On-The-Verge Emerging Voices Award

The SCBWI established the On-The-Verge Emerging Voices Award in 2012 with funding from Martin and Sue Schmitt of the 455 Foundation. The grant was created to foster the emergence of diverse voices in children’s books.

Writers and writer/illustrators from an ethnic and/or cultural background that is traditionally under-represented in children’s literature in America are eligible to enter a complete manuscript.

Two winners receive an all-expense trip to next year's summer conference and an intensive, a manuscript consultation with an industry professional, an additional meeting with an industry professional, as well as a press release.

The winners of the 2014 On-The-Verge Emerging Voices Award are Jennifer Baker and Tiemdow Phumiruk.

"We have to change the world, and we have to do it one book at a time," Lin Oliver said. "We are looking forward to seeing your books."