Join BWOC!
In a Nutshell
GrubStreet’s Boston Writers of Color (BWOC) program focuses on artistic and career development for writers of color in New England and beyond. Founded by author and GrubStreet Instructor, Jonathan Escoffery, this program includes literary support funding, free writing sessions, a network of BIPOC writers and artistic leaders, and a variety of free events that focus on community, artistic growth, and publishing. Our mission is to amplify the work of writers who are often marginalized and systemically undervalued in the existing publishing industry, and we strive for cultural, economic, and financial equity.
BWOC Literary Support Program
BWOC’s Literary Support Program offers stipends for BIPOC writers to be used for submissions, contests, fellowships, retreats, writing supply expenses, and any other literary opportunities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and will be reviewed every three weeks at the time of each submitted application. Funding will be issued a paper check or electronic payment. Applicants must be in the US, and may reapply after six months.
Update: For 2025, we’ll be offering these funds in three tiers and on a specific quarterly schedule. We’ve also renamed the stipends, to make each one distinct. Click here for all the details and what’s in store for the upcoming year. The application form will open again in January, 2025.
Boston Writers of Color Group
The Boston Writers of Color (BWOC) group is a network that consists of over 2,000+ members across the following platforms: The GrubStreet website, Facebook Group, MeetUp, and a mailing list. As part of GrubStreet’s BWOC program, writers of color and community members share resources, network, and mutual support. The group aims to provide writers of color with a safe and welcoming space to commune, share their good news or writing struggles, and find their people. Literary opportunities and events in the Facebook Group are posted daily, Meetup is used solely for events, and our newsletter is sent out once a month. Opportunities include writing contests, publications, pitch calls, writing conferences, residencies and retreats, free and paid writing classes, and more.
BWOC Events & Writing Sessions
BWOC events take place on a quarterly basis. Past events have ranged in topics from “How to Pitch” to “Agent Visits” to “Best practices for submitting your work”. To learn more and register for upcoming BWOC events and writing sessions, make sure you joined the group under "Newsletters & Groups in your GrubStreet account, and view them on the events calendar. Please join the BWOC Facebook Group and our mailing list for. We share event details and registration links via these platforms.
How to Join the BWOC Group
To join the group's directory, go to your dashboard, and select "Newsletters & Groups." Scroll down to "Groups" and click the button, "Request to Join." If the checkbox is yellow, you are already in the group.
For daily engagement with members, and literary opportunities:
For our monthly newsletter:
History of Boston Writers of Color Learn More
Established in 2016, the Boston Writers of Color group was created to provide a welcoming space for BIPOC writers to connect, and has grown to over 2,000 writers across New England and beyond.
Celebrating BWOC's Good News Learn More
Since June 2020, we’ve kept a running list of the breadth of published books, essays, poetry, plays, zines, and more by writers in the Boston Writers of Color group. Congratulations to all for the many successes!
Upcoming Classes Taught By BIPOC Instructors Learn More
Did you know? We have a ton of upcoming classes taught by BIPOC instructors. Take a look at our list of upcoming seminars and multi-week classes below and register today.
Frequently Asked Questions Learn More
Got a question? Check out our FAQ page where we address the most common BWOC questions.
Resources and Submissions List for Writers of Color
Resources and Submissions List for Writers of Color