UNDISCOVERED VOICES 2014: A SCBWI Project Worth Noting

This is the fourth anthology of undiscovered talent published by SCBWI British Isles and working Partners Ltd., this time including U.K. and European writers and illustrators. As SCBWI British Isles' Regional Advisor Natascha Biebow writes in the book's forward,

"This anthology highlights a new group of talented undiscovered voices. In the changing marketplace, where many are turning to self-publishing, we understand the importance of good quality editing, design and promotion in making the best books for young readers. We aim to match new talent with editors, art directors and agents looking to publish exciting new voices for young readers."

The co-creators of Undiscovered Voices, Sara Grant and Sara O'Conner write,

"We agreed that if one of the writers from the first anthology received a book deal then we would be pleased. Undiscovered Voices has succeeded beyond our wildest expectations. From the three previous anthologies, twenty-four of the thirty-six selected authors have received publishing contracts for more than seventy books published around the world, winning and receiving nominations for many awards."

The way the anthology chose illustrators was fascinating: the artists were asked to illustrate one of five story starters written by past Undiscovered Voices writers! The judging panel chose Five illustrators:

Julia Walther

Sarah Palmer

Dave Gray

Olivia Palmer

James Brown

Twelve writers from both the UK and the European Union had their novel extracts (4,000 words each, from a completed MG or YA) selected. Each selection includes a synopsis, writer biography and contact information. The writers (and their novels excerpted) are:

PHEONIX by Katrina Charman

THE VOYAGE OF THE ONION by Claire Fayers

TRAITOR GIRL by Rachel Rivett

A GOOD HIDING by Shirley-Anne McMillan

FIRE GIRL by Matt Ralphs

SOUTHEND LOADED by Susan Sandercock

ATTICUS TRUMP AND THE ASTRO FART by Bronwen Roscoe

VICKERY BARNET RECURRING by Sarah Dalkin

THE WING GIVER by Emma Higham

THE GRIMM LIFE by Christian Colussi

SHADOW INCLUSIONS by Imogene White

THE STONE CUTTER by Tioka Tokedira

For both the illustrations and the novel excerpts, quotes from the judges are included, discussing the merits or each piece and why they were selected.

Three additional illustrators and fifteen more writers had their work receive honorary mentions.

As they say on the back cover and at the Undiscovered Voices website,

What will you discover?
12 unagented and unpublished writers
5 unagented and unpublished illustrators
24 of 36 previous authors published
With your help these voices won’t stay undiscovered for long.

If you're looking to find talent, check it out. If you're looking to be found and you're in the UK or EU, keep an eye on submitting to the next Undiscovered Voices anthology. And if you're in a different SCBWI region of the world, consider this project inspiration!

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee