From the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators website.
I wrote a story about an octopus. I emailed a group of fellow writer/illustrators and we formed a critique group. I revised that octopus story. Then, I applied for a grant… and Won? Yeah… WON!
Last year I applied for one of many grants offered through the SCBWI called the Don Freeman Grant. (If you don’t recognize his name, you probably still know his books. Does a little bear named Corduroy ring a bell?)
The grant is offered in a published and pre-published category. (I applied to the published category. If you’re interested in applying, you can see the requirements on the website) It’s a work-in-progress grant for illustrators, as described by the SCBWI, “ Don Freeman was a renowned illustrator and an early supporter of SCBWI. He established this award to enable picture book illustrators to further their understanding, training, and work in the picture book genre.”
After working on my submission and making sure it had all the required elements, I attached my PDF in an email, sent a little wish into the universe, and hoped for the best. Imagine my surprise when several months later, Sarah Baker, Associate Executive Director of the SCBWI called and told me I’d won a grant! I’ve been a member of the SCBWI for a long time. Since 2008 to be exact. I’ve entered a lot of awards and always with the knowledge that there is a ton of talent out there. I mean, like, TONS! I always go into contests with optimistic hope and as little expectation as possible. Hearing the news made me get teary-eyed, and I’m pretty sure I said, “thank you” 400 times like a lunatic. What still strikes me every time I think about it, is that three judges chose my story and pictures, that came out of my mind, heart and hands. It’s nice to win a little money. Some I’ve partially squirreled away for a future national conference and some I’ve spent on some more supplies. What is worth the most to me is the validation that hard work can pay off.
(In case you’re interested, the judges this year were: agent Molly O’Neill, art director Maria T. Middleton and author/illustrator Corey Tabor)
Since hearing the news, I’ve been working on my story and getting ready to submit to agents. I’m very close to starting to query. Hopefully in the next months I will have more happy news to share. I also hope that my little octopus story finds a way to your local bookstore shelf in the future!