Call for Submissions: Proposals for Books for Ismaili Muslim Children

Muslim Children’s literature are written works that reflect a Muslim child, comprising ‘their cultures, civilizations, beliefs, and practices through fictional settings and imaginations’.

We welcome submissions from established authors and emerging Ismaili writers to submit proposals and collaborate with ITREB to create books in the following genres:

• Fiction books for infants (birth – 1 year of age)
• Fiction books for young readers (4-7 years of age)
• Non-fiction books for adolescents (10-15 years of age)

An interactive webinar with Dr. Antum Panjwani, ITREB Canada’s Director of Adult Education and a scholar with expertise in Muslim children’s literature, will be held in April/May 2021 (the final date is to be determined). Dr. Panjwani will provide information on the themes and criteria that will be used to guide proposals of each type of book. The goal is to work with creative partners and imaginative authors throughout the process to create beautifully illustrated books that will complement the BUI and STEP curricula currently used by our children. We hope that these will also serve as authentic and creative resources for various constituencies.

The final submission publications will be the intellectual property of ITREB Canada.

Submission Guidelines

• Title of the Book: Include the tentative title and subtitle for your book.
• Author Information: Please include your name(s), mailing address, email address, and phone number(s). Include two to three paragraphs about your present position, educational background, and previous publications.

Genre (Select one):

• Board Book
• Young Reader [4-7 years of age] (Graphic stories/narratives, picture books)
• Non-fiction: Science
• History/Geography/Culture
• Science

Book Description: In 200–250 words, describe the storyline of the book you are proposing. What is its nature, focus, or purpose? What is its central theme? If you were writing the back cover copy, or a description that would go into our catalogue, what would you say to convince a potential reader to buy this particular book?

• Why is this topic/theme important?
• Manuscript Length: What is the estimated word count for the proposed book?
• Sample pages: Enclose a sample of 1-2 pages with illustrations (a story board), which shows your writing style in the book.

Please submit proposals by Wednesday, June 30.

All authors will be contacted by August 2021.

Remember the author’s goal: Create a book that kids would want to read, not just what adults would want kids to read!