(1) Stories can be any style on any topic but no longer than the book provided to each participating student by Miller College.
(2) Each participating child will be provided with a blank book for submission. Books are 12 pages in length and each page is 8/5 x 11 in size.
(3) Students may submit only one book and it may be submitted in any language. Please provide an English translation.
(4) Students may work in teams of two, i.e., one writer and one illustrator. In this instance, the same book may be entered into both the Best Writing and Best Illustration categories. If entered into "Best Overall Book", no other category may be chosen.
(5) All single author entries may only be entered into one category.
(6) Books will not be returned unless arrangement for pick up has been made with Jenny Andrews.
(7) All illustrations and stories may be used by Miller College for Literature Project promotion.
(8) Categories Include: Best Illustration, Best Writing, and Best Overall Book.
(9) Please include the provided release form with each book entered into the contest.
(10) Books must be turned in to Jenny Andrews at Miller College anytime on or before December 16, 2009.
Please drop off or mail to:
Miller College
Attn: Jenny Andrews
450 North Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Winners of the second round will have his/her story published in one book and it will be available for sale at the awards dinner on March 17, 2010 and thereafter at Miller College. Selected student illustrations will be on display at the Art Center of Battle Creek during the months of February and March 2010 and will be the property of Miller College once the conference has concluded. If any student and/or teacher would like his/her story and/or illustration returned, arrangements may be made with Jenny Andrews at Miller College by calling (269) 660 - 8021, ext. 2921.
WRITING GUIDELINES:
REQUIREMENTS:
• Book must have a title. Title and author's name should appear on title page.
• Text should be logically spread out through the pages in the book, not bunched up in one spot.
• All writing must be the original work of the student. Books that are too closely modeled on an existing text will be ineligible for prizes.
• Text for the books may be fiction, true stories, or poems.
• A balance between the written words and the illustrations is desirable.
• Invented spelling is allowed!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
• Write the story. Revise the story. Plan ahead of time which words will go on which page.
• Story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The end should grow organically from the details in the story. The reader wants to feel satisfied at the conclusion.
JUDGING CRITERA GUIDING QUESTIONS:
1. Is the language used fresh and interesting?
2. Did the author avoid cliches and stale over-used phrases?
3. Is the story or poem clearly the work of one mind?
4. Does the title mean more after the book has been read?
5. Is the spelling and quality of penmanship legible? (The reader should not have to struggle to make sense of the text.)
ILLUSTRATION GUIDELINES:
REQUIREMENTS:
• Cover art that includes title of book, author, and a picture illustration.
• Minimum of 3 artwork illustrations on the interior of the book. These illustrations can be independent pages or the art can be incorporated into text pages of the story.
• Illustrations should be original and created for this book project. Art works directly copied from another artist or publication will be deemed ineligible for prizes.
• Media is open: drawing, painting, collage, computer generated (no clip art), original photography, etc. Illustrations may be in color or black and white.
• Scale and format: The original illustration artworks can be done at any scale, but if finished works are not the size of the overall book, they should be scanned and printed to fit the book format and size guidelines. (See the overall contest guidelines.) If overall book is horizontal or vertical in orientation, illustrations should fit format accordingly.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
• Student artists are encouraged to consult with their classroom teacher and/or art teacher for feedback.
• Student artists should consider use of contrast to create visual interest, such as strong light vs. dark areas, thick vs. thin lines, large shapes vs. smaller detail. Light pencil drawings are discouraged since they may not reproduce well.
• Student illustrators are advised to consider variety through their compositions. For instance viewpoint is one way to do this: having an illustration that represents a broad or full setting shot, and another that represents a close-up can often create variety and increase overall viewer interest.
JUDGING CRITERA GUIDING QUESTIONS:
1. Does the cover include an illustration, book title, and author?
2. Is the cover design eye-catching and organized so that the title is bold and legible against surrounding information?
3. Are the interior illustrations show originality?
4. Has the artist used a variety of compositions?
5. Is the craftsmanship appropriate for age and media used?
6. Do the illustrations fit logically and creatively with the story being told?
For more information, please email or call Jenny Andrews, Miller College Conference Director, at (269)660-8021, ext. 2921 or andrewsj@millercollege.edu.
Image from "The Mouse and his Child" used with the permission of David Small. Copyright 2001.
Image from "Ruby Mae Has Something to Say" used with the permission of David Small. 
Image from "The Friend" used with the permission of David Small. Copyright 2004.
Image from"Fenwick's Suit"