Just Write For Kids Australia’s sixth 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!
Giant thanks once again to our wonderful judges; Debra Tidball, 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:
Riveted Press / Yellow Brick Books,
Michelle Worthington Coaching Services,
Crystal Corocher Mentoring, and
So, without further ado, Just Write For Kids is thrilled to announce the following WINNERS, RUNNERS UP, HIGHLY COMMENDED and JUDGES’ SPECIAL MENTIONS in the 2023 Pitch It! Competition…
Congratulations to all!
…
Picture Book Category
Winner:
Rudi, the Reef Thief – Amy Jobson
Congratulations, Amy! The judges commented, “Excellent pitch with a darkly humorous flavour, an unusual character and a page-turning mystery.” “I was sold! Congratulations.”
You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from TWO commissioning editors out of:
Mary Anastasiou (Larrikin House/Five Mile);
Jennifer Sharp (Daisy Lane Publishing);
Briana Melideo (CSIRO Publishing) or
Anouska Jones (EK Books)
PLUS FREE half-hour coaching session with international award-winning author and entrepreneur, Michelle Worthington Coaching Services.
PLUS a School of Larrikins voucher to attend a workshop of your choice.
Runner Up:
By Hook or by Chook – Emma Greville
Congratulations, Emma! The judges said, “This pitch made me laugh. It was well set out, building tension and humour and flowed brilliantly.” “… such an efficiency of words.”
You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS FREE half-hour one-on-one ‘Creative Hustle’ mentoring session with award-winning author and editor, Crystal Corocher.
Third Place:
A Robot Rebellion – Fiona Smyth
Congratulations, Fiona! The judges noted, “This was an excellent pitch”, “Your humorous story … certainly piqued my interest and is on point.”
You will receive THIRD choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
Highly Commended Mentions:
Now You Know Your ABCs – Deborah Frenkel
Sneeze Adventure – Jess Galatola
Stretch the Sausage Dog Aims High – Seetha Dodd
PLUS! Judges’ Special Mentions:
Moonlight Wallaby – Linda Harrison
We’re Going Trick-or-Treating – Sharon Dalgleish
Bees Can Dance – Stef Gemmill
Congratulations, everyone! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being intriguing, well-crafted with emotion and with great marketing potential.
Junior Fiction Category
Winner:
The Beanstalk Chronicles – Andy Hannan
Congratulations, Andy!
You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the commissioning editors out of:
Crystal Corocher (Larrikin House)
Rowena Beresford (Riveted Press)
Jennifer Sharp (Daisy Lane Publishing)
PLUS FREE half-hour coaching session with international award-winning author and entrepreneur, Michelle Worthington Coaching Services.
PLUS a School of Larrikins voucher to attend a workshop of your choice.
Runner Up:
Rubbing it Smooth – Kim Rackham
Congratulations, Kim!
You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS FREE half-hour one-on-one ‘Creative Hustle’ mentoring session with award-winning author and editor, Crystal Corocher.
Third Place:
Rose and Wild – Lost in Marshmallow Mansion – Kaz Campbell
Congratulations, Kaz!
You will receive THIRD choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
Highly Commended Mentions:
The Famous Fryers of England – Andy Hannan
Iggy Erkelstine, Fictional Companion – Mietta Postlethwaite
The Code Thieves from Tootlezun – Fiona White
PLUS! Judges’ Special Mentions:
The Creek Crew – Raema Sterjovski
Portal – Shaye Wardop
Congratulations to these writers! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being innovative ideas, with great marketing potential.
Middle Grade Category
Winner:
The Last Thylacine – Elspeth Whiteford
Congratulations, Elspeth!
You will receive FIRST choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the commissioning editors out of:
Rowena Beresford (Riveted Press)
Jennifer Sharp (Daisy Lane Publishing)
PLUS FREE half-hour coaching session with international award-winning author and entrepreneur, Michelle Worthington Coaching Services.
PLUS a School of Larrikins voucher to attend a workshop of your choice.
Runner Up:
Abigail Rachman and the Bush Adventure – Katherine Canobi
Congratulations, Katherine!
You will receive SECOND choice of manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS FREE half-hour one-on-one ‘Creative Hustle’ mentoring session with award-winning author and editor, Crystal Corocher.
Third place:
The Girl in the Corner – Emma Greville
Congratulations, Emma!
You will receive a part manuscript critique from award-winning author and mentor, Kate Gordon.
Highly Commended Mentions:
The Santa Wars – Andy Hannan
Where Strangers Hide – Liane McDermott
The Watch Watchers – Andy Hannan
PLUS! Judges’ Special Mentions:
Artificial evolution – Network – Susan Hancy
Ten Pound Pommy Kid – Steve Tyrrell
Worth Fighting For – Laura Pettenuzzo
Thank you to all the entrants and everyone involved in making our sixth Pitch It! Competition a success. Winning, runners up and highly commended mention entrants will be contacted shortly.
X Romi and the Just Write For Kids Team
Find the LONGLIST awards and SHORTLIST awards at the links.
#pitchitcompetition #pitchit2023 #competitionwinners #competitionforwriters
