Undiscovered Voices is a not-for-sale anthology of excerpts from unagented and unpublished children’s fiction novels, from the members of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators British Isles. It is judged by a panel of
industry professionals, produced free of charge by volunteers, with the financial support of
Working Partners. The printed anthology is sent to children’s book agents and editors in the hopes of getting these undiscovered voices discovered.
From the two previous anthologies in 2008 and 2010, fourteen of the twenty-four selected authors are now under contract to be published or are published and have been nominated for and won an amazing array of literary prizes: including winning the Bedfordshire Children's Book of the Year, being shortlisted for 17 regional awards, the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize and the Branford Boase Award. We’ve had two titles shortlisted for Blue Peter awards and one title long-listed for the Carnegie Medal!
The third edition, UNDISCOVERED VOICES 2012, has been completed and distributed. For the first time, the book contains six wonderful illustrations in addition to the twelve outstanding excerpts. The party to celebrate the anthology's release was held on 9 February at
06 St Chad's Place. The event was packed with agents, editors, art directors and soon-to-be discovered
authors and
illustrators. Press coverage
here.
Photo: Fenris Oswin
Congratulations to the following twelve authors, selected from more than 150 anonymous submissions: Rosie Best, Veronica Cossanteli, Sandra Greaves, Jane Hardstaff, Deborah Hewitt, David Hofmeyr and Zoe Crookes, Sharon Jones, Rachel Latham, Maureen Lynas, Richard Masson, Rachel Wolfreys and Jo Wyton. And congratulations to the six selected illustrators: Julia Groves, Amber Hsu, Heather Kilgour, Shana Nieberg-Suschitzky, Nicola Patten and Rachel Quarry.
Photo: Fenris Oswin
Author Malorie Blackman said, “Every year I’m amazed and thrilled by the range of stories in this anthology, but I truly believe that this year will prove to be a vintage year. The quality of the writing is outstanding.”
Read about how the project came together
here, and the selected authors’ success stories
here.
If you are not a member of SCBWI British Isles and would like to know more about the organisation, click
here to learn more about membership.
