Submission Guidelines

Free Spirit Publishing is committed to uplifting diverse voices with books that are relevant and inclusive for the youth we serve. We are especially seeking manuscripts from authors of diverse representation; including race, ethnicity, culture, religion, social class, LGBTQ identities, disability, and physical differences.

Submission Guidelines for Children’s and Teens’ Books

If you are a returning Free Spirit author, please contact us at acquisitions@freespirit.com to receive the link to the invited submissions Submittable form.

We Are Looking for Strong Proposals for Ages Birth through Eighteen in the Following Categories:

PICTURE BOOKS WITH ALIGNMENT TO AN SEL TRAIT OR STRATEGY

Authentic, high-interest, and lyrically written picture books reflecting contemporary experiences of children from diverse cultures, backgrounds, religions, and identities; and that also align with a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) trait or strategy.

GIFTED & SPECIAL EDUCATION

Books on academic, social, and emotional development for young people of all ages with diverse learning needs, including gifted students and students with learning differences, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, or autism spectrum disorders.

BULLYING PREVENTION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Picture books and books for kids and teens, and resources for teachers, counselors, and other educators, to help young people understand, prevent, and respond to bullying incidents. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

CHARACTER EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Picture books and books for kids and teens to help young people build character, discover their leadership potential, and engage in their communities. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

BOOKS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Board books for infants to age 4 and picture books for ages 3 to 8 that focus on social skills and getting along, early learning, character education, self-esteem, and other topics related to positive early childhood development. We will also consider fiction that relates directly to these areas of focus.

COUNSELING & SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Picture books and books for kids and teens to help children and teens deal with grief and loss, health and wellness, depression and other mental illnesses, stress, social skills and friendship, anger management, LGBTQ issues, manners, family, self-confidence, and more. We will also consider fiction for kids and teens that relates to these topics.

Current Areas of Special Interest 

Our editors are particularly interested in seeing the following areas of focus in our submissions pile. If your submission aligns with one of these special interests, please note that in your cover letter.         

Board Books: 

• Board book series

Picture Book Wish List: 

• Picture books with authentic representation of underrepresented religions
• Authentic picture books featuring characters with disabilities,  especially seeking a picture book featuring a main character who has Down syndrome
• Picture books featuring children facing and coping with world issues such as natural disasters, displacement, rebuilding, etc. 
• Important stories from historically underrepresented voices  
• Picture books in celebration of identity, culture, and/or family   
• Other high-interest and lyrically written picture books about experiences & challenges personally relevant to children 

Wish List of Nonfiction for Older Kids:  

• Nonfiction books with strategies and learning to support tough topics relevant to older kids (age 9-13) 
• Book to support older kids ages 9-13 through change and growing (socially, physically, emotionally) during middle grade years

Submission Guidelines for Educator Resources

If you are a returning Free Spirit author, please contact us at acquisitions@freespirit.com to receive the link to the invited submissions Submittable form.

We Are Looking for Strong Proposals to Support Teaching Strategies and Professional Development

Practical, jargon-free materials for educators, administrators, counselors, and youth workers that focus on positive youth development, creative teaching strategies, leadership, and a wide range of social and emotional needs.

GIFTED & SPECIAL EDUCATION

Resources for educators, counselors, parents, and other adults that support children’s diverse learning and social and emotional needs.

BULLYING PREVENTION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Books for teachers, counselors, and other educators to help young people understand, prevent, and respond to bullying incidents.

CHARACTER EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Resources for teachers, counselors, and other educators to help young people build character, discover their leadership potential, and engage in their communities.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Guides for early childhood teachers, program directors, and other educators working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary children (birth to age 8). We look for hands-on, teacher-friendly guidance that is research-based, classroom tested, and focused on best practices to support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. Topics include social skills, behavior challenges, healthy emotional development, diversity and equity, family engagement, emergent learning, and teaching strategies.

COUNSELING & SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Educator resources to help children and teens deal with grief and loss, health and wellness, depression and other mental illnesses, stress, social skills and friendship, anger management, LGBTQ issues, manners, family, self-confidence, and more.

About the Contest

Welcome to the Latino Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest! The contest is open to Latino authors who are at least 18 years of age or older and residing anywhere in the United States.

The contest’s mission is to elevate authentic, culturally relevant children’s stories written by and about Latino people. Every entry is considered for publication and three cash prizes will be awarded.

