Floris Books: The Kelpies Prize for Writing 2025

 Full details 

o enter the Kelpies Prize for Writing, you must submit the following using our online entry form:
  1. 1. The first five chapters of a book for children, either fiction or non-fiction, OR a whole picture-book story
  2. 2. A synopsis or summary of the book
  3. 3. A short piece of writing (1,000–3,000 words) for children beginning with either of these phrases:

    • It seemed like such an ordinary day…
      OR
    • I opened the door and found…
  4. 4. Some information about you

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.)

Read our guidelines for full details of what we’re looking for, and don’t forget to check the terms and conditions.

The deadline for entries is midnight, Friday 28 February 2025. 

We look forward to receiving your entries!

Download terms

Interested in the Kelpies Prize for Illustration? Click here!


History of the Kelpies Prize

The Kelpies Prize was launched in 2004 to find the best new Scottish writing for children. Our very first winner, Mike Nicholson, continues to be one of our best-loved authors to this day, and many more of our winners and shortlisters have gone on to have sparkling writing careers.

In 2019, we changed the format of the prize to reflect our new aims of nurturing and developing children’s writers in Scotland, asking entrants to submit a selection of writing samples as opposed to a complete manuscript. In addition, we introduced an all-new prize package including a mentoring programme with our experienced editorial team.

Find out more about our past Kelpies Prize winners.

Cloudlanders by Christopher Mackie

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