Kent District Library is pleased to announce a new Teen Graphic Novel Contest. Entries will be accepted from July 1 – August 31 at kdl.org/teengraphicnovel. Teens ages 11-17 at the time of submission residing in or attending school in Kent County are encouraged to enter.
"Our main goal for the contest is to provide young writers and artists who are interested in creating graphic novels with an opportunity to have their work reviewed by professionals working in the graphic novel and comic book industry," said Madelyn Besaw, Teen Librarian at the Englehardt Branch of KDL. "We hope to encourage these teen artists through this process that their art and stories are worth sharing, and that graphic novels, comics and cartoons have just as much literary value as a traditional novel or short story."
Not only will teens be able to share their artwork and stories, but there are also some great prizes up for grabs. The first-place winner will receive a $100 Meijer gift card, and four runners-up will receive a $50 Meijer gift card. In addition, the top 10 graphic novels will be published in an anthology. Winners will get a copy of the anthology and copies will also be added to the library's collection.
The first round of judging will be by library staff from the Graphic Novel project group. The team will narrow down entries to the top 50, which will be passed along to the judges - Mike Salisbury, Kenny Porter and Vince Locke. Winners will be announced in mid-October and celebrated at an Award Ceremony in November.
KDL is hosting free Teen Graphic Novel programs this summer including Character Design, Zine Crafting and Panel Cartoon Palooza.