The Bookseller and AoI open search for unrepped illustrators

The Bookseller is to once again run an Illustrators’ Showcase at this year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair devoted to displaying the artwork of new and unrepresented children's books illustrators.

The showcase will feature in the magazine‚Äôs Bologna Book Fair Dailies, of which 7,000 physical editions are distributed at the fair. The initiative is inspired by the “Illustrators' Wall” at Bologna—where illustrators pin up samples of their work with contact details for passing publishers and agents to peruse—and is supported by the Association of Illustrators. Last year eight new illustrators from across the globe were featured in The Bookseller over the course of the fair.

To qualify for consideration, illustrators must be not currently representing by an agent and be recently graduated from college, or within two years of graduation. The work submitted does not have to be done specially for the showcase, it can be previously completed work, but cannot have been reproduced anywhere else. The work should be suitable for a children’s fiction or non-fiction title in any style.

To enter submit your name, social media hashtag, email address and website along with the piece of work to illustration@thebookseller.com by 5 p.m. on the 11th March. Files must be in jpeg or tiff formats at 300dpi suitable for print size up to A4. The Bookseller will require a licence for the use of the images in print and digital versions of its Bologna Book Fair Daily. Copyright is retained by the illustrator.

The Bookseller will contact the successful applicants by noon on the 19th of March. Any queries, please contact emma.lowe@thebookseller.com.