Templar Publishing opens its 2019 illustration prize for aspiring illustrators on Friday, 1st February. The prize was launched to great success in 2018 as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations and the winning book by Emma Chadwick has been acquired by Templar.
The 2019 prize invites applicants to submit book materials on the theme of ‘Where I Come From’. The book can be aimed at pre-school children up to 12 years, and be either story or non-fiction based. Templar will be reaching out to art colleges around the UK but submissions are welcome from all budding illustrators.
A panel of judges, including Templar illustrators Frann Preston-Gannon, Jonny Duddle, Lara Hawthorne and Lucia Gaggiotti, will select a shortlist and the winner will be announced in September 2019.
World rights of the 2018 winning book, Douglas and the Land of Faraway by Emma Chadwick, have been directly acquired by Katie Haworth, Editorial Director – Templar Publishing.
We are looking for creative interpretations but what ultimately matters is a high standard of illustration, a well-crafted concept and originality”.
Lisa Edwards, Executive Publisher – Templar Publishing
Due for publication in 2021, Douglas and the Land of Faraway is a clever story of reversed roles in a fairy tale setting where a little dragon finds himself in an everyday suburban house. Illustrated in a distinctive, atmospheric style, the book contains a gentle message about opening our eyes to how other people live their lives.
Lisa Edwards, Executive Publisher – Templar Publishing said: “Emma Chadwick delivered such a perfectly realised dragon-themed story to us in our inaugural prize that we have great pleasure in publishing it on our picture books list.” She added, “For 2019, the theme is intended as a starting point for illustrators in developing their concept for submission. We are looking for creative interpretations but what ultimately matters is a high standard of illustration, a well-crafted concept and originality”.
For further information about the prize and rules of entry, click here