Kelpies Prize for Writing 2026

The Kelpies Prize for Writing is organised by Floris Books, a Scottish publisher dedicated to promoting children’s literature. The competition seeks original writing for children, offering new and emerging authors the opportunity to develop their craft with professional editorial guidance. The competition is open to writers in Scotland and targets new writers seeking mentorship and development in children’s literature. Entries are judged by the Kelpies editorial team, and winners receive a mentoring programme alongside guidance on publication.

Submissions must include either the first five chapters of a children’s book (fiction or non-fiction) or a complete picture-book story, along with a synopsis and a short piece of writing between 1,000 and 3,000 words starting with one of two given phrases. Submissions must be in English, original, and previously unpublished. Entrants must also provide personal information to accompany their submission.

The prize package includes mentoring from the experienced Kelpies editorial team, professional feedback on submissions, and support for the development of the winning author’s work toward publication.

Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

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