Arts Access Catalyst Grant Program

The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil 2024–2025 Emerging Writer Fellowship is a grant program designed to support early-career fiction writers based in New York City. The Center for Fiction's mission, though not explicitly detailed in its entirety, aligns with fostering literary talent and providing crucial support to emerging voices in fiction. This fellowship specifically addresses a critical need for developmental opportunities for writers who are at an early stage in their careers and have not yet received significant recognition or traditional publishing contracts. The program directly supports the literary arts and contributes to the cultural landscape of New York City by nurturing its writing community. The primary target beneficiaries of this fellowship are emerging fiction writers residing in any of the five boroughs of New York City. These individuals are defined as those who have not yet published a novel or short story collection with a major or independent publisher, nor are they currently under contract for such a work. While prior publication in magazines, literary journals, or online is acceptable, it is not a prerequisite. The impact goal is to empower these writers by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and exposure necessary to develop their craft, revise their manuscripts, and connect with industry professionals, thereby helping them achieve major recognition for their work. The program prioritizes supporting writers whose work demonstrates promise of excellence, focusing on those in the early stages of their careers who lack the support needed for significant recognition. Key focuses include providing financial relief through a $5,000 grant, offering professional editorial mentorship to refine manuscripts, and granting access to a dedicated Writers Studio. Furthermore, the fellowship emphasizes professional networking opportunities through monthly dinners with editors, authors, and agents, and public readings to build a writer's profile. Expected outcomes include the professional development of the fellows, marked by revised and improved manuscripts, expanded professional networks, and increased visibility within the literary community. Measurable results could include the number of fellows who secure publishing contracts post-fellowship, the quality of their revised manuscripts, the success of their public readings, and the overall trajectory of their careers as fiction writers. While the document does not explicitly state the foundation's full strategic priorities or theory of change, it implies a belief that direct financial support, professional guidance, dedicated writing space, and networking opportunities are crucial catalysts for emerging writers to overcome barriers to entry and achieve success in the competitive publishing world.