Pitch It! Competition 2025 WINNERS and RUNNERS UP! –
Just Write For Kids Australia’s annual Pitch It! Competition for Australian writers of picture books, non-fiction picture books, junior fiction, and middle grade was held in September this year, and WOW, what an outstanding result! The competition was honestly so tough with SO many brilliant entries! The aim was to craft a manuscript pitch, worthy of a publisher’s attention, that is focused, concise and appealing, with strength in voice, marketability and writing ability. Our panel of judges were strict, meticulously deliberating over each pitch to ensure it met the brief, but most importantly, they took into account the originality, emotive qualities, and points of difference. We always offer this piece of advice: start with a strong, clear opening hook!
Huge thanks once again to our wonderful judges; Kate Gordon, Aleesah Darlison, David Lawrence, Cassy Polimeni and Katrina Germein. xx
We are also thankful for the generosity of our prize givers for offering such invaluable opportunities for our writers. Thank you:
Kath Kovac Children’s Non-Fiction Editor
Mary Anastasiou, Marketing Matters
Adam Wallace, Bestselling Author
Affirm Press / Simon and Schuster
xx
The team at Just Write For Kids are thrilled to announce the following WINNERS, RUNNERS UP, HIGHLY COMMENDED and JUDGES’ PICKS in the 2025 Pitch It! Competition…
Congratulations to all!
…
Picture Book Category
Winner:
Growing Birds – Zoë Crowest
Congratulations, Zoë! The judges commented, “What a lovely idea, the title is intriguing and so is the concept.” “Quite the perfect pitch, really.” “This is so fun, playful and poetic and perfectly captures the magic of a child’s world view.”
You will receive FIRST choice for a manuscript publisher appraisal from TWO commissioning editors out of:
Rochelle Stephens (Wombat Books);
Jennifer Sharp (Daisy Lane Publishing);
Rowena Beresford (Riveted Press) or
Nathan Thomas (EK Books)
PLUS a FREE Marketing Matters mentoring session with author, creative designer, editor and marketing guru, Mary Anastasiou and Marketing Matters.
PLUS a School of Larrikins voucher to attend an on-demand workshop of your choice.
Runner Up:
Ducks on the Moon – Angela Toniolo
Congratulations, Angela! The judges said, “An intriguing and fun premise.” “Strong. Clever. Interesting.” “The combination of absurdity with facts give this story its X factor.”
You will receive SECOND choice for a manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS a FREE mentoring session and complimentary guidebook with award-winning, bestselling author and seasoned school presenter, Adam Wallace.
Third Place:
If I Could – Penny Harris
Congratulations, Penny! The judges noted, “Strong pitch, hitting the mark perfectly for eco-writing fans and readers.” “A lovely, hopeful premise – there is a definite need for empowering narratives about the environment.”
You will receive THIRD choice for a manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS a small book pack with compliments of Affirm Press/Simon and Schuster and Just Write For Kids Australia.
Highly Commended Mentions:
Creature in the Night – Amy Jobson
The Words Between Us – Prasha Sooful
The Campground – Elizabeth Pulsford
The School Run – Kim Kenyon
Judges’ Picks:
Glimmer – Jevita Nilson
Zadie Blurs the Lines – Seetha Dodd
The Lemurs’ Stink Fight – Linda Kovacevic
Congratulations, picture book writers! Your pitches stood out to the judges as being intriguing, with original concepts and great marketing potential.
Non-Fiction Picture Book Category
Winner:
An Evening with Central Park’s Coyotes – Karen Hendriks
Congratulations, Karen! Our judge’s feedback; “What a fabulous premise to engage readers, young and old.” “I would love to read this book.”
You will receive FIRST choice for a manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor out of:
Melinda Chandler from CSIRO Publishing; or
Rowena Beresford from Riveted Press.
PLUS a FREE Marketing Matters mentoring session with author, creative designer, editor and marketing guru, Mary Anastasiou and Marketing Matters.
PLUS a School of Larrikins voucher to attend an on-demand workshop of your choice.
Runner Up:
Beneath the Desert – Laura Holloway
Congratulations, Laura! It was noted, “Your pitch is beautifully written and very evocative.” “I love this idea.”
You will receive SECOND choice for a manuscript publisher appraisal from a commissioning editor out of:
Melinda Chandler from CSIRO Publishing; or
Rowena Beresford from Riveted Press.
PLUS a FREE mentoring session and complimentary guidebook with award-winning, bestselling author and seasoned school presenter, Adam Wallace.
Third Place:
Venom – Kate Simpson
Congratulations, Kate! It was noted, “This is such a strong pitch because your writing is beautiful and your skills as a storyteller shine through. It’s also a fabulous, engaging story idea.”
You will receive:
A manuscript appraisal from non-fiction editor of award-winning books, Kath Kovac.
PLUS a small book pack with compliments of Affirm Press/Simon and Schuster and Just Write For Kids Australia.
