/Illustrator retains copyright. Entry Fee $21.00 (includes GST) PayPal/credit card only. No cash or cheques. Categories: 1) Picture Book - Text only for preschool aged children up to 500 words in English. Open theme. 2) Picture Book - Text only for primary aged children up to 500 words in English. Open theme. 3) Picture Book - Non- Fiction - Text only for primary aged children up to 500 words in English. Open theme. 4) Chapter Book - A Text only for younger primary aged children. First 1000 words in English. Open theme. 5) Chapter Book - B Text only for older aged children (Middle Grade). First 1000 words in English. Open theme 6) Fiction writing for Young Adults. Required: First 5000 words max and a page single spaced synopsis. a) Judged by CYA: First 1000 words in English. Open theme. Rest: UNJUDGED by CYA. b) Shortlisted: Final judge will read your synopsis and your 5000 words. 7) Graphic Novel or Illustrated Picture Book or Illustrated Middle-grade novel (words & illustrations): Fiction or non-fiction any age group within CYA. Three pages of graphic novel or 3 pages of illustrated picture book, up to 500 words. Three illustrations of middle-grade novel, with the words present on the pages. Words in English. (Complete story to accompany - not judged.) Open theme. 8) Illustration: a) Option 1: Illustrate up to three (3) pages of the extract, written by T.M. Clark Extracted from Mad-Man-Jones (Chapter book aimed at 6-9 year s age group). or b) Option 2: Illustrate up to three (3) pages of picture book written by T.M. Clark Maeve s Chickens (Picture Book concept aimed at 3 6 year s age group.) Extract is not mandatory to appear on the page. Questions? If you have any questions you can contact us on: info@cyaconference.com CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 5 of 9
~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 OPTION ONE: T.M. Clark Extracted from Mad-Man-Jones Chapter Book: 771 Words. Aimed at 6 9 years.) Chapter 1 Friday was Erica s favourite day of school, and it was also sports dress day. No ironing of her uniform. Yippee! It wasn t that she didn t like ironing, just that she never quite got her clothes to look as pressed as when her mum used to do them. They had sports period from big break to end of school, and she got to play tennis. Melissa would win, she always had since grade three when she d first come to the school. She d beaten everyone at every sport, but then her dad was her coach and was sporty himself, owning the golf club in town. Erica s dad was a geek and didn't have a sporting bone in his body. He was never going to be able to coach her properly, no matter how many YouTube video s he watched trying to help. I wonder ' She said as she pulled her tennis racquet out the pile of sporting equipment in the corner of her room. She looked in the mirror. Sure enough, she looked like a boy again today. Her gold shirt flat in the front, her short hair under her school cap, and her legs sticking out the bottom of her brown shorts with her white ankle socks and trainers. Why couldn t girls wear a skirt for their sports uniform? Be distinctly female? Then Mad-man-Jones would never mistake her for a boy, not ever. Friday was the only day he ever aimed his tennis-coaching machine at her as she passed his house, because of all the other days, she wore the long green tartan skirt that was her formal uniform. It was all Jessie and Rupert s from number 24's fault really. But they were too scaredy-cats to go and apologise and make it right. Instead, they chose a different route to school now, avoiding the problem. She and all the other neighbourhood teenage boys had to suffer because they d graffitied Mad-Man-Jones s garden wall. If he tries it today, I m hitting back. Enough is enough, Erica mumbled. She kissed her dad who was already working in his study goodbye and walked out the door. Taking a deep breath, she began her walk to school. CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 6 of 9
~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 Just before she got to Mad-man-Jones house, she took her tennis racquet from its cover and put her backpack properly on both shoulders. If she was going to have a stand-off with the old man, it might as well be today. She peeked over the wall no one was there. It had been a silly idea to arm up and bring her racquet, and she shook her head as she began to walk past, along his fence line. She ducked instinctively as she heard the ball whizz over her head. Apparently, Mad-Man-Jones was home and terrorising the neighbourhood again. She took a step back and turned to be ready for the next ball. He stood on his veranda, a little elevated from the road, as he adjusted his ball machine towards her, and let