We are judging the SCBWI Words & Pictures October 2023 Slush Pile Challenge!

The challenge, as set by Ludo Cinelli and Steven Evans, is:

“We would like to see a 200-word synopsis of a middle-grade adventure written in the novel’s narrative voice.”

Things we’re especially keen to see:

• Pitches from underrepresented writers and/or POVs we haven’t heard from before.

• Stories that are fun, but not necessarily funny.

• An unlikely friendship or complex central relationship.

Entrants must have written at least three chapters and a synopsis prior to entering this competition.

The winner, picked by Ludo and Steven, will be given the chance to have a 30-minute consultation on their manuscript. It will be either in person, Zoom or a phone call.

For more details on how to submit, see here.