Gulliver Travel Grant

The Gulliver Travel Grant is an annual grant presented by the Speculative Literature Foundation to support non-academic research travel for writers working in the field of speculative literature. Launched in 2004, the grant awards $1,000 USD to a writer who demonstrates both interest and merit in their proposed travel-related project. The funding is intended to help with costs associated with travel, including airfare, lodging, and other expenses, and can be used for both domestic and international trips. Applicants must be working within speculative literature genres, which include but are not limited to science fiction, fantasy, horror, ghost stories, magical realism, folklore, fairy tales, slipstream, and other literature containing fabulist or speculative elements. The grant is specifically designed to support research that enriches or informs a writer’s work in these genres, rather than academic study. There are no requirements for prior publishing credits, making this opportunity accessible to both emerging and established authors. To apply, candidates must submit a cover letter that outlines the project, destination, and intended timeline (up to 500 words), along with a bibliography of previously published work if applicable. A writing sample is also required, which may consist of up to 10 pages of poetry or drama, or up to 5,000 words of fiction or creative nonfiction. If the writing is excerpted from a longer work, a one-page synopsis must be included. All submitted work must contain speculative elements, as defined by the foundation. The submission portal is open annually from November 1 through November 30, and all application times follow UTC -4. The winner is selected through a jury review process, with the announcement made in January. Upon receiving the award, recipients are required to submit a short report on their research experience and an autobiographical statement for publication by the foundation. While past recipients may reapply, they are given lower priority for a two-year period following their award. The Gulliver Travel Grant reflects the Speculative Literature Foundation’s commitment to supporting creative, genre-based writers in deepening their craft through immersive and meaningful travel experiences.

Ensure submitted work clearly reflects speculative elements. Articulate how travel enriches your writing goals. Include complete and relevant writing sample.