Karen Cushman Late Bloomer Award supports unpublished children’s authors and author-illustrators aged 50 and older with work-in-progress funding and conference access to support their book projects.
Winners will now be announced in November 2026, instead of October 2026.
Work-in-Progress Awards support children’s book writers and illustrators through manuscript recognition and exposure to acquiring editors, helping them move projects toward completion and publication.
Kate Dopirak Craft & Community Award supports authors facing financial barriers with conference attendance and an agent and/or editor consultation to strengthen writing craft and build community.
The Spark Award honors outstanding independently published children's books, celebrating excellence in writing, illustration, and design within self- and indie-publishing.
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.
Ezra Jack Keats Showcase Prize supports a promising BIPOC children’s book illustrator, funding artistic needs and practical expenses to help them develop their art and grow professionally.