Highly Commended Mentions:
Moth – Elizabeth Pulsford
Sea Search – Paul Rodriguez
Are There Fairies Here? – Louise Dark
Judge’s Picks:
Otto – Rachael Robertson
Grey Finds a Home – Kate Marie Lewis
Congratulations, non-fiction PB writers! Your pitches stood out for their unique and interesting ideas and themes that would engage readers of all ages!
Junior Fiction Category
Winner:
The Tale of Aldred the Sleepy – Ella Lamb
Congratulations, Ella! The judges said, “This one really excites me!” “How clever and funny. I can tell I’m going to love this book.” “A highly entertaining pitch that sets up a fun character existing in a fascinating world filled with wizards and dragons.” “This pitch made me smile!“
You will receive FIRST choice for a manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the commissioning editors out of:
Rowena Beresford (Riveted Press);
Jennifer Sharp (Daisy Lane Publishing); or
Rochelle Stephens (Wombat Books)
PLUS a FREE Marketing Matters mentoring session with author, creative designer, editor and marketing guru, Mary Anastasiou and Marketing Matters.
PLUS a School of Larrikins voucher to attend an on-demand workshop of your choice.
Runner Up:
Rosie’s Night In – Pat Grafton
Congratulations, Pat! The judges mentioned, “I love this!!” “Loved the dad/daughter angle and very interested to find out what happens…”
You will receive SECOND option for a manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS FREE mentoring session and complimentary guidebook with award-winning, bestselling author and seasoned school presenter, Adam Wallace.
Third Place:
Tom Haddock and the Pirates of Port Pine – Nicole Kelly
Congratulations, Nicole! The judges said, “This has salty, seafaring, swashbuckling vibes and I am very here for it!” “The pitch made me want to know more about how this dynamic duo is going to repel the pirates and what their future holds.”
You will receive THIRD option for a manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS a small book pack with compliments of Affirm Press/Simon and Schuster.
Highly Commended Mentions:
Jim Jam Sam – Verity Croker
The Twiddledit Dad – Pat Grafton
The Dandelion Wish Factory – Jess Horn
Judges’ Picks:
SMATSO – Allison Ball
Duke and Snickers Make a Bucket List – Anita Weller
Congratulations to these junior fiction writers! Your pitches certainly included plenty of ‘WOW’ factor with engaging language and themes for this market.
Middle Grade Category
Winner:
Before the Bail was Burnt – Susan Hancy
Congratulations, Susan! The judges said, “I’m desperate to read the rest of this one. Thank you for pitching it!” “This was the first pitch I read and it blew me away!” “The passion in this pitch leapt off the page.“
You will receive FIRST choice for a manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the commissioning editors out of:
Rowena Beresford (Riveted Press);
Jennifer Sharp (Daisy Lane Publishing); or
Rochelle Stephens (Wombat Books).
PLUS a FREE Marketing Matters mentoring session with author, creative designer, editor and marketing guru, Mary Anastasiou and Marketing Matters.
PLUS a School of Larrikins voucher to attend an on-demand workshop of your choice.
Runner Up:
Courage is a Pocket Dragon – Tabitha Bird
Congratulations, Tabitha! The judges mentioned, “This is an absolutely delightful premise!” “So absolutely here for this and can’t WAIT to read it!!” “Brilliant pitch about a whimsical story with important themes.“
You will receive SECOND option for a manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS a FREE mentoring session and complimentary guidebook with award-winning, bestselling author and seasoned school presenter, Adam Wallace.
Third Place:
The Master of Locks – Jenny Catalano
Congratulations, Jenny! The judges said, “It sounds like an exciting, action-packed premise, which I feel will have broad appeal.” “Good title and quirky plot line!”
You will receive THIRD option for a manuscript publisher appraisal from one of the above commissioning editors.
PLUS a small book pack with compliments of Affirm Press/Simon and Schuster.
Highly Commended Mentions:
Stuck in the Middle – Sandy Summons
Kelp Girl – Hannah Coates
Judges’ Picks:
Dear Mum, High School Sucks – Sarah Langfield
Tulip Girl – Karen Hendriks
Congratulations! The judges agreed that your pitches contained appealing concepts that publishers would love! Very impressive!
Thank you to all the entrants and everyone involved in making our eighth Pitch It! Competition a success. All participants receiving certificates and prizes will be contacted by the end of November.
X Romi and the Just Write For Kids Team
Find the LONGLIST awards and SHORTLIST awards at the links.
#pitchitcompetition #pitchit2025 #competitionwinners #competitionforwriters
![It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #imwayr [3.28.22] – Books. Iced Lattes. Blessed.](https://som2nynetwork.com/wp-content/plugins/phastpress/phast.php/c2VydmljZT1pbWFnZXMmc3JjPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGc29tMm55bmV0d29yay5jb20lMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMjUlMkYxMSUyRmltZ183MzY0LTMzNngyMjAuanBnJmNhY2hlTWFya2VyPTE3NjM5NTExMjQtNzQ2MCZ0b2tlbj02ZmViMTk1NjA3MTBhNmZk.q.jpg)
