The Kelpies Prize for Writing and Illustration

The Kelpies Prize for Writing and Illustration 2027 is now open for entries!

Are you a writer or illustrator based in Scotland? Do you have a passion for children’s books and stories to tell? Then we want to hear from you!

The deadline for entries is Sunday 7 March 2027 at midnight.

The Kelpies Prize for Writing and Illustration is for writers and illustrators in Scotland who want to start a career in children’s books. Our prize package includes a mentorship with our experienced editorial or design team, consideration for a publishing deal, plus £500 cash, which we hope will help our winners take their first steps as a children’s author or illustrator!

If that sounds like you, click the relevant button for full details on how to enter the Kelpies Prize for Writing or the Kelpies Prize for Illustration.

We welcome entries to the Kelpies Prizes from people whose backgrounds are not well represented in children’s books, including under-represented ethnic backgrounds, disabled, neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, minority faith, care-experienced, working class or low income backgrounds. (Note: entrants must live in Scotland.)

The deadline for entries is Sunday 7 March 2027 at midnight.

Kelpies Prize 2026

The winners of the Kelpies Prize were announced by award-winning author and poet Nadine Aisha Jassatt at Edinburgh’s Grassmarket Centre.

Christine Irvine was the winner of the Kelpies Prize for Writing, while Susan Mitchell won the Kelpies Prize for Illustration.

You can find out about our previous winners here, or download the latest press release.