Tu Books, the middle grade and young adult imprint of  Lee & Low Books will be closing submissions soon for the New Visions Award. Established in 2012, this award is given annually to an unpublished author of color for a middle grade or young adult manuscript. Previous winners include the award-winning Ink and Ashes as well as the forthcoming novels Ahimsa and Rebel Seoul.

Manuscripts may be novels or graphic novels in any fictional genre for children ages 8 to 12 or young adults ages 12 to 18. Manuscripts should address the needs of children and teens of color by providing stories the can identify with and which promote greater understanding of one another. Themes relating to LGBTQ+ topics or disabilities may also be included.

Contestants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:

• Self-identify as a person of color or a Native/indigenous person.
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of entry.
• Be a resident of the United States.
• Not have had a middle grade or young adult novel published.

The Award winner receives a cash prize of $1,000 and their standard publication contract, including their basic advance and royalties for a first time author. An Honor Award winner will receive a cash prize of $500.

Please read the submission guidelines before sending. But be quick, all entries must be postmarked by October 31, 2017. As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction