2020 PEN/PHYLLIS NAYLOR WORKING WRITER FELLOWSHIP
PEN America
INF0: The PEN/Phyllis Naylor Working Writer Fellowship is a $5,000 award offered annually to an author of children's or young-adult fiction. It has been developed to help writers whose work is of high literary caliber and is designed to assist a writer at a crucial moment in his or her career to complete a book-length work-in-progress.
Who Is Eligible:
Candidates must have published one or more novels for children or young adults that have been warmly received by literary critics, but have not generated sufficient income to support the author.
The writer's previous book(s) must be published by a U.S. trade publisher (not self-published).
The submitted work must be fiction and a work-in-progress (not published). Graphic novels and picture books are not accepted.
Judges will be looking for candidates whose work has not yet attracted a broad readership, and who has not had financial success.
How to Apply or Nominate:
Please note that the application process is now entirely online. Hard copy applications will no longer be accepted. Writers may nominate themselves or a fellow writer. To submit, please complete the electronic application below which will require the following materials:
1) Cover letter: A 1-2 page letter describing in some detail how the candidate meets the criteria for the Fellowship, including a list of their previously published novel(s) for children or young adults.
2) Three professional reviews: Copies of or links to at least three reviews of their novel(s) from professional publications.
3) Letter of recommendation: A 1-2 page letter of support written by an editor or fellow writer.
4) Project outline: A brief (2-4 page) outline of the current novel in progress. The writers' name should not appear anywhere on the outline in order to ensure anonymity for the judging process.
5) Manuscript sample: 50–75 pages of the work-in-progress. Graphic novels and picture books are not eligible. The writers' name should not appear anywhere on the manuscript in order to ensure anonymity for the judging process.
6) Letter of Utility: A brief description (roughly 1 page in length) of candidate's book sales and earnings, and how the fellowship will aid in completing the work in progress.
DEADLINE: June 1, 2019
pen.submittable.com/submit/137965/2020-pen-phyllis-naylor-working-writer-fellowship
THE MILKWEED FELLOWSHIP
Milkweed Editions
INFO: The Milkweed Fellowship is grounded in our belief that books have the potential to change the way we see the world, and that equity is essential to a vibrant, diverse, and empowered literary ecosystem.
This paid, one- to two-year immersion program is designed to offer the tools, experience, and exposure necessary to pursue a career in book publishing. Intended to provide an alternative route to success in an industry where the prerequisite to an entry level position is typically an unpaid internship, this learning-oriented position seeks to provide entry to those historically underrepresented among workers in book publishing—Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and those with disabilities—so they may advance, discover, and champion transformative literature for years to come.
This position is based on-site in our Minneapolis offices and is full time (non-exempt, 40 hours per week, for 12 to 24 months), beginning in September 2019. Compensation includes a salary of $30,000 per year, generous paid time off, and health and dental benefits. Except for those with prearranged work visas or green cards, we are not considering international candidates at this time but encourage interested international candidates to sign up for updates so that they can find out early if we do elect to offer the position to international candidates requiring visas in future years.
RESPONSIBILITIES & OPPORTUNITIES: Fellows will be able to witness all stages of the publication process, from acquisition to the final point of sale, including: editorial/production, design, marketing/publicity, nonprofit strategy and administration, and Milkweed Books, the independent bookstore operated by Milkweed Editions. The fellow will be closely trained for some or all of the following responsibilities, mentored by staff in professional development, networking, and leadership, and will have the opportunity to travel to major literary conferences like AWP. The fellow will work with staff mentors to develop specific goals, and, as appropriate, we will tailor project assignments and experiences to individual interests and skills.
Key responsibilities may include:
Seek out new writers by reading and reporting on manuscripts and literary magazines
Work with our editors to provide feedback on manuscripts under development
Proofread and fact-check manuscripts
Draft catalog copy, press releases, and related digital content for forthcoming titles
Research other publishers’ books that can be useful comparisons for new Milkweed books
Perform art research and basic typesetting for book designs
Research potential partners and new sales/event/media outlets
Support outreach, fundraising, and community engagement efforts
Assist with organizing author events and book tour publicity
Assist with maintaining the Milkweed website
Participate in staff meetings
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
An avid reader with abundant enthusiasm for literary community and the business of publishing
A curious, creative, and critical thinker
Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills
An ambitious individual with willingness to learn
A collaborative and flexible team spirit and the ability to work with a small staff
A commitment to increasing access to and equity in literature
Please let us know if you have special experience or interests in any of the following (non-required!) areas: print or digital design, outreach, web content or communications, audio/video/photo editing, databases, project coordination, or anything that you see as relevant to this fellowship experience.
