Wanted: Writer and artist for children's book

Vickie Aldous, Mail Tribune, Medford, Ore.
·3 min read

Jun. 21—If you've ever wanted to write or illustrate a children's book, now might be your chance.

Jackson County Library Services and the Jackson County Library Foundation are seeking a local author and a local artist to write and illustrate a nursery rhyme book. The book will be distributed to newborns in Jackson County as part of the Baby's First Book program.

The selected author will receive $3,000, while the chosen illustrator will win $5,000.

All writing and artwork portfolio submissions are due by 5 p.m. Friday, July 15. Winners will be announced in August.

Interested writers and artists must work within the parameters of the project.

The book to be called "Rogue Reader: Baby's First Book" must have 12 rhymes that focus on Rogue Valley and Southern Oregon themes, such as wildlife, terrain, weather, local people or points of interest. Although not required for all rhymes, some rhymes can go with a familiar tune and/or have hand motions or movements that correspond to the text.

A multicultural, bilingual book in English and Spanish is preferred.

The contest is open to Jackson County residents of any age. JCLS and JCLF staff and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

Writing and artwork must be original, unpublished and free of copyright restrictions.

Upon submission, entrants grant JCLS the rights to the work and consent that it may be displayed and/or reproduced without limitation for the Baby's First Book program and without further compensation.

Multiple submissions will be accepted, as well as submissions of writing plus artwork by the same person.

For writers, entries should include a cover letter with a brief "about the author" paragraph. The text should be in Times New Roman in size 12 font. Title your submission with your last name, then first name.

Email entries to bstrong@jcls.org and put "BFB Writing Submission" in the subject line. Include your cover letter in the email body and attach your book text entry in a PDF or DOC format.

For artists, include a cover letter with a brief "about the illustrator" paragraph. Submit a portfolio of artwork in scannable or digital art medium. Portfolios featuring artwork designed for children are highly encouraged.

The selected artist will receive the chosen text of the book to create appropriate illustrations. The book will have front and back cover illustrations, along with 12 spreads.

JCLS and its vendors are not responsible for color shifts or other changes in reproduction inherent to the printing process.

Title your portfolio submission with your last name, followed by your first name. Email your submission to bstrong@jcls.org and put "BFB Artwork Submission" in the subject line. Include your cover letter in the email body and attach a portfolio file or files in JPEG or PDF format.

JCLF launched its countywide Baby's First Book program in 2012. The program is funded by donations.

Packets are distributed in either English or Spanish to ensure families of newborns have equal access to literacy materials, including information on the importance of reading to babies.

Materials include a baby book, information about library programs, a parent's guide to reading to children and a library card application. Families are encouraged to visit their library to get their baby's first library card.