The Gittle List 2018 Contest Rules & Submission Guidelines

Please read the rules page in its entirety. The “Go To Contest Entry Page” button is at the very bottom (purposely). Many entrants have entered their books in previous years. The contest continues to evolve and the rules are not the same from year to year. 

Guidelines & Eligibility 

Who May Enter:

  1. 
Any author or illustrator of self-published children’s picture books in the world.  
  2. Artists can submit books on behalf of the authors whose books they illustrated. 
  3. Two (2) books per author or author team. 
  4. Artists can submit more than two (2) books, but no more than two (2) books by the same author or author team. 
  5. You must be able to pay the contest fee through PayPal. No other forms of payment will be accepted. PayPal does accept credit cards. (Learn about PayPal.)

Eligibility 

  1.  The book must be written in English. 
  2.  Contest is only for children’s picture books for children age 10 and under. Up to about a 5th grade reading level. (You can test this here.)
  3. The book must be self-published either by you or through a publishing company you own, or a self-publishing service. Self-publishing services like CreateSpace, where they pay you royalties, but you own the rights is an example. As long as you own the rights, you are considered a self-publisher. 
  4. The book can be published in any year.  
  5. The eBook  or print book must be published and available for purchase. eBooks must be available for download from at least one major outlet such as Apple iBooks, Amazon, B&N, etc. Print books sold through a website with an obvious way to pay (like PayPal or an address to send a check to) is acceptable. 
  6. Not more than 4000 words. (Just the story; don’t include front / back matter in the word count.) If you’re not sure what is considered front / back matter, email Aviva at GittleSubmissions@gmail.com.  
  7. No word minimum. Picture-only and low word count books are fine. 
  8. At least 8 interior illustrations / photos for books up to 2000 words. Books with word counts between 2001 and 4000 words must have at least 12 illustrations / photos. 
  9. Stories, books of poems/rhymes, educational (including ABC and counting books), board books, and interactive books are all acceptable. If you’re not sure, email Aviva at GittleSubmissions@gmail.com. 

How to Enter 

  1. Before entering, be absolutely sure that your book meets the submission guidelines. NO ENTRY FEE REFUNDS. You are responsible for ensuring that your book is eligible. Send an email to GittleSubmissions@gmail.com with any questions before you pay the entry fee. 
  2. Use the PayPal button on the “Enter The Gittle List 2018” page to pay the fee. Do not send your entry fee via email from your own PayPal page. 
  3. Email a good quality jpg or png of your book’s front cover and your publicity photo. (At least 1024 x 768 pixels.) to GittleSubmissions@gmail.com. Please pay attention to this. If your pictures look blurry in ads, I will not be able to use them in promotions.  

Submission and Fees 

A separate email entry form & fee is required for each book. Submit one copy of each title entered.  Mail books to: 

Aviva Gittle Companies, LLC

330 Rayford Road
 
#177

Spring, TX 77386 

All print books entered become the physical property of Aviva Gittle Companies, LLC and will eventually be donated to libraries and/or charities. 

If you have published and want your print book evaluated as a physical book, you must submit the actual book. If you have published an eBook, you must either gift or send the *.mobi or *.epub file so that Aviva can view the book as the buyer of it would. Aviva Gittle Publishing is no longer accepting PDFs of books. Aviva wants to ensure she is evaluating the book that will actually be purchased by readers. 

Entry Fee: $49 

Judging Process 

Aviva Gittle, owner of Aviva Gittle Publishing, is the sole judge. She evaluates the book’s title, cover design, page layout / design, illustrations, story, writing quality, and story topic. The quality of the story receives the most consideration. 

For picture-only books, emphasis is on illustration quality and appropriateness, the story told by the pictures, educational value, page layout, page design, and cover design. 

Aviva Gittle’s decisions are final. 

All books must be entered by November 15, 2018 and received by November 20, 2018. You are entered when your fee is received through PayPal and your questionnaire is received via email.  

eBooks: The *.ePub or *.mobi file must be emailed, or gift / discount code and link to buy book provided, to GittleSubmissions@gmail.com by  November 20, 2018. 

Print books must arrive by November 20. 2018. Your entry will be confirmed via email. When your physical book is received, you will receive another email confirmation. There is no longer a postmark requirement. It is your responsibility to ensure that the book arrives by November 20th.  

