Ann Friedman Weekly Fellowship for Nonfiction Writers

The Ann Friedman Weekly Fellowship is a yearly program designed to support nonfiction writers who are early in their careers and looking to establish themselves in the field. Funded by subscribers of the Ann Friedman Weekly newsletter, the fellowship offers participants a $5,000 stipend, mentorship, regular check-ins, and the opportunity to publish and promote their work through Ann Friedman's newsletter. Each year, two fellows are selected to develop their own newsletter projects with the guidance and support of Ann Friedman. The primary goal of the fellowship is to help emerging writers develop a strong editorial focus, create a sustainable workflow, and build a body of self-published work. Through monthly Zoom meetings and ongoing feedback, fellows refine their writing skills and gain insights into the craft and business of nonfiction writing. The fellowship emphasizes structure, accountability, and the collaborative spirit of working with both the mentor and a peer fellow. Funding is intended to support the fellow’s development throughout the year but is not designed to substitute a full-time income. There are no health benefits included. The fellowship requires a part-time commitment, estimated at a few hours per week, and includes publishing in Ann Friedman's newsletter at least once per month. It is structured as a long-term workshop, offering both mentorship and a platform to share work with a wider audience. Eligibility is limited to nonfiction writers based in the United States who are not yet well-established. Ideal candidates will have minimal published clips, few editorial connections, and a modest or nonexistent social media presence. Writers from populations underrepresented in media are especially encouraged to apply. Fellows must be available for monthly calls and able to meet deadlines set in collaboration with Ann Friedman. Applicants are required to submit a one-page letter via an online form. The letter should describe who they are, the kind of writing they currently do, and the newsletter they wish to develop during the fellowship. It should also explain the nonfiction skills they aim to improve and include a short reflection on the last book or article they read and enjoyed. The letter must be titled “[Your Name] AF WKLY 2025” and uploaded through the official application form. For the 2025 cycle, the application deadline was January 3, 2025, with fellowships running from April 3 through the end of the calendar year. Applicants were informed that due to a high number of submissions, responses would be sent out by March 15. The next application cycle for the 2026 fellowship will open in December 2025.