AF WKLY / 2021 Fellowship

 

** The deadline has passed. I am no longer accepting applications. **

I’m on the hunt for two writers who would like to work with me in 2021 and be a part of my weekly email newsletter. I’m offering my mentorship and editing skills; a small annual stipend (probably around $5k/person, but I am still working out the budget); regular check-ins to provide structure and accountability; and space in my newsletter on a regular basis where they can publish and promote their work.

  • Who I’m looking for: Writers who are not yet established in media. This is a little nebulous, I know, but I’m talking about people who don’t have (m)any published clips, who aren’t connected to editors, who don’t have a substantial social media following, and who do not have their own newsletters—but would like to have these things. Geographic location doesn’t matter—you’ll just need an internet connection. I invite people from populations that are underrepresented in media to apply. (I know most job listings have a line like this, but I really and truly mean it. Please apply!)

  • What it pays: A small stipend of at least $5,000 for the year , but perhaps more if I see a jump in paid memberships. This fellowship is not a full-time job, and will not provide any health insurance benefits. Think of it more like a year-long, highly personalized workshop with steady mentorship and guaranteed publication.

  • Time commitment: We’ll do weekly check-ins, and you will have space in my newsletter at least monthly. Your time commitment will be variable, but I think it’s safe to say a few hours per week.

  • Why I’m doing this: I do not have the resources of a magazine, but I do have editing chops and lots of subscribers, and I want to help a few writers sharpen their skills and gain an audience. For more context, read this.

  • How to apply: Write me a letter, no longer than one page, about who you are, what your goals are, and why you are interested in a fellowship with my newsletter. Tell me about the work you’ve done and the work you want to do. Please be as specific as possible about what you hope to achieve in the next year. Your submission does not have to be in formal cover-letter format—just write to me, human to human.

Applications are due by end-of-day (midnight PST) on Jan 10, 2021. Fellowships begin in early February. If you have questions, email me at ann@ladyswagger.com, but please don’t write me just to ask me to look at your application or whatever. I will ONLY consider applications submitted through the form.