The following are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Fellowships for Creative Writers.
- Will you accept joint applications?
No. Fellowships are individual grants.
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Can book galleys count toward meeting the eligibility requirements?
No. In order to apply, you must meet the eligibility requirements by the deadline date. Reader's advance copies, galleys, uncorrected proofs, and commitments for future publication or production do not fulfill the requirements. No exceptions are made to the eligibility requirements.
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Will I be limited to writing in the form in which I establish eligibility?
The manuscript submission must be in the literary form in which you establish your eligibility (i.e., fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry). If you receive a fellowship, however, you will not be limited to writing in that form.
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Do I have to submit my application in English?
Manuscripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by an English translation. The translation need not be done by the applicant. Contact the Literature staff at LitFellowships@arts.gov for more information about the submission and panel review of non-English manuscripts. The application form must be submitted in English.
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Will I be able to update my application after the deadline?
No. Absolutely no changes or additions in the manuscript will be accepted once your application has been submitted.
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Who will evaluate my submission?
Fiction and creative nonfiction applications are reviewed by an advisory panel primarily composed of prose writers, representing both fiction and creative nonfiction. Poetry applications are reviewed by an advisory panel primarily composed of poets.
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What should I send for my manuscript material?
The manuscript should be representative of your best recent work, published or unpublished. It must be work for which you have sole artistic responsibility. The artistic excellence and artistic merit of the work contained therein are the criteria on which your application will be judged. Choose your manuscript sample carefully.
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Will my personal or professional situation be considered when my application is evaluated?
Financial and other kinds of need, the body of past work, geographic location of the applicant, academic career, professional reputation, etc., are not criteria for receipt of a fellowship.
If you have questions about your application, please contact the Literature staff at 202/682-5034 or e-mail LitFellowships@arts.gov.
