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unpublished chapter book or novel and stand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 by the man
who discovered J.K. Rowling, Mr. Barry Cunningham, on their submission.
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 6 entries (the brief synopses and
opening pages of 6 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critique and review on unpublished manuscripts written by Filipinos living in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. “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 age 6 and 18 years old, and must be Asian in content. The
closing date for all submission entries is April 2, 2017, 5:00pm (Philippines time). Selected
entries will be informed via email in June.
For
more information on how to enter, visit scholastic.asia/youwritetome.