Promotional Opportunities for Entrants
 

Occasionally, Aviva will select an entrant’s book to use in promotions for The Gittle List contest. This could be a tweet, a Facebook post, a LinkedIn article, a press release, a Gittle Newsletter, a video, or other social media. 

New in 2018: From time to time, to encourage entrants to share (not just like) posts and tweets, entrants will get an opportunity to earn free promotion through mini-competitions. They will be asked to share (not just like) posts or tweets about The Gittle List contest within a proscribed period of time. A certain number of entrants who complete the marketing task first will receive free promotion. Other types of mini-competitions may be developed during the contest submission period. Aviva reserves the right not to offer any mini-competitions. 

There is no guarantee that any entrant will receive free promotion. The primary purpose of all promotions that include an entrant’s book cover and/or publicity photo are to increase the number of entrants to The Gittle List contest. These are cross-marketing opportunities. 

Book Evaluations 

If you do not make it on The Gittle List 2018, Aviva will provide up to three (3) book evaluations free of charge to those entrants who are interested. Aviva reserves the right to not give any free book evaluations.  

Awards and Recognition

At least three (3) winners will be selected. Up to seven (7) additional winners will be selected. Aviva Gittle Publishing reserves the right to only select three winners with no additional winners. In other words, the final list of winners will be at least three (3) and no more than ten (10). 

What Winners Receive

New in 2018! In addition to the benefits listed below, the author who places #1 on The Gittle List 2018 will receive: 

  1. $100 in Facebook advertising that will promote their winning announcement post, video, and interview.*  
  2. Their own short video (approximately 30 seconds long) announcing their win and promoted on social media. 

*Aviva Gittle will manage and create all promotional materials, including the video. The Gittle List contest is cross-marketed within all promotions. Winner will not have creative input on the video or any promotional materials. The author’s approval on promotional material will not be required. 

All winners receive:
 

  1. A 5-star review on Amazon and Goodreads.
 
  2. An exclusive interview on www.TheGittleList.com for the author and, optionally, for the illustrator. The interview is promoted on social media.
 
  3. A link to purchase your book from www.TheGittleList.com.
 
  4. Announcements on social media and press releases.
 
  5. A  digital “The Gittle List” winner’s seal to use in your marketing and books.
 
  6. Promotion of your interview(s)
, Facebook post on The Gittle List Book Competition page announcing you as a Gittle List winner. The post will be promoted for one day with a link to The Gittle List contest announcement page where a link to buy your book is provided. (This is a paid promotion that can potentially reach hundreds of potential buyers.)
 
  7. Your book will be included in a promotional video announcing the 2018 winners and encouraging readers to buy a book on The Gittle List.
 
  8. Aviva will purchase at least one copy of your book. This ensures that those books sold on Amazon will receive a “verified buyer” review. 

Announcement of Winners

Starting on or about November 22, 2018, one winner a day will be announced on social media. 

Legal Stuff 

Your entry into the contest and payment of the entry fee means that you have read all of the above rules, accept them, and will abide by them. You agree to have your book cover, publicity photo, and any other information provided to Aviva Gittle Companies, LLC used in promotional materials for the contest. Void where prohibited.  

 GO TO CONTEST ENTRY PAGE

 

What Makes A Book A Winner?

Chase-Man is #1 on The Gittle List 2017

The 10 winning books of the 5th Annual Gittle List Competition were just announced. (2017 winners.) Each year, I try to improve the contest that is exclusively for self-published authors of children’s picture books. One of the entrants, in providing me feedback on the contest asked, “How are the winners chosen?”

The 2017 contest rules describe this generally under Judging Process. But, I’d like to drill down a bit deeper to try to help indie authors understand why I place a book on The Gittle List (49 books to date).

To give you some idea of the subjective side of my decisions:
I enjoy books on a broad range of topics. For example, I’m agnostic, but I am hopeful to find a great children’s picture book about faith. The few I’ve read so far on this topic are more lecture than story.

I’m drawn to stories that are different. A book can be silly (Thumbpire by Stephen and Sarah White) or serious (The Amida Tree by Bonnie Ferrante). I appreciate stories that manage to tackle difficult topics in a child-friendly way. (GG and Mamela by Belinda Brock.) I hate “message” books. Don’t say, “We should be kind to one another.” Tell me a story where the characters are kind to each other. I’m very sensitive to adult dialogue coming out of the mouth of a child. The kids in the story should talk like kids.

