Building up Authors
Sponsored Writer Award
Every year, we reserve a large portion of our donations for the explicit purpose of breaking down the paywall barrier to publishing. A successful book involves editors, cover artists, formatting and marketing, which all cost money. Our Sponsored Writer Award opens annually in March, commencing during the WriteHive Conference in June.
We are offering three Sponsored Writer Awards this year, each in the amount of $500, which can be used to alleviate a barrier in any part of the book publishing process – editing, cover art, formatting, marketing, etc. (Other examples include Word processing cost, ProwritingAid, Query tracker, laptop, writing retreat, internet hotspot).
We want to hear from you! In order to apply, you must have a completed manuscript, but it can be in any stage of development.
What You Need to Know!
- The work must be complete. May be in any stage of the editing process, including first draft. We are not looking for the perfect draft, but the written work must be completed.
- That’s it!
- You do *not* need to have committed to a “path,” ie: self-publishing or traditional (small or large) press. If you are selected as a winner, you will have the opportunity to meet with members of our team and discuss potential next steps for your manuscript.
How to Qualify
- Must have fully-written book. May be in any stage of the editing process, including first draft.
** Must be willing to submit first 10 pages if selected for final round **
Submission Period
The below application must be filled out between March 11 and April 30, 2024.
You will be asked to include either a query letter *OR* a back cover blurb about your book. It is suggested that you have this ready before starting the application. This will allow us to get to know you and your work.
Here are resources for a query letter and book blurbs if you would like more information.
Process
- Fill out the application form between March 11 to April 30, 2024. You will be asked to include either a query or back cover blurb about the book.
- On April 30th, the submission window will close and we will begin reading submissions in order to pick the Top 5 proposals.
- You will be notified by email in regards to the status of your application between May 18th and May 22nd. Only 5 participants will advance to the second round.
- If you are notified you are one of the top 5 contestants, you must respond within 48 hours with the first 10 pages of your completed manuscript. If we do not receive your manuscript within 48 hours of notification, we may not be able to consider your application.
- Winner will be announced during the WH Annual Conference held June 7-9. While you do not need to be present to win, we would love if you could join.
The submission window for the WriteHive Sponsored Writer Award is now closed!
Have Questions?
We can answer all of your questions by emailing us at contact@writehive.org. Good luck!
