Scholastic, the global children’s publishing,
education and media company, is giving a chance to Filipino writers living in
Asia to submit a short synopsis and the opening pages of their unpublished chapter
book or novel and stand a chance to be
shortlisted to receive a review and written feedback from the man who discovered
J.K. Rowling, Mr. Barry Cunningham.
In
partnership with the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY), You Write to Me, I'll Write to You is a
manuscript critique initiative of the Scholastic Asian Book Award (SABA) in an
effort to further encourage and inspire Asian writers. The manuscript critique initiative
aspires to motivate writers while assisting them to get their manuscript in
shape and recognizing excellence in Asian writings.
A total of six entries (the brief synopses and opening pages
of six manuscripts) will be shortlisted to receive a review and written feedback
from Mr. Cunningham, and only the most
outstanding entry from the shortlist will receive a review of the complete manuscript.
“It is
truly remarkable to be able to work with a prolific name like Barry Cunningham
in the international children’s literature scene to provide his critique and
review on unpublished manuscripts written by Filipinos living in Asia,” said Joyce A. Bautista, Trade Manager of
Scholastic Philippines. “It will be a privilege to unearth some of the most
talented Filipino writers in Asia and a chance not to be missed by them to have
their manuscripts critiqued and reviewed by Mr. Cunningham.”
“The
birth of this idea came from the Scholastic Asian Book Award (SABA) and we hope
that through this initiative, more Filipino writers in Asia will submit their
manuscripts to the SABA and stand a chance to get their work published,” she
added.
“This is
a great opportunity for Filipino writers,” said Tarie Sabido, Chair of the PBBY. [Hi, that's me! :) ] “This initiative will stir up even
more interest in writing novels for children and teens and will help those who
wish to submit to the Scholastic Asian Book Award. For the winners, getting
feedback from Barry Cunningham will be a very exciting and valuable
experience.”
Mr. Cunningham,
who is the Publisher of Chicken House Books - home of great reading - has had
an impressive career in publishing. He has worked with all the great names in
children's books including Roald Dahl
and became one of the best-known names in publishing after he signed up J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
You Write to Me, I’ll Write to You is open to all Filipino writers living
in Asia, who are 18 years of age and above. Manuscripts submitted must be chapter
books or novels intended for children to young adults between 6 and 18
years old, and must be Asian in content. The closing date for all submission
entries is April 30,
2017, 5:00 p.m. (Philippines time). For more
information on how to enter, visit scholastic.asia/youwritetome.
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