International Silent Book Contest 2025

International Silent Book Contest 2025 is now open for entries!

International Silent Book Contest 2025: International Illustrated Silent Book Contest 2025 expressly dedicated to illustrated books without words has been recently announced for entries inviting all illustrators with new book project of any nationality to participate.

Short description

International Illustrated Silent Book Contest 2025 expressly dedicated to illustrated books without words has been recently announced for entries inviting all illustrators with new book project of any nationality to participate.

The Silent Book Contest will give a prize money and publication to an original illustrated and unpublished book project that has been created and produced exclusively through narration by illustrated images.

Given that the illustrated book and the visual language of illustrations and pictures are in no way secondary to written language, with a universal power and potential that supersedes any barrier of language or genre, the Silent Book Contest invites authors and illustrators to think up and design a book conceived exclusively for the telling of a story through illustrated images, on any subject and intended for a wide and diverse section of the reading public, regardless of genre or age.

Participants are encouraged to submit original silent book projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation, and the ability to tell a compelling story through images. The subject matter for these books is entirely open, providing artists with the freedom to explore diverse themes and ideas that can appeal to readers of all ages. The competition aims to highlight the universal language of pictures, making it accessible and engaging to a broad audience, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

It is possible to participate with one to a maximum of three unpublished projects for each Author.

An International Jury, nominated by the organization will select from ten to sixteen finalists book projects by February-March 2025. They will be presented and exhibited at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025 (March-April 2025). Then, among the finalists, the Jury will choose the winning project.

The winner will also be celebrated at the award ceremony held at the Salone Internazionale del Libro of Turin in 2025.

Submission requirements:

The book project must not contain words. The narration must be realised through the illustrations. The subject is open and not restricted to any age group and readers.

For each book project sent to the competition, a complete layout should be created. The layout must be a single digital file, exclusively in high-quality PDF format.

Who may enter?

Artists of all nationalities can participate in the competition. There is no age limit however underage candidates need parents’ authorization.

Prize:

The winning project will be published by Carthusia Edizioni, a publisher known for its high-quality children’s books. Additionally, the winner will receive a cash prize of 3,000€ as an advance on royalties, along with a formal publishing contract. This prize not only provides financial support but also validates the artist’s work, offering a platform for their talent to be recognized and appreciated on an international stage.

Entry fees:

Entry fee is 15 euros.