2024 APPLICATION
This year we are asking all applicants to submit their application materials both by regular mail AND online — please do both. If you think you might qualify for a RUCCL scholarship, please go
here for separate scholarship application instructions.
Before applying, please read the conference waiver. Then follow the step-by-step instructions below. All three steps must be completed in order for your application to be considered.
STEP 1
Print and fill out the 2024 Application Form
STEP 2
Mail your printed application materials to the appropriate address from the list on this page. You must include the following items:
- 2024 Application Form from Step 1
- A sample of your strongest work. Scroll down to see a specific description of what to send.
- A cover letter that tells us a little about yourself and your professional writing or illustration background. Please include in this letter a 3-5 sentence summary of the work you're submitting.
- A check for the conference fee ($325.00) made payable to Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature. (checks will be returned to those not accepted)
- A self-addressed stamped envelope in order to be notified of our decision. We do NOT notify by email.
STEP 3
Complete the online application process. Go to the appropriate link below to fill out the online application form and to upload digital copies of your work sample and cover letter. Please be sure that the manuscript sample you submit online is IDENTICAL to the one you send by mail.
You are now done! Notification letters will be sent out in late August.
WHAT TO SEND
Middle Grade, Easy Reader and Early Chapter Book Authors:
The first 5 pages of your manuscript, double-spaced (an additional one-page plot synopsis is optional)
Young Adult Authors:
The first 5 pages of your manuscript, double-spaced (an additional one-page plot synopsis is optional)
Picture Book Authors:
A complete manuscript, double-spaced
Illustrators and Author-Illustrators:
5 illustration samples. If you choose, you may also add ONE of the following:
a complete picture book dummy, OR the first 7 pages of a graphic novel dummy
Graphic Novel Authors who are not illustrators:
Please submit the first 5 pages of your manuscript + optional synopsis to either the Middle Grade or Young Adult category, whichever is most age appropriate. However, if you are an author-illustrator then submit your materials to the Illustration category regardless of age level.
Do NOT send original art.
Color copies are fine. We cannot return and are not responsible for any materials submitted.
Application Deadlines: July 8, 2024
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
July 8, 2024
Mailed applications must be postmarked by this date. Mail your application materials to the person/address responsible for submissions in your category:
WHERE TO SEND
FICTION
Picture Books (text only)
Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature
807 Kings Highway South, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Middle Grade, Easy Readers, Early Chapter Books
Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature
206 Walton Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079
Young Adult
Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature
Jennifer Doktorski
42 J F Kennedy Drive, Milltown, NJ 08850
NONFICTION (All Categories)
Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature
1 Country Club Drive, Ringoes, NJ, 08551
ILLUSTRATIONS
(with or without picture-book/graphic novel dummy pages)
Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature
408 Branch Ave, Little Silver, NJ 07739
IMPORTANT!
DO NOT SEND APPLICATIONS AS CERTIFIED MAIL
There will be a $30 fee for any checks returned to us for insufficient funds. Applications inadvertently sent to the wrong category address will still be considered.