FAQs
What type of children’s book manuscript should I submit?
The KDCC Award alternates between celebrating middle grade/young adult manuscripts and picture book manuscripts. In 2024, the award will go to the author of a picture-book manuscript.
You may submit one manuscript per year.
Yes.
Yes.
International applications will be accepted. We respectfully request that you please submit your application in English. Also, please keep in mind that the award covers tuition only and that all travel, meals, and accommodations expenses will be the responsibility of the awardee.
Do I have to be an SCBWI member to submit?
Yes. If you’d like to become a member, click here.
Yes. If you’ve won an award in your local SCBWI chapter, you may still apply for this award.
Can I submit if I’ve been to the SCBWI Annual Summer Conference in Los Angeles before?
Yes, although priority may be given to first-time attendees of the conference.
No.
We are only able to accept manuscripts; no art is accepted.
Regional SCBWI grants may be available in some regions for travel to the international conference — check with your Regional Advisor. You can also contact your state/regional/national arts commissions and councils ask about professional development grants. If you’re a teacher, your teachers’ professional organization, district, or school might be able to assist you.
How will entries be judged?
Judges will consider both the manuscript and the answer to the short-answer question.
How does the judging process work?
A panel of authors reads and reviews each entry and selects a pool of finalists. Members of Kate Dopirak’s family choose the winner from among these finalists.
Winners will be announced in early April.
The deadline has passed. Can I still submit an entry?
No entries will be accepted after the deadline. Please plan accordingly and allow time to complete the form, attach the file, etc.
Google added my name to the file when I uploaded the PDF! Will my submission be disqualified?
Google adds the writer’s name to the PDF file name when it’s sent. We know about this and adjust file names accordingly before sending manuscripts off to the judges. We will not disqualify your submission because of this (as long as you don’t also add your name to the header in the document). Please just ensure your name is nowhere in the actual pages before uploading.
