2014 Manchester Writing for Children Prize
The first ever Manchester Writing for Children Prize invites the submission of poetry to be read by children within the age group of five to 12. Portfolios should contain three to five poems, totalling together no more than 120 lines.
Prizes include:
• publication of selected pieces from long-listed entrants in a new anthology;
• an invitation to appear alongside Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy at a special event at the 2014 Manchester Children's Book Festival for the short-listed entrants;
• and a cash prize of £2,000 for an overall winner - to be announced at that event.
"What is a ‘poem for a child'? Clear language, sharp editing, avoidance of cliché are the key elements of good poetry for readers of all ages. And if we include narrative, imagery, voice, rhythm, the subtle drive of full or half rhyme, free or blank verse, it seems that the only limitation of this genre is our preconception of child-as-reader. The attraction and influence of children's poetry is profound, and - despite containing only a fraction of the infrastructure (publications, prizes, courses) available for those writing for adults - many classic and contemporary poets have discovered the pleasures of writing for both adults and children.
"This international prize is a first of its kind, aiming to celebrate this genre by welcoming a portfolio of work from established and new writers. The resulting anthology, a professionally produced and illustrated book of poetry for readers aged five - 12, will be launched during the Manchester Children's Book Festival where winning poets will be invited to read alongside UK poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy. Whether you are a seasoned children's poet or a poet venturing into this genre for the first time - we look forward to seeing what you think poems for children can be!"
Chair of Judges Mandy Coe
The other judges are Imtiaz Dharker and Philip Gross.
