Children's Book Publishers

Launched in 2001, the Tassy Walden Children's Book Writers Program is designed to encourage, showcase, and reward children's book writers, and launch high caliber books by these writers. The 2004 New Voices in Children's Literature competition will accept submissions from residents throughout Connecticut. Awards are presented in five categories: Picture Book (text only), Illustrated Picture Book (by author/illustrator), Illustrator's portfolio, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult/Teen Fiction. Call for entries guidelines will be available in October, with a postmark deadline of February 17, 2004.

Submissions are reviewed for completeness by the Shoreline Arts Alliance committee, then forwarded to an independent review group of agents and editors. The judges are all professionals in the children's book publishing industry from notable publishers, and in past years have included representatives from publishers such as Aladdin Books (Simon & Schuster), Clarion Books for Children (Houghton/Miflin), Dutton Children's Books (Penguin Putnam), Harper Collins and Viking Press. Award recipients were honored at a reception at the Blackstone Memorial Library Cultural Center in Branford in May 2003.

2003 Winners were:


Picture Book (text only) - Joyce Stengel, South Glastonbury
Illustrated Picture Book - Deborah Freedman, Hamden
Illustrator's Portfolio - Deborah Freedman, Hamden
Middle Grade Fiction - Linda Meyer, Branford
Young Adult Fiction - Amanda Marrone, Shelton
The winner in each category received: a $250 prize; publicity including a press release sent to 5-10 selected publishers, and local and regional newspapers; and a chance to present to a school or library audience.

Most of the winners of the first two years' Tassy Walden Awards are now under contract with literary agents and/or publishing houses.

Submissions must be postmarked by February 17, 2003. They will be reviewed for completeness and form by the SAA committee, and then forwarded to an independent review group of agents an editors. Each judge is a professional in the world of children's book publishing. Award recipients will be honored at a reception on May 26, 2004 at 7PM at the Blackstone Memorial Library Cultural Center in Branford.

For more information or for submission guidelines, please contact the Shoreline Arts Alliance at 203-453-3890 or by email at office@shorelinearts.org