About Con Todo Press

Con Todo Press is a Latina-owned publishing company that creates children’s books that celebrate Latino leaders and culture to help fill the gap in the publishing industry, where Latino stories are vastly underrepresented.

About Free Spirit Publishing

Whether at home, at school, or out in the world, all kids face challenges in their lives. No matter how many choices, changes, and opportunities young people encounter, Free Spirit has had the same mission for almost 40 years: to provide children and teens—and the adults who care for and about them—with the tools they need to think for themselves, overcome challenges, and make a difference in the world.

Minneapolis-based Free Spirit Publishing, an imprint of Teacher Created Materials, is known for its unique understanding of what kids want and need to navigate life successfully. We’re not afraid to tackle tough topics such as teen depression, kids and anxiety, grief and loss, juvenile justice, and conflict resolution. Free Spirit also offers sound advice with a sense of humor on relevant issues including stress management, character building, school success, self-esteem, community involvement, youth leadership, and more. We aim to meet all kids—toddlers, teens, and everyone in between—where they are (not where we wish they were), and support them to develop their talents, build resiliency, and foster a positive outlook on life so they can reach their goals.

What to Enter

Submissions should meet these qualifications:

• Must be original children’s books for ages 0–4 (50–125 words) or for ages 4–8 (300–800 words)
• Must feature authentic, realistic Latino characters and culture
• Must focus on one or more of the following topics: resilience, character development, self-esteem, identity, diversity, getting along with others, engaging with family and community, traditions, or other topics related to positive childhood development
• Must be written either in English or in bilingual English-Spanish

What Not to Enter

The following types of submissions will not be considered.

• Chapter books and books aimed primarily at children older than age 8
• Essays, short stories, and books of poems 
• Religious messages and dogma (note: the representation of religion as a part of life, tradition, and culture is eligible)
• Fantasy themes (such as talking animals and magic)
• Entries written only in Spanish

Eligibility

Eligible writers are Latino residents of the United States, 18 years of age or older, who have not previously published work for children (self-published writers are eligible). (We welcome all members of the broader Latino community, including those identifying as Latino, Latina, Latine, Latinx, and beyond.) Employees of Free Spirit Publishing, Teacher Created Materials, and Con Todo Press are not eligible. Previous contest winners are not eligible.

Guidelines

Only one entry per person. All entries must be:

• Your original work
• Unpublished (including traditionally or via self-publishing)
• Not previously submitted to the contest
• Not under contract with any other publisher at the time of entry

Please include the following items in your entry:

• Book text along with written illustration ideas if you have them (no need to include actual art)
• A letter briefly describing your book, specifying the intended audience (including age range), and telling why you decided to write it
• Your brief biography and current email address

No manuscripts will be returned. Entries that do not conform to contest rules will be disqualified.

Questions about the guidelines? Email contest@freespirit.com.

Awards & Cash Prizes

First Place:

• $1,000 cash prize
• Swag package from Con Todo Press and Teacher Created Materials,
• Meeting with Naibe Reynoso, founder of Con Todo Press, and an editor from Free Spirit to discuss the winner’s project. The winning submission will be seriously considered for publication by Free Spirit, cobranded with Con Todo Press; however, publication is not guaranteed.

Second Place:

• $500 cash prize
• Swag package from Con Todo Press and Teacher Created Materials

Third Place:

• $300 cash prize
• Swag package from Con Todo Press and Teacher Created Materials

Timing

The Contest begins at 7:00:01 a.m. (CDT) on September 8, 2025, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. (CDT) on October 13, 2025 (“Entry Period”). Mailed entries must be postmarked, and emailed entries must be received, by 11:59:59 p.m. CDT on October 13, 2025.

Judging Criteria

• Cultural relevance and authentic voice; positive Latino narrative
• Presentation (follows submission guidelines, neatness, legibility)
• Suitability (fits publishing category; targeted age group and length are appropriate for children’s manuscripts)
• Content (tightness, clarity, structure, strength of lead/beginning, transitions, impact, satisfactory close)
• Alignment with the spirit of the Contest
• For nonfiction: logical flow, accuracy of information, sound advice
• Messaging (conveys a strong and positive takeaway message)

Winner Notification

Winners will be notified by email on or around January 20, 2026. All potential winners are subject to verification. Each prizewinner may be required to sign and return to Sponsor, within ten (10) days of the date notice is sent, an affidavit of eligibility/liability and publicity release (except where prohibited) in order to claim their prize if applicable. If a potential winner of any prize cannot be contacted, or fails to sign or return the affidavit of eligibility/liability and publicity release within the required time period, the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, or the potential winner is deemed ineligible, the potential winner forfeits prize, and Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternative winner selected from all remaining eligible entries. Upon confirmation of eligibility, prizes will be awarded no later than February 28, 2026. Prizes will be awarded in accordance with these Official Rules. Sponsor’s determination of eligibility and selection of winners is binding on all participants.