Physical Demands: Must be able to talk on and manipulate a phone, participate in meetings, type on a keyboard, sit for extended periods, and move about an accessible office, but we are open to making this position accessible for those for whom these demands may present a barrier, using the resources available to us. We’re listening.
DEADLINE: June 6, 2019
https://milkweed.org/milkweed-fellowship
OPEN CALL: FOCAL POINT PUBLISHING GRANT
Sharjah Art Foundation
INFO: Sharjah Art Foundation invites artists, writers, collectives and independent publishing houses working with art publications and printed matter to apply for the first cycle of the FOCAL POINT Publishing Grant. Encompassing both emerging and established individuals and publishing initiatives, the award will provide full or partial (e.g. initiating, completing or launching) support for individual book and print projects and/or independent set-ups that demonstrate a long-term plan for publishing books and other printed matter.
A total of $30,000 will be awarded to two or more grantees. Applicants should submit a grant application and an overview of the project for which they seek support. Projects will be assessed on the conceptual framework and originality. The artistic approach, format and content are open.
FOCAL POINT is Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair organised to present a wide range of printed matter. The three-day event features regional and international artists and publishers, participating either by invitation or through an open call, who present their content individually or within curated sections. A public programme of talks, screenings, book launches, open studios and themed educational workshops runs alongside the book fair.
The next edition of FOCAL POINT will take place from 14 to 16 November 2019 in Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, situated in Sharjah’s Arts Square.
DEADLINE: June 8, 2019
http://sharjahart.org/sharjah-art-foundation/events/open-call-focal-point-publishing-grant
2020 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Literature
INFO: The Vilcek Foundation will award three prizes of $50,000 each to foreign-born writers who have demonstrated outstanding achievement early in their careers. Eligible genres include fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant must have been born outside the United States;
Applicant must not be more than 38 years old as of December 31, 2019 (born on or after January 1, 1981);
Applicant must: be a naturalized citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) of the United States; be a holder of an H1B or O-1 visa and have been living and working in the United States for at least 5 years; or have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA);
Applicant must not be enrolled as a full-time student;
Applicant must have published at least one full-length book (not self-published);
Applicant must intend to pursue a professional career in the United States;
Applicant must not be a past winner of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise.
Selection Process
A panel of distinguished members of the literary community will evaluate the applications based on their excellence, innovation, and impact. The submitted work samples should illustrate the applicant’s technical excellence as a writer, while also demonstrating a larger purpose or vision to their work.
The prizewinners selected by the jury will be the candidates whose work best exemplifies the characteristics outlined above. Recommendations of the jury will be submitted to the Vilcek Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval. The winners of the Creative Promise Prize in Literature will be notified in fall 2019 and will be invited to attend the Vilcek Foundation’s annual awards ceremony in New York City, in the spring of 2020. Travel expenses and accommodations will be covered by the foundation.
DEADLINE: June 10, 2019
2019 ArabLit Story Prize
INFO: The ArabLit Story Prize is an award for the best short stories, in any genre, newly translated from Arabic into English. Translators must have rights to the work, and translations must have been previously unpublished.
Stories will be judged primarily on the quality of the translated work as a thing-in-itself, although translators must also submit the Arabic original, as this must be a translation, not a loose adaptation nor a work written originally in English.
This year's three judges are Jana Elhassan, Adam Talib, Nariman Youssef.
THERE IS NO FEE FOR SUBMISSIONS. However, if you wish to see last year's shortlist, you can tick the box to get an e-copy of the Fall 2018 ArabLit Quarterly. If you do not tick the box, you will not be asked for a fee.
PRIZE: $500 to the winner, split between author and translator. Shortlisted stories will have the opportunity to be published in the ArabLit Quarterly as well as a future anthology.
