- Will you accept joint applications?
No. Fellowships are individual grants.
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Can book galleys count toward meeting the eligibility requirements?
No. In order to apply, you must meet the eligibility requirements by the deadline date. Reader's advance copies, galleys, uncorrected proofs, and commitments for future publication or production do not fulfill the requirements. No exceptions are made to the eligibility requirements.
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Do blogs count as eligible publications?
In general, no; they are considered self-publication. However, curated blogs are emerging that may be eligible publication sources. Contact the Literature staff for a specific determination of eligibility.
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Will I be limited to writing in the genre in which I establish eligibility?
The manuscript submission must be in the literary genre in which you establish your eligibility (i.e., poetry). If you receive a fellowship, however, you will not be limited to writing in that genre.
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Do I have to submit my application in English?
Manuscripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by an English translation. The translation need not be done by the applicant. Contact the Literature staff at LitFellowships@arts.gov for more information about the submission and panel review of non-English manuscripts. The application form must be submitted in English.
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Will I be able to update my application after the deadline?
No. Absolutely no changes or additions in the manuscript will be accepted once your application has been submitted.
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How will my application be evaluated?
Poetry applications are reviewed through an anonymous process by an advisory panel primarily composed of poets. The NEA assembles a different advisory panel every year, each diverse with regard to geography, race and ethnicity, and artistic points of view.
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What should I submit as my manuscript?
The manuscript should be representative of your best recent work, published or unpublished. It must be work for which you have sole artistic responsibility. The artistic excellence and artistic merit of the work contained therein are the criteria on which your application will be judged. Choose your manuscript sample carefully.
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Will my personal or professional information be considered when my application is evaluated?
No. Financial and other kinds of need, the body of past work, geographic location of the applicant, academic career, professional reputation, etc., are not criteria for receipt of a fellowship and are not reviewed by the panel. Fellowships are reviewed solely on the basis of artistic excellence and artistic merit.
If you have questions about your application, please contact the Literature staff at 202/682-5034 or e-mail LitFellowships@arts.gov.
