Writing is fun but it requires sacrifices in terms of resources such as time, funds, and support from the best. Writing fellowships can catapult you into the industry, allowing you to make a breakthrough. However, finding the best program for your needs and ambitions can be a challenge. This list highlights top creative writing fellowship programs for writers at all levels.
Student Arts Scholarship
The Student Arts Scholarship program is available for students seeking an undergraduate degree in an art-related field. This scholarship funds your education costs like room and board, tuition, lessons, and books. You can receive up to four Student Arts Scholarships, each valued at $1,500.
Eligibility for the Student Arts Scholarship program includes attending an accredited institution on a full-time basis to major in an arts-related field. At the time of application, you must be a resident of Region 7W, a US citizen, or a holder of permanent resident alien status.
Nickelodeon Writing Program
The Nickelodeon Writing Program is a TV writing fellowship that gives promising writers a chance to participate in writer’s rooms, writing scripts, and pitching ideas for live-action shows and animations. You can get hands-on experience while creating a larger industry network as you interact with other beneficiaries of writing fellowships.
Unlike most TV writing fellowships, writers from all over the world can apply for the Nickelodeon Writing Program. International writers have an opportunity of getting a six-month salaried position. However, international writers need to meet the criteria for a trainee or intern and hold a J-1 Visa.
The Horror Writers Association (HWA) Scholarship
HWA organizes The Horror Writers Association (HWA) Scholarship, a creative writing scholarship for writers looking to grow into professional horror writers. All aspiring writers are welcomed to make an application for the scholarship program. Unlike most creative writing fellowships, HWA allows you to specialize in a specific genre.
In your application, you are required to include a story of the horror genre. Successful applicants are beneficiaries of an HWA scholarship worth $2,500. Your award allows you to apply to a certified writing education over the two years following the scholarship’s reception.
The ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship
The ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship program excels at allowing upcoming writers to learn from the best and connect them with agents and managers. This program includes a week of mentorship and meetings with agents, execs, managers, Oscar-winning writers, and producers, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles.
All English-speaking film and television writers above eighteen years old are welcomed to apply for the ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship. Your application must include a writing sample (feature film or pilot script). You may also include an optional cover letter. Beneficiaries of past TV writing fellowships of this program have made it to the top echelon of the industry.
Hope College Creative Writing Award
Hope College Creative Writing Award is a fellowship program targeting high school seniors. To qualify for this Artist Award in Creative Writing, you have to be in your graduating year of high school with a major or minor in English.
To win, you must enroll in at least one creative writing class in each academic year and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. You are also required to submit a letter of recommendation, a 500-word essay, and 10-typed pages showcasing your creative writing skills.
Universal Writers Program
The Universal Writers Program is best for experienced writers and aspiring writers yearning to make a breakthrough and leave a mark in the industry. This year-long paid program lets writers work with creative consultants and producers to develop a two-feature length script.
To apply for the Universal Writers Program, you must be a US citizen living in Los Angeles or willing to relocate at your costs. All applications are done online for free. Treatment for a project other than screenplay and an original script should be registered with the Writers Guild of America at $20 each.
Michael Steinberg Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction
If you are a nonfiction writer, you can apply for the Michael Steinberg Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction Fellowship. The program is available during the spring semester/winter residency for nonfiction writers starting the Solstice Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program.
Fellowship recipients are awarded $1,000 for the first semester’s tuition. Selection is based on the quality of your writing sample. The scholarship board sends notification letters to winners in November. You can improve your chances of winning the fellowship by applying early.
HBOAccess Writing Fellowship
The HBOAccess Writing Fellowship program targets talented writers looking to make a breakthrough. In Santa Monica, eight writers are granted the chance of participating in a week of masterclasses covering topics like getting an agent, and character development. After the classes, the writers are introduced to an intense eight months of pilot script development.
Aspiring candidates above twenty-one years are welcomed to submit applications through the HBO website to benefit directly from the mentorship of HBO executives. The HBOAccess Writing Fellowship runs every second year. HBO conducts a directing fellowship on the in-between years to give each writer extra time to ensure that all samples are flawless.
Bottom Line
There is a long list of creative writing fellowships for aspiring writers. The list above includes some of the best TV writing fellowships and writing fellows for ambitious horror, fiction, and nonfiction writers in 2020. To improve your chances of benefiting from the programs highlighted above, you should purpose to complete your application as soon as possible.