Little Moa Submissions Open Call 2026

Little Moa, the children's imprint of Hachette Aotearoa, opens for manuscript submissions for one week only — from midday Monday 16 November to midnight Sunday 22 November 2026. Digital submissions only; no hard copies accepted.

Little Moa is looking for books that kids take everywhere and read until the pages fall apart. They're particularly interested in:

• Picture book series featuring an iconic, funny, endearing character — think Hairy Maclary or Macca the Alpaca — with series potential.
• Junior fiction novels full of adventure, wish-fulfilment, and world-building with series potential.
• Middle grade series set in a school, centred on friendship and characters who overcome the impossible together.

All submissions are welcome and will be reviewed, even if they don't fit these categories exactly.

What to submit:

• Approximately 1,000 words from your manuscript (or the full manuscript for picture books) — something that hooks the reader immediately
• If pitching a series, include a series overview
• Two comparable books you love
• 300 words about yourself
• 300 words about potential promotional opportunities
• Social media handles (if applicable)

Please note: only one submission per person is accepted. If you submit more than one manuscript, only the first will be read. Little Moa cannot provide feedback or answer questions about the submission process.