Applications for 2024 are now closed.
Class of 2025 will seek applications in September 2024.
Eligibility
Exclusions
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Writers who have already published a book may not apply unless they self-published.
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Writers who have signed a publishing contract or are in the process of doing so are ineligible and should not apply.
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Writers who have attended a creative writing class, residency or fellowship outside South Asia are ineligible, as is anyone who has a journalism degree from outside South Asia.
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Writers currently enrolled in an academic program such as a master's degree or PhD where they are already working with an advisor may not apply.
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Applicants who have reason to believe that they may move abroad during the fellowship period should not apply.
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We make exceptions for emerging writers from communities that aren't adequately represented in publishing. If you believe that this exception applies to you, please say so in your application form.
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Citizens of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives living in their home countries for the duration of the mentorship (January to December 2023). Afghan writers are exempt from the residence clause and may be based anywhere in the world. Please do not apply if you live outside your home country or plan to do so during the fellowship period. All applicants will need to show proof of citizenship and residence.
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There is no age restriction. The mentorship is free and there are no hidden costs.​
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Applicants must be working on one of the following long-term projects:
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a book of fiction
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a book of non-fiction
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a translation
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a series of linked reported pieces
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A volume of poetry
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The projects may include short stories, memoirs, travel narratives and more as long as they fit into the mentioned genres and, apart from the proposed translations, are in English. We do not accept graphic novels, children's books or screenplays.
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What does the application include?Every application must include a one paragraph synopsis of the proposed project and two writing samples. The word count for the synopsis is 300 words. The two writing samples should be in the genre for which the applicant is seeking a mentor. The maximum word count for each sample is 5,000. Fiction applicants must include one sample from the project for which they are seeking a mentor. We are unable to accept fiction applicants who are yet to begin their project. Applicants for the poetry mentorship must include a minimum of ten poems (up to a maximum of twelve), which should be sent in one document as a single attachment. We do not accept academic papers as samples.
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Can I choose my mentor?Mentors will make their own choice based on shared goals and interests. Please only apply if you are willing to work with any one of our mentors.
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Can I apply for mentorship in multiple genres?Please apply for mentorship in one genre only. We do not accept multiple applications or applications for multiple genres.
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What are the key dates for 2025?Applications open : 01 September 2024 Applications close : 30 September 2024 Successful applicants will be informed via email in January 2024. We are unable to respond to or offer feedback to applications that have been unsuccessful.
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I am a South Asian writer living outside South Asia (ex. Dubai, Manila, London). May I apply?Sorry, we currently only accept applications from emerging writers in South Asia.
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How does the mentorship work?The mentorship will take place over Zoom. Successful candidates will receive six zoom calls from their mentor in 2023. Each call with last half an hour. Mentors will also review writing as long as it's sent at least two weeks in advance of a call. All fellows will have access to our Masterclass series, as well as workshops dedicated to subjects such as craft, publishing, and acquiring an agent.
Frequently asked questions
If you have a question that hasn't been answered on this page please contact speaksouthasia@gmail.com
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