Sarah’s writing recognised by Joy Cowley Award win

Sarah Johnson - Image supplied

Congratulations to Sarah Johnson – the 2011 winner of the Joy Cowley Award for a children’s picture book! Sarah and her family live in Raglan, where she works from home as a freelance writer.  She has previously published a chapter book for children, Ella and Ob (Scholastic, 2008), and is currently working on a couple of others. Her manuscript, titled ‘Wooden Arms’ will be her first picture book. She has been a member of the Raglan Writers Group for a number of years.

With a master’s degree in publishing, nine years experience as a writer and editor, and a background in law, Sarah’s day job is transforming complex content into plain English without compromising the meaning. She is often called upon when specialist or highly technical subjects need to be made clear and engaging for general audiences. She is passionate about making information readable and accessible, and will work with clients to produce the high-quality publications they envisage. Sometmes she is involved in one aspect of a project, and fro others she manages the entire publishing process from concept to upload or print.

Established in 2002, the Storylines Joy Cowley Award recognises the exceptional contribution Joy Cowley makes to both children’s literature and literacy in New Zealand and internationally. The aim of the award is to foster the publication of excellent picture books by writers permanently resident in New Zealand. The award is open to both published and new writers.

Scholastic New Zealand is the sponsor and Storylines administers the award. The award is made annually, when merited, and includes editorial direction by Joy Cowley. There is a monetary prize of $1500 with an offer of publication by Scholastic New Zealand Limited.

The manuscript, of no more than 1000 words, must be for a picture book, either a ‘traditional’ picture book for children zero to seven years, or a sophisticated picture book for children eight to 13 years. The award winner is announced in March and the published book launched the following year.

One thought on “Sarah’s writing recognised by Joy Cowley Award win

  1. Hi Sarah
    On behalf of the Raglan Chamber of Commerce I would like to congratulate you on your recent win at the 2011 Storylines Joy Cowley Award. Inspiring story.Kind Regards
    Alan Vink
    Board Chair

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