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Exisle Publishing, a book publisher based in New Zealand, is launching their Children’s Publishing Academy with an international writing competition. The academy aims to support aspiring children’s book authors by providing them with a platform to learn from experienced publishing professionals and published authors.
The founder and CEO of Exisle Publishing, Gareth St John Thomas, acknowledges the difficulties of breaking into children’s literature. He stated that the academy was established to lower these high barriers to entry. The academy encourages writers to develop compelling pitches to attract publishers’ attention.
Exisle Publishing has previously launched the Exisle Academy, an online community offering instruction to writers aiming to get published. It provides both free and paid assessments. The goal of the academy is to train new authors, helping them navigate the complex world of writing and publishing.
The international writing competition invites children’s book authors worldwide to pitch their story. The winners will receive development opportunities through the academy and their choice of three books from the EK Books catalogue. The successful pitches will be published by Exisle Publishing under the EK Books imprint.
One success story from the academy is the book “Harriet’s Hungry Worms” by Samantha Smith. She partnered with the academy team throughout the publication process, resulting in a publishing contract with EK Books. Her book is now available in bookstores and libraries worldwide.
The competition, judged by Gareth St John Thomas and children’s book author Dimity Powell, is open for submissions until June 30, 2024. The winners will be announced in August. The competition is free to enter.
