by Brenda Scott Royce

“There’s nothing quite like sitting on the edge of your seat at the SCBWI-L.A. Writer’s Day, holding your breath as the winners of the contest are announced,” says author-artist Rilla Jaggia. “I’d done this before, never expecting to hear my name. But in March 2024, as the judge’s description was read, I knew the winning YA manuscript was mine. And there it was, the title of my work and my name on the giant screen. Surreal!”

As a previous winner myself (and our region’s Contest Coordinator), I can echo Rilla’s sentiments. The thrill is real, and to me, the morale boost that comes with winning (or placing) in any contest is more precious than the tangible prizes. Just entering can be a reward in itself, providing the motivation you need to polish your manuscript and send it out into the world.

So, I’m happy to announce that the contest is back! After a year’s hiatus, SCBWI-L.A. is hosting Writers & Illustrators Day in May 2026. And this year we are offering TWO contests: 1) The writers contest we’ve come to know and love, and 2) a brand new competition for illustrators.

First up, illustrators are invited to submit banner art to illustrate the conference theme, “The Pen & The Palette.” The winner’s artwork will be used on the SCBWI-L.A. website, social media, and other event materials. (We’re looking for art only – please do not include text on your submission.) Fire up your creative engines, and fast – the deadline for illustrators is March 18. The lucky winner will receive free admission to Writers & Illustrators Day, along with recognition at the event and in Kite Tales. Find specs and guidelines here.

Writers can enter up to 10 pages in ONE of the four categories (Picture Book, Middle Grade novel, Young Adult novel, and Nonfiction/Poetry/Other). The deadline for writers is April 12. First-place winners receive a free written critique from one of the Writers Day faculty members, plus recognition at the event and in Kite Tales. 

Many past winners have credited the contest with landing them an agent and/or a publishing deal. Trenise Ferreira, who won the Picture Book category in the 2024, says “My story, Summer Hair, is the story of my heart, and to see it earn recognition from industry pros told me I was on the right track in my career. I ended up leading my query package with Summer Hair, and have since landed my dream agent, and I’m so optimistic for what this book could be when it goes on submission. I would encourage other SCBWIers to bet on yourselves and enter the contest this year! You never know where something as simple as believing in your work can take you.”

Rilla Jaggia agrees. “The biggest adrenaline rush this side of winning an Oscar (I imagine), the recognition of peers and faculty, the inspiration and impetus to keep writing, a compelling addition to your resumé—all fabulous reasons to win. But whether or not you win, the process is invaluable—the years of learning from SCBWI events, the support of the SCBWI community, that encourage you to keep polishing that manuscript until it shines.”

The writer and illustrator contests have different deadlines, rules, and prizes, so please read the online instructions carefully. And if you’re lucky enough to be a talented writer and illustrator, you are free to enter both.

Good luck!

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Brenda Scott Royce is the Contest Coordinator for SCBWI-L.A.  She has authored more than 30 books for children. Her book Angela & Lulling: Two Gorillas, A World Apart (Blue Sneaker Press) won best children’s educational picture book at the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and was a 2024 silver Nautilus Award (Books for a Better World) winner in the category of best middle grade nonfiction.

Event photos by Judy Y Faulkner