Through this fellowship, I’ve learned to write fearlessly and with unwavering authority. I don’t know what exactly the future holds for my writing career, but I do know that I will never stop writing my stories in the way only I can write them. GrubStreet gave me confidence in that.
- Joanna Kim, 2018-2019 Anita Shreve Emerging Writer FellowIn a Nutshell
The Emerging Writer Fellowship aims to develop new, exciting voices by providing three writers per year tuition-free access to GrubStreet’s classes and several key publishing/industry events. Over the course of one year, each Emerging Writer Fellow will attend a combination of seminars and multi-week courses of their choosing, along with a wide selection of other topical programming, in order to enhance their understanding of craft and the publishing industry.
We hope that this year's fellows will be able to join us in-person for classes and events. Priority will be given to applicants who will be able to join us in Boston.
The 2025-2026 Emerging Writer Fellowship application is opening soon! Check back in mid-December 2024/early January 2025 for the next application cycle.
Overview
The Emerging Writer Fellowship will be awarded to three writers who demonstrate a passion for writing, a commitment to developing their writing abilities, and financial need. Any person 18 and older who demonstrates ability and passion for writing is eligible.
The Emerging Writer Fellowship will provide access to each of the following:
- 4 multi-week courses
- 4 one-day (6hr) classes
- 4 three-hour seminars
- Access to key annual industry events and other craft-related programs.
- Access to GrubStreet's Artistic Director and/or other program staff members for quarterly (or as-needed) office hours for personalized mentorship. (Not Required)
The fellowship year begins in May.
Who Should Apply
This fellowship is open to anyone 18 and older with a passion for writing. The fellowship specifically aims to assist writers in need of financial assistance in reaching their writing goals. We particularly encourage writers of color, ethnic minorities, those who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and other members of communities historically underrepresented by the literary community to apply.
Why We Created This Fellowship
Over the years, GrubStreet encountered more and more people who loved to write but didn't have the money to invest in a creative writing education that would help advance their craft or give them a thoughtful introduction to the publishing world. As part of its mission to make sure that voices of every type and talent are heard, GrubStreet developed the Emerging Writer Fellowship to eliminate some of the financial barriers to entry. Through this program, we hope to connect writers to a literary world – a world made richer and more relevant with the contribution of these voices.
In the program's first year, we were able to offer one fellowship to one student. As of the 2018-2019 cycle, we were able to begin offering a second fellowship in memory of novelist Anita Shreve, longtime board member and dear friend of GrubStreet. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we now offer three fellowships each year.
How to Apply
The Emerging Writer Fellowship Application Form will require the following:
A sample of your writing that demonstrates your artistic style and voice. 5-10 pages for prose, screenwriting, or playwriting. 3-7 pages for poetry.
A personal statement—no more than 500 words please!—which should include the following:
- How you envision using the fellowship.
- A description of your relationship to writing. By this we mean: what excites you about it? What does it mean to you personally?
- How the fellowship will help you in your growth and success as a writer.
- Your writing and workshop history (Note: Prior workshop experience at GrubStreet is not required).
- The 2024-2025 Emerging Writer Fellowship application is closed.
- Applications deadline March 11th, 2024.
- The Fellowship year begins in May.
- All applicants can expect to hear back by early May.
Do I need to have a college degree to qualify for this fellowship?
No! The fellowship is open to anyone with a dedication and passion for writing, regardless of education level. If you are committed to your personal growth as a writer, then apply!
If I win this fellowship, do I have to quit my job? Are the classes full time?
The short answer is no. Our flexible class schedule is designed to work around people’s jobs! We offer classes in the morning, evening, and on weekends that you can choose from. However, we do expect the fellows to take full advantage of the courses, as well as attend our Muse & the Marketplace Conference, so you should plan for and commit to a steady amount of writing, homework, and immersion in GrubStreet’s community throughout the fellowship year.
What if I came to writing later in life? Is there an age restriction to this fellowship?
There’s no age restriction for the fellowship! Adult students at GrubStreet range from 18-year-olds to folks over 80. The fellowship is open to the same range of ages.
Are any genres preferred?
We are open to all genres of writing. Current and previous fellows have taken courses in short fiction, novel, nonfiction, magical realism, sci-fi & fantasy, and screenwriting, among others. However, applications that show a cohesive vision of how the applicant would take advantage of the classes to develop their work tend to stand out during our decision-making process.
Other Questions?
If you have specific questions about the Emerging Writer Fellowship, email [email protected] or call the office anytime at 617.695.0075.
2024-2025 Emerging Writer Fellows
Meet the 2024-2025 Emerging Writer Fellows: Danielle Shandiin Emerson, Dimitri Suriel, and Sam Jean-François. Every year, GrubStreet awards the Emerging Writer Fellowship to three talented writers who demonstrate a passion and commitment to their writing. We could not be more excited to congratulate and welcome Danielle, Dimitri, and Sam!
2023-2024 Emerging Writer Fellows
Meet the 2023-2024 Emerging Writer Fellows: Stevie Billow, Malik Thompson, and Divina Cordeiro. Every year, GrubStreet awards the Emerging Writer Fellowship to three talented writers who demonstrate a passion and commitment to their writing. We are so pleased to include Stevie. Malik, and Divina in the GrubStreet community.
2022-2023 Emerging Writer Fellows
We’re thrilled to introduce the 2022-2023 Emerging Writer Fellows: Antonia Yang, Destiny Lopez, and Anasazi Chavez. Every year, GrubStreet awards the Emerging Writer Fellowship to three talented writers who demonstrate a passion and commitment to their writing. We could not be more excited to congratulate and welcome Antonia, Destiny, and Anasazi!