Apila’s First Printing Award 2025 is an international competition designed to nurture and promote emerging talent in children’s literature. Organized by Apila Ediciones in collaboration with the Aragon School of Design, this award specifically targets illustrators who have yet to publish a children’s book with an ISBN. The competition invites creatives from around the world to submit projects that combine storytelling and visual art, contributing to the development of educational and imaginative picture books for children. With the option to submit original stories or adaptations of public domain tales, the award seeks to foster innovation and creativity in children’s publishing.
The competition encourages diversity by allowing submissions in both Spanish and English, thus broadening its reach to illustrators of various linguistic backgrounds. Illustrators are tasked with creating a fully illustrated picture book, limited to a maximum of 40 pages, offering them the chance to display their artistic skill and storytelling ability in a format that challenges both their creativity and their technical expertise. The competition is open to illustrators over the age of 18 who have not yet been published by a traditional publishing house, giving new voices in the field a chance to be heard on a global stage.
Winners of the Apila’s First Printing Award will receive a prize of €4,000 along with the opportunity to have their book professionally published by Apila Ediciones. The prize also includes a professional contract and international distribution of the book, providing an invaluable platform for illustrators to kickstart their careers. By combining a significant monetary reward with extensive exposure, this award is a vital opportunity for illustrators looking to break into the competitive world of children’s publishing and share their creativity with a wider audience.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to illustrators over 18 who have not published a children’s book with an ISBN number.
Prize
The winner will sign a professional contract with Apila Ediciones for the publication of their book, which includes a prize of €4,000. This amount represents 10% of the value of the first print run. The winning book will also benefit from international distribution, providing the illustrator with significant exposure.
