If you have a talent for creating comic/manga style illustrated short stories, you are invited to enter San José Public Library’s Graphic Novel Making Contest for all ages as part of our Summer Reading Celebration, 2013. This contest is sponsored by San José Public Library, Hijinx Comics, San José Museum of Art and TRY Japan Culture Group.

Here’s how to enter …

• Create your own comic book with a maximum length of 8 pages, including the cover page.
• Use letter-size paper (8.5 x 11) with black-and-white drawings and text on one side only.
• Each submission must be the creative and original work of a single individual—the author/illustrator.
• The contest is limited to amateur authors/ illustrators only.
• Computer generated images are acceptable as long as they are your original work (no clip art)
• Consider submitting a photocopy that is an accurate reflection of the original (as submissions are non-returnable).
• San José Public Library reserves the right to reproduce your work. You can reuse all your work after the contest.
• Be sure to print and complete the creative works release form. Include your Name, Age, Contact Information and Signature.
• Entries can be submitted to any San José Public Library location no later than 8p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2013. 
• Entries can also be submitted online to sjplgraphicnovelmakingcontest@gmail.com as a jpeg or pdf attachment.
• There is a limit of one entry per contestant.

Entries will be judged on content and illustrations by a panel of library staff and comic industry professionals. All cash prizes will be awarded as gift cards. 

• Children (up to age 6): first prize $25; second prize $15
• Children (7-12): first prize $40; second prize $20
• Teens (ages 13-17): first prize $100; second prize $70; third prize $50
• Adults (age 18 and above): first prize $100; second prize $70; third prize $50

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at a reception to be held at the Seven Trees Branch Library on Saturday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m.in the Community Room. 

Check out the award winning entries from 2012, 2011 and 2010.   

San José Public Library staff members are ineligible to participate.

San José Public Library reserves the right to refuse submissions that are not appropriate for a general audience. This contest is open to all California residents.

The winners of our Graphic Novel Making Contest 2011 were announced at the award ceremony on August 27th. The winners are:

Children

1st place: Nidhi Naroth, age 12, “The Cliff”

2nd place: Liam Kirk, age 8, “The Adventures of Agent Bucktooth”

3rd place: Shirley Huang, age 12, “Arrow’s Forest Friend”

Teens

1st place: Apanuba Mahmood, age 13, “Flower’s Canvas”

2nd place: Jessica Lee, age 17, “Little Red Riding Hood”

3rd place: Nancy Duong, age 17, “Chess: The Black Queen and the White Knight”

Adults

1st place: Michael Merritt, age 18, “Pure Element: Revelation”

2nd place: Jessica Tang, age 18, “Turning Point”

3rd place: Darren Tat, age 41, “Rabbit in the Moon”

Congratulations to all our winners and many thanks to all who participated.