So You Think You Can Write?

Finally got around to visiting the website about the writing to find out more.

First-Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative (FTWIPI)
The First -Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative is an initiative by the Media Development Authority (MDA) and the National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) to nurture talents in the publishing industry. The Initiative is targeted at assisting the publication of new works by unpublished local writers and illustrators.

The 4th First-Time Writers & Illustrators Publishing Initiative seeks submissions from local unpublished writers and illustrators for the Children’s Books category.

For more information on the Initiative, and to download the Application guidelines and Application form, visit www.bookcouncil.sg

Anyone else interested to team up with me? I've got a fellow 'tag team' member already in mind...
Wrestlers by day, writers by night...

Edited to add:
This is going to be a bit more challenging. I found out that all applicants are supposed to attend a forum on producing picture books... last year. 12 to 13 Dec. Hmm. Thank God the FAQ says:

Can I submit my work if I have missed the Picture Book Forum?
Yes. However, attendance for the Picture Book Forum is strongly encouraged as it provides invaluable tips from already published writer and illustrator.

So the odds are stacking up. But if God is for us, who can be against us? LOL...

Here's the rest of the FAQ:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send in multiple submissions?
No.

Can I submit one work as the writer and another as the illustrator?
No. You should instead write and illustrate one work.

Can I write and illustrate my picture book at the same time?
Yes. The entry will simply be considered as an individual submission.

Can I work with an already published writer or illustrator?
Yes. The entry will simply be considered as a team submission.

Is there any difference between individual submission and team submission?
No.

Can I work with a published writer or illustrator who is already teamed up with another applicant for FTWIPI 2009?
We would discourage this as the originality of the submission might be compromised.

If I cannot find an illustrator to pair up with, can I still send in my manuscript without the illustrations?
No. Unlike the usual practice of publishing houses, this initiative sees the completion of the picture book within roughly four months. Due to this shorter time frame, we do not accept submission without illustrations.

For team submission, do both applicants need to be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents?
No. At least the main applicant has to be a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident.

Is the book contract offered for this initiative similar to those offered by the publishing houses?
Yes. It is drafted according to market terms.

Is there a fixed number of recipients for FTWIPI 2009?
No. The number of recipients would depend on the quality of the submissions.

Can I submit my work if I have missed the Picture Book Forum?
Yes. However, attendance for the Picture Book Forum is strongly encouraged as it provides invaluable tips from already published writer and illustrator.

What happens after I have submitted my work?
The short-listing process takes about one month. You will be informed if you are shortlisted and are required to sit through an interview.

What happens after the round of interview?
The recipients of the First-Time Writers and Illustrators Publishing Initiative 2009 will be announced.

The application form.

Eligibility Criteria
Application is open to individuals or teams. For individual submission, applicant can assume the role of both writer and illustrator
or find a collaborator. For team submission, 50% of the team’s manpower must be an unpublished writer or illustrator in order to
qualify.