Do you write for children or do you know someone who does?
Are you an unpublished author of color or Indigenous/Native writer hoping to break into the publishing industry for the first time?
Don’t miss this terrific opportunity to have your work considered for publication by a publisher that takes pride in nurturing new talent.
The New Voices Writing Contest is open through June 30, 2025
This contest is open to writers of color and Indigenous/Native writers who are residents of the United States and who have not previously had a picture book published. It’s one way Lee & Low Books uplifts historically marginalized voices in the predominantly white children’s book industry.
Manuscripts must be FICTION, NON-FICTION, or POETRY aimed at readers ages 5 to 12, and should address the needs of children of color or Native/Indigenous children by providing stories with which they can identify and relate, and promote a greater understanding of one another.
The winner receives a standard publication contract, including Lee & Low Books’s basic royalties and a $5,000 advance.
Past New Voices Award winners
Previous New Voices winners include Juna’s Jar by Jane Park and Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds by Paula Yoo, both Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature Picture Book winners; As Fast As Words Could Fly by Pamela Tuck, which was read by actor Dulé Hill for Storyline Online (with 5.8MM views!); and Pedro’s Yo-Yos by Rob Peñas, a Texas Bluebonnet Award list selection!
Testimonials
“That book was the beginning of my writing career, the beginning of my writing awards, and the beginning of me seeing my books published around the world.” — Andrea J. Loney, author of Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee!
“Winning [New Voices] jumpstarted my career as a children’s author.” — Sylvia Liu, author of A Morning With Grandpa
“Representation matters. As a Korean American writer, I wanted to celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Sammy Lee, the first Korean American man to win a gold medal in diving at the Olympics.” — Paula Yoo, author of Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds
Resources
Watch Shaping Up Your Manuscript: A Conversation With Our Editors for more specific information on what we’re looking for in the craft department.
Writing a picture book biography? Read Building a Biography: An Interview with New Voices Award Winner Andrea Loney.
In the revising stage of your picture book manuscript? Read our blog post New Voices Award Winners on Revising Your Story featuring past winners Pamela Tuck, Paula Yoo, and Glenda Armand!
