by Brenda Scott Royce

At an event hosted by another regional SCBWI chapter recently, I learned that entries in their writers contests have been going down over the last few years, and that they’ve heard similar reports from other chapters. The news didn’t surprise me, as I’ve witnessed the same thing—a gradual decline in submissions to our SCBWI-L.A. contests since 2020 (a year we all had extra time on our hands to polish our entries!).

As a potential entrant, you could view this as an opportunity—fewer entries means a higher likelihood you’ll walk away with a prize. (True!)

I view it as a challenge. Our contests are designed not just to celebrate the chosen few who win or place in each category, but also to foster community and learning. Entering a contest provides the impetus to polish your opening pages, which is never wasted effort. Knowing that fellow conference attendees also entered the contest gives us something to bond over. We love to cheer each other on, and to learn from the winning excerpts that are read aloud during the event.

So, let’s all try our best to enter a contest this year. Many past winners have credited the contest with landing them an agent and/or a publishing deal. And entering the contest is free to event attendees, so you’ve got nothing to lose. 

We are offering TWO contests in conjunction with Writers & Illustrators Day this year—with different prizes, deadlines (November 17 for illustrators; December 13 for writers), and guidelines for each.

Whether you’re seeking publication (aren’t we all?), friendly feedback, motivation, or a shiny certificate to hang on your wall, enter a contest! As Contest Coordinator, I’m unable to enter, but I encourage EVERYONE who plans to attend Writers & Illustrators Day to do so! If we beat last year’s total number of entries, I’ll bring a surprise treat for everyone in attendance.

Need more inspiration? Let’s hear from last year’s winners:

Dorothy Deene (Young Adult Winner): “I was beyond thrilled to hear my opening pages beautifully summarized and then be announced as the young adult winner for The Existence of Monsters. As I finish my novel and prepare to query in 2027, knowing that industry professionals at SCBWI believed in my writing and story gives me a wonderful boost of confidence. I never expected to win, so to anyone hesitant to enter, take the chance! You never know what might happen. Thank you, SCBWI, for the encouragement to keep going!”

Lisze Bechtold (Middle Grade Winner): “Winning first place for my current middle grade work-in-progress, Atwater, was so affirming. It encourages me to keep honing it, even though it has been a more emotionally challenging story to write than my other MG manuscripts. I was particularly pleased that my subtle humor was coming through.”

Kristin Yamane Saito (Picture Book Winner): “Having my work recognized at the conference was such an encouragement. (And a shock! I think I stayed in my seat an extra 30 seconds to make sure they weren’t calling someone else up there.) As a ‘pre-published’ author, opportunities like these keep me writing—they provide hard deadlines and allow us to experience the generous support of this writing community. I’m thankful for the contest organizers and judges for creating short-term goals to work toward on this long-term writing journey!”

Eori Tokunaga (Illustrators Contest Winner): “Having my artwork selected to represent the 2026 Writers and Illustrators Day was such a huge honor. When I submitted, I told myself that the worst thing that can happen is they say ‘No,’ so I figured there was no harm in trying. I definitely did not think that I would be selected as the winner for the illustration contest AND receive an honor for my picture book manuscript that same day, so it was truly surprises all around. It felt great to know that my efforts were taking me in the right direction as I continue on my lifelong publishing journey! Thank you so much SCBWI! I am truly honored and humbled to be growing alongside such amazing creators.”

Reminder: The writer and illustrator contests have different deadlines, rules, and prizes, so please read the online instructions carefully. If you are a writer and illustrator, you are free to enter both. Let’s go!

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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 images by Judy Y Faulkner