DEADLINE: June 15, 2019
https://arablit.submittable.com/submit/136692/2019-arablit-story-prize
Narrative Prize
Narrative
INFO: The Narrative Prize is awarded annually for the best short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction published by a new or emerging writer in Narrative.
The winner is announced each September, and the prize is awarded in October. The award, citing the winner’s name and the title and genre of the winning piece, is widely publicized, and each winner is cited in an ongoing listing in Narrative. The prize will be given to the best work published each year in Narrative by a new or emerging writer, as judged by the magazine’s editors. In some years, the prize may be divided between winners, when more than one work merits the award.
AWARD: $4,000
DEADLINE: June 15, 2019
LOUISE MERIWETHER FIRST BOOK PRIZE
INFO: The prize was founded in 2016 to honor author Louise Meriwether by publishing a debut work by a woman or nonbinary author of color. The prize is granted to a manuscript that follows in the tradition of Meriwether’s Daddy Was a Number Runner, one of the first contemporary American novels featuring a young Black girl as the protagonist.
The Louise Meriwether First Book Prize is open to fiction and narrative nonfiction by women of color and nonbinary writers of color. We do not accept poetry, plays, or academic texts.
PRIZE: One winner will be awarded a $5,000 advance (half at the time of the initial award and half upon publication) and a contract to publish their book with the Feminist Press in print and digital editions in spring 2021. We expect to work closely with the winner and provide editorial guidance on their manuscript.
ELIGIBILITY: The Louise Meriwether First Book Prize is open to women of color and nonbinary writers of color who are: residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, and US territories and possessions; 18 years of age or older at time of entry; and who have not had a book published or have a book under contract at the time of submission. All federal, state, and local regulations apply. Candidates may not submit the same manuscript in subsequent years unless specifically invited by the Feminist Press. Employees of the Feminist Press and TAYO Literary Magazine and their immediate family members and persons living in their household are not eligible to enter.
JUDGING:
There will be two (2) rounds of judging, as follows:
Round 1: All entries will be reviewed by a group of judges made up of staff, board members, and allies of the Feminist Press and TAYO Literary Magazine. Finalists for the prize will be notified in October 2019.
Round 2: The top five (5) submissions chosen in the first round will be reviewed by a panel of judges including Feminist Press executive director and publisher Jamia Wilson and TAYO Literary Magazine editor in chief Melissa R. Sipin. The panel will choose one manuscript as the winning entry from that group. The winner will be announced in March 2020.
DEADLINE: June 28, 2019
2019 LAR Literary Awards
INFO: Using the online submission system, submit up to three poems of no more than 50 lines each, a short story or essay of up to 2,500 words, or a piece of flash fiction of up to 500 words.
Matty Layne Glasgow will judge in poetry, Tammy Lynne Stoner will judge in fiction, Brittany Ackerman will judge in flash fiction, and Adrianne Kalfopoulou will judge in nonfiction.
PRIZE: $1000 honorarium and publication via LAR Online and in the best-of annual print edition of the Los Angeles Review, issue no. 24, set to be released in 2020.
SUBMISSION FEE: $20
DEADLINE: June 30, 2019
WRITE TO LEAD CONTEST
INFO: We are in need of women of color writers to create short stories and poetry for a young adult audience, primarily girls in 7th -12th grade. Last year when we published our Girls Club Journal: Beauty Unmasked, it was a collection of short stories written by high school girls from Newark, NJ, and letters from women we consider to be “sheroes”. This year, we are looking to expand the vision for the journal and include stories and poetry from women and girls of all ages. We invite you to submit a poem or short story.
There are a few things to keep in mind:
Your submission should be 1,500 words or less
Your story or poem should cover an issue that’s important to young women (i.e. self-love, physical and mental health, immigration, etc.)
This contest is open to women and girls of color of all ages.
DEADLINE: June 30, 2019
https://www.butterflydreamz.club/write-to-lead-contest/
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Green Inn
INFO: We are seeking short stories, essays, poetry, and plays to be compiled in a bound book focused on the idea that rest and leisure is revolutionary.
We are looking for a wide range of voices from the black community. All proceeds will support the inaugural cohort of The Green Inn & Artist Residency, opening in 2021.