Applicant FAQ







About applying

What qualities characterize the ideal applicant?

This program may be an appropriate fit for you if:

• you can present a minimum of two publication credits in reputable literary journals, magazines, or newspapers
• you are well-read
• you attend or volunteer at a minimum of six literary events per year, such as conferences, bookstore events, open mics, festivals, and readings
• you have an established, dedicated writing practice
• you've been writing seriously for more than five years
• you're seeking a supportive community designed for creative writers of color
• you understand that writing is both an art and a business
• you are a self-published writer looking to give your platform credibility and visibility
• you feel that your writing career has stagnated: "I'm sending great work out to publications and applying for funding and residencies, but nothing's happening."
• you are committed to engaging in the not-so-sexy but essential steps, strategies, and tools necessary to elevate your career trajectory within a #PublishingSoWhite industry



Who should not apply for this program?

You are not a good candidate for this Fellowship if:

• you are a consummate procrastinator. The Fellowship is designed for go-getters, for the roll-up-your-sleeves types. Applicants should come to us hungry, eager to raise the trajectory of their literary careers.
• you are an advertising, corporate communications, financial, marketing, medical, science, sports, or technical writer, rather than a creative writer.
• you have extensive publishing credits, you've garnered multiple grants in excess of $20,000 apiece, you've published a book, or you've been accepted to two or more artists' residencies.
• Exceptions: If the only book you've published is self-published, you may apply. If you are a poet and have published up to two chapbooks, you may apply.



How do I pay the $20 application fee?

1. Go to https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/LVDQFPPUA6ZYW
2. Send your transaction ID number to MusesAndMelanin@gmail.com along with the name you used on your application.



Is this program right for me?

What questions should I ask myself before applying?

Do my literary resume, website, or social media profiles demonstrate the professionalism, commitment, and achievements this Fellowship requires?

Do I have the time to attend the sessions and complete the assignments?

Do I fully understand that this is a rigorous, intensive, professional training program? Am I prepared to make the commitment and follow through?



Who is ineligible for this program?

You are not eligible for this Fellowship if:

• you hold a doctoral degree in English, Creative Writing, Literature, or an ancillary field;
• you've published a book with a traditional, hybrid, or university publisher;
• you have a book under contract;
• you are a current full-time student or will become full-time student during the Fellowship tenure.



I just began writing or I've been writing for less than five years. Am I a good candidate for this program?

No. The Fellowship is not suitable for absolute beginners.



How much of a publication record do I need to have?

You should have at least two verifiable publication credits in respected journals, magazines, or newspapers. Scriptwriters should have had one—preferably two—staged readings, tapings, or live productions of their work.



Do applicants with an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing, English, or Literature have an advantage over those whose degrees are in other subjects/majors?

No.

If I fail to adhere to the application instructions, will that disqualify my candidacy?

Yes.



May I pay the application fee in a manner other than the one prescribed above?

No.



What are the most frequent reasons why applicants are not accepted?

• Failure to pay attention to application instructions
• Sloppiness or carelessness in observing grammar and usage basics in the application responses
• Too many typos, punctuation mistakes or misuse, and grammar errors
• Insufficient writing experience or accomplishments to benefit from the program at this time







Eligibility

Do I need to have an MFA or BFA in Creative Writing to be eligible?

No.



I received my Bachelor's degree more than 30 years ago. May I apply?

Yes.



If I write in a genre other than the ones listed on the application, am I still eligible to apply?

No.



I know the About information states that applicants cannot have published a book. If I published a book a long time ago/a children's book/in academic writing instead of creative writing/in a non-creative field, may I still apply?

No.



My last publication credit was in an esteemed literary journal, but it was 10 years ago. May I still apply?

Yes, but know that applicants with publication credits within the past five years may be more competitive.



Which people should I use for my references?

• colleagues from writing groups, collectives, artist residencies, or other literary groups
• former Creative Writing, English, or Literature professors
• professional authors, journalists, or editors



How can I position myself to be a competitive applicant?

• ensure that your materials are complete, and submitted in accordance with the instructions
• be sure your responses are free of typos, punctuation and grammar errors, and follow the standards of good, solid writing (no reliance on passive voice, adverb overuse, dangling modifiers, etc.).
• be sure you have addressed all parts of each question



If I've won another writing-related fellowship or scholarship, or if I've been awarded a literary grant, does that disqualify me from applying?

No. You may apply.



I do have a book out, but it was only self-published/done on Smashwords or Create Space. May I apply?

Yes, as long as you haven't also published other books with a traditional press.



I'm in California, but not within commuting distance of San Francisco. May I just do the onsite portion of the program via Zoom?

You must attend the two initial Kickoff Weekends in person, at your expense. After that, only out-of-staters may complete the rest of the program virtually.



If I am not accepted, can you provide feedback on why?

Unfortunately, like many similar programs, we do not have the bandwidth to provide feedback.



I just missed the deadline! Can I please still apply?

No.



About the program

How many class meetings do I need to attend to be eligible for graduation?

Fellows cannot miss more than two class meetings, and they must complete and turn in by deadline all mandatory assignments to meet graduation criteria. Optional assignments are at your discretion, depending on whether you'd like feedback on that assignment.

However, note that all parts of the two Weekend Intensives are mandatory.



If I arrive 15 minutes/a half hour/an hour late for a session, will that still count as an attended session for me?

No, it will not. It will count as an absence.



I can attend all of the Weekend Intensives except for a half day on one of the Saturdays. May I still apply? If I leave one of the Intensives a few hours early or arrive a couple of hours late, may I remain in the program?

No, and no.



If I miss too many classes or assignments to qualify for graduation, may I still complete the program and just not attend graduation?

No.



If I must withdraw from the program due to illness, a family emergency, or other exigent circumstances, may I still receive a Literary Launch Kit and just forfeit my seed money?

No.



How can I learn more about the Fellowship Founder and Director?

Visit Lyzette Wanzer's author, LinkedIn, or Authors Guild profiles.