Another Bev Stone book wins a spot on The Gittle List

Story always takes precedence over illustrations, but there’s a limit to this. I’ve had books where I liked the story, but the illustrations were so bad, I just couldn’t put it on The Gittle List. Honestly pains me. I’ve also been drawn to a cover with gorgeous illustrations only to be disappointed with the story.

A book has to feel great to read aloud. Bev Stone is a master at this. That’s why five of her books have made it on the list. 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014.

I’m a New Yorker, born and raised. So, I’m pretty tough. I’ve made friends with fellow authors online, but it has zero impact on my evaluation of their book. I’ve had authors submit their books year after year and not win. I feel bad about it. They’re nice people. But I just can’t recommend a book I would not personally spend my dollars on.

I’ve had authors submit a book one year and not win. They submit a different book the following year and it makes the list. And the reverse has happened.

#2 on The Gittle List 2014

When I fall in love with a book, I fall hard. You can tell the ones I’m wild about because you will see me mention them in later contests. Over the Under, and Around the Square by Craig Kunce. The most unusual children’s picture book I’ve read. My older grandson really enjoyed it. Frank the Gentle Viking by Lucy Elliott (the very first book on The Gittle List 2013). The Best You Can Be by Bev Stone. Bear With Me by Dan Stern. Tristan Wolf by Mariana Llanos (one of two books that inspired the contest).

I am not a professional judge. Nor do I have a background in traditional publishing. I’ve learned to self-publish from the ground up. I’ve self-published nearly 20 books since 2013. I’ve read hundreds of children’s stories. More importantly, I’m your target market: A grandmother and a lover of children’s picture books.

The Gittle List 2018 submission guidelines will be released in January. The Gittle List is exclusively for self-published children’s picture books. It is the only contest that gives entrants opportunities to get free promotion during the nearly year-long submission period.

Aviva Gittle hosts The Gittle List Book Competition. She publishes children’s picture books through her company, Gittle Publishing. Find all her books on Amazon.

If you initiate Amazon purchases from this website, I get a small commission. You get my undying appreciation. 🙂

The Gittle List 2017 – Revealed!

The Gittle List is a book competition exclusively for self-published children’s picture books. Here are the winners of the 5th annual contest. They all make great gifts during the holiday season or anytime.

Top Right, Chisa Merriweather, Bottom Right, Nicole White

#1: Chase-Man: How My Brother Became a Real Superhero, written by Chisa Merriweather and Nicole White and illustrated by Cathy Reene, is the fictionalized story of Ms. Merriweather’s son, Chase, who came down with a rare blood infection at the tender age of three. The story is told from his older brother C.J.’s point of view. Chase and C.J. love playing superheroes. So when “Baxter Bacilli” threatens Chase, they use all their powers to thwart him. They win the fight, but Chase loses his hands and feet to the evil Baxter. The real life Chase, with the use of prosthetics, is like any other active little boy. (Learn more here.) The story is uplifting and readers will be inspired by the unstoppable real-life superhero nicknamed “Tank.” (As he knocks down any obstacle in his way.) Artist Cathy Reene (a 2014 Gittle List recipient) created illustrations that capture the drama of the story, yet have a watercolor softness to them. Just beautiful. Available in softcover.

#2: Greenbeard the Pirate Pig, written and illustrated by Andrea Torrey Balsara, is about a guinea pig who decides that a pirate pig he will be. With his lettuce beard (thus “Greenbeard”) and his carrot sword, he takes off for adventure. Greenbeard is hilarious. I read each entrant’s book out loud; this story required singing. A so-bad-it’s-so-good ditty about being a pirate. Even Greenbeard’s reluctant sidekick, a rat named Snug Rumkin (who looks suspiciously like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean) sticks his fingers in his ears to reduce the pain of the guinea pig’s rousing song. Ms. Balsara’s page design is so well done. Greenbeard the Pirate Pig teaches children how some hard work and self-confidence can help them achieve their dreams — without ever saying those words. I love books that teach but don’t preach. In softcover or Kindle version.

