Post Wave Prize for Illustration 2027

The Post Wave Prize for Illustration 2027 is an annual award run by Post Wave Publishing UK for illustrators who have not yet been published or commissioned in children's books. The 2027 theme is "A Bridge to Another World". The winner receives £3,000, a fully funded creative trip to Anxi County in China, and a display of their work on the Post Wave stand at the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2027. Entries close at 5.30pm GMT on 4 January 2027.

Entrants design a book cover and one double-page spread for an illustrated children's book, fiction or non-fiction, inspired by the theme. The spread should include an excerpt of text, but only the illustrations are judged. Any traditional or digital medium can be used, except AI.

The winner's work is also considered for publication by Post Wave, and highly commended entrants receive a portfolio review with one of the publisher's art directors: valuable feedback for illustrators trying to break into children's books.

Who Can Enter the Post Wave Prize for Illustration?

The prize is open to illustrators aged 18 or over, from anywhere in the world, who have not yet been commercially published or commissioned in children's books. Self-published illustrators can enter.

Entrants must not sign a publishing contract or accept a publication offer for their illustrations between October 2026 and March 2027.

It is particularly relevant to:

• Illustration students and recent graduates
• Illustrators moving into children's books from other fields
• Self-published picture book makers
• Artists building a children's book portfolio

What Can You Enter?

Each candidate submits one entry, made up of:

• Required: a book cover and one double-page spread of full-colour art for a children's book, fiction or non-fiction, on the theme "A Bridge to Another World". The spread should include a text excerpt.
• Optional: up to three supporting images.

Any traditional or digital medium is allowed, but AI is not. Entries are judged on originality, visual storytelling, artistic skill, fit to the brief, emotional impact and inclusivity, and must be appropriate for a child reader.

Entry Fees

The official prize page does not list an entry fee.

What Do Selected Entrants Receive?

• Winner: £3,000 (about $4,000)
• Publication: the winning work is considered for publication by Post Wave
• Trip: a fully funded creative trip to the Anxi County region of China
• Bologna: the winner's work displayed on the Post Wave stand at the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2027
• Highly commended: a portfolio review with a Post Wave art director

Submission Requirements

Entries are submitted digitally; postal entries are not considered.

File Specifications

• JPEG or PDF only
• No larger than A3 (297 × 420 mm)
• Total size of all files no more than 10 MB
• Fonts embedded

File Names

Lastname_Firstname_BOOKCOVER, Lastname_Firstname_SPREAD and, for supporting work, Lastname_Firstname_IMAGE_1 to IMAGE_3.

Important Rules

• One entry per candidate.
• No AI-generated work.
• Late entries are not accepted.
• No publishing contracts for the entered illustrations between October 2026 and March 2027.
• Full terms are in the prize's Terms and Conditions.

When Will Entrants Be Notified?

The panel includes representatives of Post Wave Publishing UK, a representative of the Anxi County Historical and Cultural Research Association, and leading illustrators and industry experts. Shortlisted entrants are notified on 1 February 2027, and the winner is announced on 10 March 2027.

Things to Consider

• Tell a story in two images. The cover must make a reader want to open the book; the spread must show what happens inside.
• Interpret the bridge freely. "A Bridge to Another World" can be literal or imaginative; an unexpected idea will stand out.
• Design for children. Judges look for work suited to a child reader as well as artistic quality.
• Check the file limits. 10 MB in total for all files is tight; export carefully.
• Name files correctly so your entry is not lost.
• Use the supporting images to show range, such as character studies or another spread from the same book.

Enter the Competition

Interested in submitting your work?

Enter the Post Wave Prize for Illustration 2027

For the full brief, terms and submission link, visit the official Post Wave Publishing website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 12, 2026