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The complete text of the story was uploaded onto the retailer's website this morning at waterstones.com/picturethis. Aspiring artists who wish to enter have to submit an illustration for two pages from the story as well as character sketches for the main characters.
The deadline for submissions is 18th May.
Picture This is Waterstone's search to find a talented new picture book illustrator. Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo and the UK's most successful picture book author, has written a text especially for the competition which is available exclusively online at Waterstones.com. The resulting book will be published by Macmillan Children's Books for Christmas 2010.
Who can enter?
The aim is to find a new picture book talent so the competition will be open to anyone who has not worked professionally anywhere in the world as a colour children's book or children's cover illustrator. This means that anyone else, for example a graphic designer, animator, greetings card illustrator etc would be completely eligible. Entry will be available to UK residents only.
How can I enter?
There will be two stages of entry:
To be eligible, initial entries must comprise full colour character sketches of the 3 main characters plus at least 2 animals (a minimum of 5 sketches in total) plus full colour artwork for one double-page spread (i.e. two facing pages). These entries must be received by 18 May 2009 17:30 GMT.
A shortlist of six candidates will be drawn up by the judging panel, and those shortlisted will be notified.
Entrants who are shortlisted must provide rough black and white drawings for the whole book (approx 12 double page spreads) plus artwork for two more full-colour, double-page spreads on or before the shortlist closing date of 31 July 2009 17:30 GMT (for artwork guidance see the full Terms and Conditions).
Who will be on the judging panel?
The panel will consist of Julia Donaldson, Lauren Child (bestselling children's illustrator and author), editorial director for picture books at Macmillan Children's Books, a literary agent, Waterstone's picture books buyer, and a children's book reviewer.
How will the winner be decided?
The winner will be the illustrator who, in the opinion of the judges, is the most suitable illustrator for "Freddie and the Fairy" and the one who will create the most appealing and commercial picture book for the 3+ age group.
What is the prize?
The opportunity to illustrate the book, (Freddie and the Fairy), written by Julia Donaldson, to be published for Christmas 2010. The winner will be offered a contract with Macmillan Children's Books, along with a royalty advance.
'True stories' Cheltenham illustration award (paid)
deadline 8 May
The Awards are administrated by the Illustration Field at the University of Gloucestershire, based at Pittville Studios campus, Cheltenham, UK
* An exhibition will be held at the University of Gloucestershire’s Pittville Studios in October 2009 (exact dates to be confirmed) The selected winners work will be showcased at the exhibition along with other commended images and specially invited professionals.
* Up to five entries per person will be allowed
* Entries will not be returned
* Contact address:The CIA, University of Gloucestershire, Pittville Studios, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3JG Deadline for submissions 8 May 2009. Entries will not be accepted without entry fee
* The University of Gloucestershire reserves the right to cancel the event should sufficient entries not be received for this competition
* Files will not be returned
* Artwork must be supplied digitally on CD-Rom
* All submissions should be clearly marked with your name and contact details in permanent pen
* File format: JPEG high quality
* Include an A4 printout of the image for administration purposes
* Printable size of artwork: Up to A3 at 300ppi
* Judging of entries will take place in August by a professional committee
* Winners will be notified by email or post when possible. However if you have not heard from us by 30 Sept 2009, your entry has been unsuccessful
email enquiries: cheltillustrationawards@glos.ac.uk
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