#3: The Worry Tree Is Waiting, written by Rebekah Prince Bergeron and illustrated by Sandy McDermott, is not your typical children’s book. It is a “guided imagery script” meant to help children relax and go to sleep. In that sense, it is the ultimate bedtime story. I have to say I was skeptical when I heard the premise of the story. I’m not a fan of “message” books. The first time I read it, however, I fell in love with The Worry Tree and the guided imagery concept. I read each contest entrant’s story aloud so I know how it feels to read it to a child. I read The Worry Tree Is Waiting several times and found the rhythm of it lovely — and relaxing. Be sure to read the Forward before reading the book to your child. It helps to understand how the story came to be. Ms. McDermott’s illustrations have a calmness to them that is well-aligned with the text. Available in softcover.

#4: The Best You Can Be, written and illustrated by Bev Stone, is about a sheep who is told to “be the best he can be” as he leaves the farm to wander and roam for the very first time. Problem is, he doesn’t know what that means. So, he begins his journey seeking the answer to the question, “What does it mean to be your best?”  He meets others who are being the best they can be, but it takes a fateful event for him to learn what his best is all about. Ms. Stone’s illustrations have a feathery quality to them with beautiful colors. Her books have landed on The Gittle List several times over the years. It is very difficult to write a whole children’s book in rhyme. Ms. Stone’s stories are so well written and a joy to read out loud. Available in softcover. See her other winning books: 2016, 2015, 2014.

#5: According to Corban, written by Marcy Pusey and illustrated by Daniela Sosa, is a story about the imagination of a little boy, Corban. It’s actually a series of stories told in the way a child would tell them. We gain entry into Corban’s imagination as he turns everyday situations into adventures. Throughout the day he does many exciting things including dining with a troll, saving a princess, and riding in a spaceship to the moon. Each adventure is followed by an illustration that shows Corban in the everyday activity that sparked his imagination. (Mom telling Corban and his sister to clean up their mess morphs into Mom turning into a dragon and he and his sister turning into firefighters.) It’s a fun, unique book with colorful illustrations that kids will enjoy. In softcover, hardcover, or  Kindle version. Read for free with KindleUnlimited.

#6: Step One, Step Two, Step Three and Four, written by Maria Ashworth and illustrated by Andreea Chele is about a little girl whose mom is going to marry a man who has four boys. I love that the story is told from the girl’s perspective. Interestingly, the girl and the mom are never named. This allows any little girl to picture themselves in this situation. It deals with the serious issue of how to blend families while helping the children deal with sometimes sensitive feelings about the change to come. Ms. Ashworth does so in a light and fun way, that allows adults to talk to their child about their concerns. The illustrations are bold and bright with a Dr. Seuss quality to them. In softcover, hardcover, or  Kindle version. Read for free with KindleUnlimited.

#7: Which is my dinner?, written and illustrated by Liza Fenech, is part of a series meant to help kids develop reasoning skills. (You’re not seeing double; the first book in the series earned the #10 spot.) The initial pages give the instructions for the rest of the wordless book. On the left side is an animal (or other creature) and on the right are three dinner options. The child selects the food item most likely to be enjoyed by the animal. The next page shows the animal enjoying their dinner. The puppy is totally out of control with the bones (which just cracked me up). It’s an educational opportunity, but it’s also a lot of fun. The blue bunny from Which is mine? has a cameo role with a lot of carrots. Visit Ms. Fenech’s Amazon Author Page to see all of the “Which is my…?” books. In softcover or Kindle version. Read for free with KindleUnlimited.

#8: Go To Sleep!, written by Marion Adams and illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills, is the story of Tansy the sheep who can’t sleep. And also is  bit math-challenged. What unfolds is woolly mayhem as a sheep who can’t sleep — and can’t count — insists that one of the flock has gone missing. Just darn funny with sweet, fluffy illustrations by Ms. Wills. The best part of the story is Tansy speculating what may have happened to the missing sheep. Kids will enjoy the opportunity at the end of the story to properly count the sheep. In softcover or  Kindle version. Read for free with KindleUnlimited.

