The Association of Jewish Libraries
is pleased to judge the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Competition and encourages
your submission of the highest quality of work in the genre of Jewish
children's literature. Sydney Taylor, in whose memory this award was established,
began her writing career when the first of her All-of-a-Kind Family
stories won a first-time publication and cash prize from Follett. Although
AJL is not a publishing house and cannot guarantee publication, we expect
that this competition—with its cash incentive and nationwide publicity—will
launch many fine new children's writers on their careers in years to come
and encourage the publication of outstanding new books with Jewish themes
and universal appeal.
RULES FOR SUBMISSION
A. Material should be a literary work of fiction in English, with universal appeal of Jewish content, appropriate for readers ages 8 to 11 years. The story should serve to deepen the understanding of Judaism for all children, Jewish and non-Jewish, and should reveal positive aspects of Jewish life. Short stories, plays, poetry, or collections of short stories are not eligible.
B. The manuscript should be submitted typewritten, carefully proofread for grammar as well as typographical errors. Its length should be a minimum of 64 pages and a maximum of 200 pages , double-spaced, unbound, and paginated.?The format must be Times New Roman or Ariel, 12 pt., with one-inch margins on all sides. Manuscripts not meeting the above criteria will not be considered. The following formats are acceptable for submission: electronic in PDF or rich text (Word) on CD, six (6) copies.
C. Each entrant will submit a cover letter. The letter should include a short personal statement, a summary of the manuscript and a curriculum vitae. Do not attach it to the manuscript but submit with the application and release forms.
D. The writer must have no previously published books of fiction. The competition is intended as an incentive for beginning authors.
E. Each entrant may submit ONE manuscript not currently under consideration by a publisher or another competition.
F. To assure impartiality, the author's name must appear on the cover sheet ONLY. The TITLE must appear on the top of each page of the manuscript. Rule E must be adhered to in totality for the ms to be considered.
G. The manuscript must be postmarked by December 15. Do not submit elsewhere until April 15 by which date our winner will be determined and all competitors notified.
H. AJL offers no publication guarantees.
I. The prize will be $1,000. If a prize-winning manuscript is not submitted, no prize will be awarded.
J. Manuscripts will not be returned. Once a winner is chosen, all other submissions will be promptly destroyed.
K. A signed release form must be submitted with each manuscript. Your manuscript will not be considered without this release. *
L. If you wish to be notified when your manuscript is received, please enclose a stamped self-addressed postcard or e-mail to STMACAJL@AOL.com for confirmation. Any questions, contact Aileen Grossberg, Corrdinator of Sydney Taylor Manuscript Competition, at 973-744-3836, e-mail at STMACAJL@AOL.com.
M. Send copies of your manuscript
to:
Aileen Grossberg
204 Park Street
Montclair,
NJ 07042-2903
USA
* The release from liability is in no way intended to infringe on your rights as an author. In order for a non-profit, professional group to undertake such a far-reaching project, it is necessary to consider all of its ramifications. We have been advised, therefore, to require a signed release from litigation before accepting submission.