First Pages & Writing Contest

First Pages:

First Pages is an opportunity to receive feedback from our panel of agents and editors on your manuscript’s first page. * Please note that due to the expected volume of First Pages submissions, there will not be enough time to read all of them. However, we expect that you will get a benefit from hearing all of the work being read aloud and commented upon by industry experts. 

Eligibility: SCBWI premium (paid) members registered for Saturday’s 9/20/25 in-person Writers & Illustrators Day conference are eligible to participate. * SCBWI Membership must be current and active at time of registration; if you are not sure of your status, contact SCBWI Headquarters for assistance.

1.    Bring five (5) copies of your anonymous manuscript first page, double spaced in 12-point font, with printed title (no author's name) 1/3 of the way down the page (Note: Picture book writers please note this is the first manuscript page NOT the first book page.) 

2.    Drop your five copies of your first pages paperclipped together at the registration table when you arrive, in the First Pages box.

4.    Please direct questions to Regional Advisor Rebecca Langston-George ([email protected]).

Writing Contest:

You may enter up to two (2) contest entries in our 2025 Writers Day Writing Contest, so long as they are in two different categories (picture book, middle grade or young adult). * Entries may be fiction or nonfiction.

Eligibility: Everyone registered for Saturday’s 9/20/25 in-person Writers & Illustrators Day conference are eligible to participate.

1. Email entries to the email address found at the top of the contest form (see #4 below) no later than Saturday August 9th 11:59pmPST. * (Note: Contest entries are accepted by email only.)

2. Winners will be announced (and prizes awarded) at Saturday’s 9/20/25 in-person Writers & Illustrators Day conference at the Camarillo Community Center. 

3. Please direct questions to Regional Advisor Rebecca Langston-George ([email protected]).

4. Scroll down and download the Writing Contest form and complete all sections. It is in PDF format so you may need to print your responses on the form, then take a photo (or scan the completed form) and attach it to your entry email along with your manuscript.