#9: Meet Odie, written by D.S. Provance and illustrated by A. J. Stawarz, is about a rescue dog named Odie. The goal of the book is to help children better understand what dogs are about so that they may feel more comfortable being around them. Even this old dog learned a few things. Did you know that dogs can’t see red or green? Odie narrates his own story — not of his difficult past living on the street — but his present life with his loving human parents. The book is filled with Twitter-worthy photos of Odie enjoying his favorite activities. Such as playing in the snow and running on the beach (where the waves chase him.) There are resources for those interested in giving a rescue dog a forever home. The book includes a glossary that will put a smile on your face and help your child expand their vocabulary. (Bet you don’t know what a “bumpy” is.) Available in Kindle or softcover. Read for free with KindleUnlimited.

#10: Which is mine?, written and illustrated by Liza Fenech, is an adorably illustrated educational book for the toddler set. Each double-page spread shows a rabbit and one of his animal friends on the left and two pieces of clothing on the right. The child matches each piece of clothing to each animal then turns the page to see if they got it right. Each “answer” page is a double spread of the animals enjoying some activity wearing the “right” clothing. I love that other than the first page instruction of how to use the book, their is no text. In this way, you can have a discussion with your little one about sizes and shapes, what the animals are doing, etc. The activities Ms. Fenech selects for the animals are hilarious. Wait until you get to the socks. Ms. Fenech expanded the series to include dinnertime and bedtime. The 3-book series (which may expand further) is also available in Spanish. Visit her Amazon Author Page to see all of the books. In softcover or Kindle version. Read for free with KindleUnlimited.

 

Aviva Gittle hosts The Gittle List Book Competition. She publishes children’s picture books through her company, Gittle Publishing. Find all her books on Amazon.

If you initiate Amazon purchases from this website, I get a small commission. You get my undying appreciation. 🙂

The Gittle List 2017 – CLOSED FOR SUBMISSIONS

The 5th Annual Gittle List Book Competition is NOW CLOSED for submissions!

1 winner per day will be announced on Facebook beginning Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017: https://www.facebook.com/TheGittleList/

Follow Aviva on Twitter: @AvivaGittle and sign up for Gittle News at www.GoToGittle.com to stay current with the contest.

 

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Please read the rules page in its entirety. The “Go To Contest Entry Page” button is at the very bottom (purposely). Many entrants have entered their books in previous years. The contest continues to evolve and the rules are not the same from year to year.

Guidelines & Eligibility

  • Who May Enter
    Any self-published children’s picture book author or illustrator in the world. (Artists can submit books on behalf of the authors whose books they illustrated.)
  • Two (2) books per author or author team.
  • Artists can submit more than two (2) books, but no more than two (2) books by the same author or author team.
  • You must be able to pay the contest fee through PayPal. No other forms of payment will be accepted. PayPal does accept credit cards. (Learn about PayPal.)

Eligibility

  • The book must be written in English.
  • The book must be self-published, available for sale, and may have been published in any year.
  • Contest is only for children’s picture books for children age 10 and under. (Up to about a 4th grade reading level. You can test this here.)
  • The eBook  or print book must be published and available for purchase. eBooks must be available for download from at least one major outlet such as Apple iBooks, Amazon, B&N, etc. Print books sold through a website with an obvious way to pay (like PayPal or an address to send a check to) is acceptable.
  • The book must be self-published either by you or through a publishing company you own, or a self-publishing service. Self-publishing services like CreateSpace, where they pay you royalties, but you own the rights is an example. As long as you own the rights, you are considered a self-publisher.
  • Not more than 1600 words. (Just the story; don’t include front / back matter in the word count.) If you’re not sure; email Aviva at GittleSubmissions@gmail.com.
  • No word minimum. Picture-only and low word count books are fine.
  • At least 8 interior illustrations / photos.
  • Stories, books of poems/rhymes, educational (including ABC and counting books), board books, and interactive books are all acceptable.

How to Enter

  • Before entering, be absolutely sure that your book meets the submission guidelines. NO ENTRY FEE REFUNDS. You are responsible for ensuring that your book is eligible. Send an email to GittleSubmissions@gmail.com with any questions before you pay the entry fee.
  • Use the PayPal button on the “Enter The Gittle List 2017” page to pay the fee. Do not send your entry fee via email from your own PayPal page.
  • Select the fee option based on the date of entry. The earlier you enter; the lower the fee. (See Submission and Fees section.)
  • Email a good quality jpg or png of your book’s front cover and your publicity photo. (At least 1024 x 768 pixels.) to GittleSubmissions@gmail.com.

