Clavis Publishing has launched Key Colors, the two-yearly national contest for illustrators of children’s books. Only a children’s book, intended for children from 2 to 7 years old, can qualify for the award. A professional jury will judge the artistic, literary, and child-oriented qualities of the works.

Other entries besides the winners’ may be considered for publication by Clavis. The award and the resulting picture books will be largely discussed in the press as well as at book fairs abroad. For many illustrators, this unique award is the start of a successful international career.

Awards

• The winner receives 8,000 dollars.
• Also, the winning work will be published by Clavis Publishing.
• From all the entries a selection will be made for the exhibition on children’s books illustrations, which may travel around.
• The award and the resulting picture books will be largely discussed in the press and at book fairs abroad.
• Moreover, for many illustrators, this unique award is the start of a successful international career.

Eligibility

• Each illustrator based in the United States and Canada may participate in the contest, notwithstanding, language or experience.
• Participation in groups is allowed as well.
• The submitted projects have to meet the requirements mentioned in the technical data.
• The members of the jury, staff of Clavis Publishing, and the blood relations and in-laws of the members of the jury up to the second degree cannot participate in the competition.
• Also, only a children’s book can be eligible for the award.
• original work that has never been published before in any form whatsoever.
• In addition, the author has the full copyright to the work and can transfer the full rights of the first publication to Clavis Publishing.

Rules

• The competing works should be sent digitally.
•  The text must be sent in the original language. If the original language is not the English language, a
  translation in English should be added.
• Each presented work must have a title. The title of the work must be written in a separate file.
• Also, the winner of this edition will become a member of the jury for the next edition.
• The participating illustrators commit themselves to collaborating in the exhibition in New York.

Digital Entry

Use the form on the website to submit your work. Please make sure the files you upload contain the following requirements:

1.  A children’s story for ages 2 to 7, written on a max of 4 pages, divided into text blocks.
2. A full-size mockup, sketched in pencil, with all the prints of the book as they will be worked out afterward. The text blocks are indicated on all these pages.
3. Three of the above-mentioned plates fully worked out in color on at least 1 entire page. The chosen technique is free.
4. Name the files with your first and last name, the title of your work, and a number.

Format of the book

You choose one of the following usual formats:

• 9.84 x 10.24 inches
• 11.42 x 8.27 inches (portrait or landscape)
• 9.25 x 12.80 inches
• The story will be in exactly 24 pages (cover, endpaper, and title page not included), starting on the left page.
• The original drawings should be full size, with a bleed of 0.2 inches.