Institute of Children's Literature presents
BEDTIME STORIES PICTURE BOOK CONTEST
A CONTEST FOR WRITERS
Calling all Picture Book Writers!
Bedtime stories are often our first introduction to reading as children. Often times, bedtime stories are passed down from generation to generation, helping lull little minds into a restful sleep.
This contest is your chance to show off your skills at creating a comforting and calming story suited for young children to help them start counting sheep!
This is a Picture Book contest. Entries must be 600 words or less and aimed at young children ages 4-7. Entries should include a traditional narrative arc and can be written in any genre including but not limited to fantasy and realistic fiction. Submissions must be previously unpublished and not under contract.
We can't wait to read the memorable story you've created!
DEADLINE: April 30, 2025
Here's what our judge will be looking for:
- Age range 4-7
- Entries must be no more than 600 words. (They can be fewer than 600 words).
- No pictures or illustrations included—we're focused on your words
- A fresh approach to the bedtime story theme
- An engaging opening that makes me want to read more
- Appealing, economical language
- Read-aloud-ability. Picture books are meant to be read aloud!
- A story arc that leads to a satisfying ending
- Avoid long blocks of text. Create breaks in the text reminiscent of page turns
Why Enter an ICL Writing Contest?
$1,300 Cash Prizes
- 1st prize = $650
- 2nd prize = $350
- 3rd prize = $100
- 4th prize = $100
- 5th prize = $100
Online Workshop
All entrants are invited to a FREE instructional online workshop with our esteemed judge where we'll announce the winners and provide tips for writing in this genre.
Free Critique
Winning entries will be workshopped by our judge to help writers understand what worked and what could be improved to make it submission-ready.
Here's what you need to know...
- This contest is to write a bedtime story picture book for children ages 4-7.
- Entries must be no more than 600 words (no pictures or illustrations included).
- Entries must be unpublished and not under contract.
- Proofread your entry to ensure it matches the industry standard manuscript format (double spacing, clear contact information, no creative use of fonts).
- Entries must follow manuscript submission guidelines as stated on our Contest Rules page HERE.
- Entries must be submitted via our online form by midnight Pacific Time on April 30, 2025.
- There is a $19 reading fee per manuscript to enter the contest.
- You may enter more than one manuscript, but each entry requires a $19 reading fee.
- Add our email address (learn@instituteforwriters.com) to your list of contacts and/or safe senders so you can receive the email with the free entry information to our online workshop where we announce the winners. (Non-entrants pay $7.)
- The minimum age to enter the contest is 18 years of age.
Submissions will be judged on clarity, originality, how well they adhere to the theme, potential in the market, and appropriateness for the age range.
The winning entries in the ICL Bedtime Stories Picture Book Contest will be announced at a live online workshop within 90 days after the contest closes. All contest entrants will be notified of the event details by email and be invited free of charge. (Non-entrants may attend for a nominal fee of $7.)
This is a great opportunity to build your writing and submitting skills!
© 2025 Institute of Children's Literature
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