The total number of prizes is three (3). The total prize value for all three (3) prizes is $1,800 in cash plus merchandise listed in the prize descriptions. All prizes will be awarded in connection with this Contest in accordance with the Official Rules. Within approximately thirty (30) days after confirmation of the winners, Sponsor will provide the winners with their prizes (e.g., check, gift certificate, or other document giving winner unconditional right to receive the respective prize). All prizes are nontransferable and nonassignable, and noncash prizes cannot be redeemed for cash. All costs, fees, expenses, and taxes (including, without limitation, federal, state, and local taxes) associated with any element of a prize are the sole responsibility of the winners.

Everyone who enters the contest has the chance at publication.

Winners List

A Winners List will be posted after winners have been notified.

Grant of First Refusal

By entering this Contest and in consideration for the same, the three selected winning Entrants grant Free Spirit Publishing and Strive Publishing the right of first refusal to publish their Contest submission and all content submitted in connection therewith, using the standard publishing contract of the respective publisher. Authors retain the right to negotiate the terms of that contract.

Release of Liability

By participating, Entrant agrees to waive, release, hold harmless, and indemnify Con Todo Press and Free Spirit Publishing; their current and former officers, directors, owners, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates; and the judges (“Released Parties”) from and against any and all liability or causes of action (however named or described) and for any injuries, losses, and/or damages caused by or resulting from entry or participation in this Contest, including without limitation: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by Entrants, any Released Party, printing errors, by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest; (2) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Contest; (4) technical or human error that may occur in the administration of the Contest or the processing of entries; or (5) any injury or damage to persons or property that may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from Entrant’s participation in the Contest or receipt or use or misuse of any prize. If for any reason an Entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, Entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Contest during the Entry Period. Released Parties are not responsible for any expenses incurred by Entrant in connection with participation in this Contest.

This waiver and release is intended to waive all rights I may have under Section 1542 of the Civil Code of California, as well as any similar law of any other state or territory, that I may have. Section 1542 states that a “general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in their favor at the time of executing the release, which, if known by him or her must have materially affected their settlement with the debtor.”

Publicity

Winner(s) agrees to allow Sponsor to use their submitted title(s), name, likeness, picture and/or hometown and state information for promotional purposes in all media, worldwide, as may be determined by Sponsor without additional compensation. Winner(s) agree to sign documents deemed necessary by Sponsor to confirm permission and authorization. Entrants agree to be contacted by Sponsor, including via email, in the future (and shall have the opportunity to “opt out” of such emails).

Modification of Official Rules and/or Contest Termination

Sponsor reserves the right to modify any term of this Contest and these Official Rules at any time at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend, and/or modify the Contest, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures, or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Contest, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. In such event, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prizes from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment.

Law

This Contest shall be conducted in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. All disputes concerning these terms and Contest shall be adjudicated in the federal and state courts having jurisdiction over Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Sponsors

The Sponsors of this contest are Free Spirit Publishing (www.freespirit.com) and Con Todo Press (www.contodopress.com). Free Spirit Publishing is an imprint of Teacher Created Materials. As used in these Rules, “Sponsor” means Free Spirit Publishing and Con Todo Press collectively. Administrator of this Contest is Free Spirit Publishing, who can be contacted by calling 612-338-2068 or emailing contest@freespirit.com.

Disqualification/Ineligibility

Any attempt to enter this Contest in a manner other than in compliance with and as provided in these Official Rules shall be VOID. Entries received from persons not meeting eligibility requirements will be disqualified. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, or misdirected entries, all of which will be disqualified.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. The Latino Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest (“Contest”) is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Participation constitutes full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s and judges’ decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Contest. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein and is not guaranteed. Employees of the Sponsors of this Contest and the Sponsors' associated imprints are ineligible to submit.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.