Submission and Fees
A separate email entry form & fee is required for each book. Submit one copy of each title entered.  Mail books to:

Aviva Gittle Companies, LLC
330 Rayford Road
#177
Spring, TX 77386

All print books entered become the physical property of Aviva Gittle Companies, LLC and will eventually be donated to libraries and/or charities.

If you have published and want your print book evaluated as a physical book, you must submit the actual book. If you have published an eBook, you must either gift or send the *.mobi or *.epub file so that Aviva can view the book as the buyer of it would. Aviva Gittle Publishing is no longer accepting PDFs of books. Aviva wants to ensure she is evaluating the book that will actually be purchased by readers.

Discounts are offered for entering early as follows:

Best Deal: Contest open date to April 30, 2017: $35 per entry (Now Closed)

Regular Entry Fee: May 1, 2017 to November 15, 2017: $40

Judging Process

Aviva Gittle, owner of Aviva Gittle Publishing, is the sole judge. She evaluates the book’s title, cover design, page layout / design, illustrations, story, writing quality, and story topic. The quality of the story receives the most consideration.

For picture-only books, emphasis is on illustration quality and appropriateness, the story told by the pictures, educational value, page layout, page design, and cover design.

Aviva Gittle’s decisions are final.

Deadline
eBooks: The *.ePub or *.mobi file must be emailed, or gift / discount code and link to buy book provided, to GittleSubmissions@gmail.com by the final entry deadline of November 15, 2017.

Print books must arrive by November 22. 2017. (Postmark is waived for last minute entries.) Your entry will be confirmed via email. When your physical book is received, you will receive another email confirmation.

Opportunities for Entrants
Entrants will be given the opportunity to earn a free publicity package worth about $500. Announcements will be made throughout the submission period for entrants to provide their “story behind the story.” If your story is selected, Aviva will write a press release and article that promotes you, your book, and the Gittle List contest. Details will be provided. The article and press release are promoted on social media, including paid promotion on Facebook. Aviva reserves the right to not award this free publicity package.

Occasionally, Aviva will select an entrant’s book to use in promotions for The Gittle List contest. This could be a tweet, a Facebook post, a LinkedIn article or announcement, a Gittle Newsletter, or other social media.

Entrant’s book covers may be included in a promotional video.

There is no guarantee that any entrant will receive free promotion. The primary purpose of all promotions that include an entrant’s book cover and/or publicity photo are to increase the number of entrants to The Gittle List contest. These are cross-marketing opportunities.

In 2016, Aviva Gittle provided several entrants who did not win the contest feedback on their books. If you do not make it on The Gittle List 2017, Aviva will provide up to three (3) book evaluations free of charge to those entrants who are interested. Aviva reserves the right to not give any free book evaluations.

Awards and Recognition
At least three (3) winners will be selected. Up to seven (7) additional winners will be selected. Aviva Gittle Publishing reserves the right to only select three winners with no additional winners. In other words, the final list of winners will be at least three (3) and no more than ten (10).

All winners receive:
•    A 5-star review on Amazon and Goodreads.
•    An exclusive interview on www.TheGittleList.com for the author and, optionally, for the illustrator. The interview is promoted on social media.
•    A link to purchase your book from www.TheGittleList.com.
•    Announcements on social media and press releases.
•    A  digital “The Gittle List” winner’s seal to use in your marketing and books.
•    Promotion of your interview(s)
•    Facebook post on The Gittle List Book Competition page announcing you as a Gittle List winner. The post will be promoted for one day with a link to The Gittle List contest announcement page where a link to buy your book is provided. (This is a paid promotion that can potentially reach hundreds of potential buyers.)
•    Your book will be included in a promotional video announcing the 2017 winners and encouraging readers to buy a book on The Gittle List.
•    Aviva will purchase at least one copy of your book. This ensures that those books sold on Amazon will receive a “verified buyer” review.

Announcement of Winners
Starting on or about November 30, 2017, one winner a day will be announced on social media.

Legal Stuff

Your entry into the contest and payment of the entry fee means that you have read all of the above rules, accept them, and will abide by them.

GO TO CONTEST ENTRY PAGE

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