another one fly. She took her racquet, stepped to the side and hit it, returning it to him in his space, but not quite at him. He stood up and looked at her. She could see him entirely now. Although everyone said he was old, he didn't stoop, he still held himself straight upright. He was bald but not all the way more like an old-fashioned monk. He wore a shirt with a collar and white shorts. And his hawk-like features seemed to look right into her soul. She didn t get to see more as the next ball came flying her way. Again, she returned the shot, only this time it went closer to him. Come on, give me another try, she mumbled as she walked, waiting for him to shoot another ball, now that the challenge was on she wanted another chance before she got to the end of his wall, and to safety. The next ball came faster than any she had ever experienced. She whacked it back with a satisfying thunk noise. Erica knew it didn't go near him, but she heard him humph. She frowned. She didn t want to hurt him, just show him that if he shot the balls at her, she would return them now, all the time. Good shot! He called. But you could use some coaching lessons. Meet me at the same time at the gate tomorrow morning if you re interested. Even though I m a girl? she shouted back. What? I can t hear you. Speak up boy! She shook her head. Mad-man-Jones was going to be in for a surprise when SHE showed up for her coaching lesson tomorrow. CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 7 of 9
~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 OPTION TWO: T.M. Clark Maeve s Chickens (Picture Book: 436 Words. Aimed at 3 6 years.) (All types of chicken breeds are for reference/illo notes only, and can be discarded in the illo's if your imaginations runs that way. Italics are illo notes and a guide only.) Maeve loved chickens. It didn t matter the size or colour. Black chooks (Australorps) and white chooks (Leghorns). Small fluffy ones (Bantams) and puffballs (Silkies). Fuzzy (Frizzle), brown (Isa Brown and Orpingtons), speckled (Sussex) and multi-coloured ones too (Belgian d Uccle). Weird looking chooks with naked necks (Naked Necks), and big red hens (Rhode Island Red). Even glamorous chickens wearing hats (Polish). She read every book she could get from the library. One day Maeve visited the petting zoo and got to touch a real chicken. Maeve knew she really wanted one for a pet. Please can I have a chicken Mummy? Mum shook her head. Sorry Maeve, but we live in a city, there are so many regulations to keep chickens, besides they smell bad. But Maeve still wanted a pet chicken. She tried to hatch her own. (She took the eggs out the fridge, wrapped them in a tea towel and put them in the sun.) But no chickens hatched. Maeve tried again. (Eggs from the box, and put them under the bed with her lamp shining.) Still no chickens hatched. Maeve really wanted a pet chicken. She made a big poster for the front fence: Anyone with a chicken I can borrow, please bring it to visit. No one brought their chickens to share with her. Please can I have a chicken mummy? Chickens scratch in the ground all the time. They will dig up my flower beds, and they attract vermin. CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 8 of 9
~ Aspiring (Unpublished) Competition ~ 2018 Maeve tried one last time. (Put some eggs into a bird s nest in the garden. But the birds didn t fit on the eggs to hatch them.) Maeve added to her poster: P.S. I will chicken-sit for you for free. Still no one knocked on the door. Aunty Lisa lived on a farm, and Mum told her about the poster. She organised a special visit, she brought with her six chickens: Small fluffy (Bantams) ones and puffballs (Silkies). They ran around and scratched in mum s flower garden. They flew next door and had a fight with the cat. The chickens pooped everywhere and it smelt bad after the afternoon rainstorm. Oh no, Maeve said. These are farm chicken s, if I had my own chicken, I would train it to be good, like in the book. Please can I have a chicken Mummy? I promise to look after it. Mum nodded. Aunty Lisa has something special for you. But you have to follow all her instructions. When Aunty Lisa left with all her farm chickens, she gave Maeve a special incubation with two little eggs nestled in it. Maeve soon heard. Cheep! Cheep! Her chicks were pipping. She watched the eggs hatch. Two fluffy golden baby chickens of her very own. She fed and cared for them. They grew fast as she trained her hens to fit into their city garden. Maeve waved to everyone as she walked her chooks on their leads down the streets and she made a new poster for her fence: Anyone who needs a hug from a chicken, you can visit and share mine. CYA Conference Aspiring Contest for 2018 Page 9 of 9