🦉 The Lantern Tree Library — Halloween Chapter Books | $450 Prize + Publication
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A New Chapter Book Line & Contest from Cosmographia Books
Cosmographia Books invites writers into the shadows of The Lantern Tree Library — a new line of Halloween-themed chapter books for ages 6–9.
We’re seeking spooky-but-fun stories that capture the thrill of October nights: mysterious woods, glowing lanterns, friendly ghosts, neighborhood mysteries, and adventures that make readers’ hearts race — but won’t keep them awake all night. Think Goosebumps-lite for younger readers, or a dash of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark softened for the age group.
✨ What We’re Seeking
- Age Range: Chapter books for ages 6–9
- Length: 6,000–15,000 words
- Tone: Spooky, adventurous, but age-appropriate — more goosebumps than nightmares
- Style: Engaging characters, clear story arcs, short chapters that invite binge-reading
- Illustrations: These books should include occasional black-and-white illustrations — roughly 1–2 per chapter (8–15 total). Illustrations should enhance the spooky/seasonal mood without overwhelming the text.
- Who Should Submit: We are seeking author-illustrators or author/illustrator teams submitting completed projects. Authors without illustrators may still submit, but please note that priority will be given to illustrated projects.
📖 Submission Guidelines
- Submit the first 2–3 chapters plus a one-page synopsis of the full story
- Include 3–5 finished sample illustrations (plus sketches/storyboards for the rest, if available)
- Include a short author and illustrator bio (100 words max each), relevant experience, and platform links (website, social media, Substack, Etsy/Shop, Patreon, etc.)
- Format: Manuscript in 12 pt Times New Roman, double-spaced; upload as Word or PDF
- Multiple submissions are welcome, each submitted separately
- Simultaneous submissions are fine — just notify us if your work is accepted elsewhere
💰 Entry Fee & Prize
- Entry Fee: $15 per submission
- Prize: The winning submission will receive a $450 award and publication in The Lantern Tree Library series.
We charge a modest entry fee to help offset the cost of Submittable and the editorial time invested in carefully reviewing submissions.
📚 What Authors & Illustrators Receive
- A traditional small press contract with royalties
- Professional editing, design, and production
- Inclusion in The Lantern Tree Library series (with series branding on covers/spines)
- Seasonal promotion through Cosmographia Books’ newsletters, Substack, Patreon, and Halloween campaigns
🗓 Timeline
- Deadline: November 30, 2025
- Reading period: December 2025 – January 2026
- Winner announced: February 2026
- Publication: Fall 2026