Emerging Voices Award
Forecasted
Emerging Voices Award supports marginalized writers and writer-illustrators through conference participation, publicity, and career guidance to foster diverse voices in American children’s books.
This grant was recently updated
The award now lists one recipient—a writer or writer-illustrator—instead of two.
Funder: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Full tuition to an SCBWI Virtual Conference, publicity, publishing-industry exposure, and career guidance during the winning year
Summary: Supports unpublished writers and writer-illustrators from marginalized identities traditionally underrepresented in American children’s literature.
Key Information: Applicants must be over 18, should not yet have representation, and must submit a completed manuscript not under contract.
Description
The Emerging Voices Award is administered by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to foster diverse voices in children’s books. Established in 2012 as the On-The-Verge Emerging Voices Award with funding from Martin and Sue Schmitt of the 455 Foundation, it supports writers and writer-illustrators from marginalized identities traditionally underrepresented in American children’s literature.
The award combines professional development with opportunities for visibility within children’s publishing. A recipient receives tuition to an SCBWI Virtual Conference of their choice, publicity through SCBWI’s social media, and a special presentation to acquiring agents and editors. SCBWI staff also make professional career-development guidance available during the winning year.
