Morland African Writing Scholarships 2024 (£18,000 Grants)

The Miles Morland Foundation (MMF) has announced the opening of applications for its prestigious Morland Writing Scholarships 2024.

Morland African Writing Scholarships

This initiative, established in 2013 by Miles Morland, aims to nurture and support African literary talent by providing financial assistance to writers born in Africa or with African parentage.

The Morland Writing Scholarships offer a significant opportunity for African writers to focus on their craft without financial constraints.

Scholarship Benefits

  • Each selected scholar will receive a grant of £18,000, distributed monthly over a year. This substantial support allows writers to dedicate themselves fully to their literary projects, potentially creating works that will enrich the African literary landscape.
  • Additional Support for Non-Fiction Writers: Recognizing the unique demands of non-fiction writing, the MMF offers flexibility in its support.
  • Non-fiction writers requiring extended research time may receive additional funding for up to 18 months, subject to the Foundation’s discretion.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Morland African Writing Scholarships must meet the following requirements:

  • Be born in Africa or have both parents born in Africa
  • Write in English
  • Have previously published work that has been offered for sale
  • The primary condition for scholarship recipients is dedication to writing.
  • Scholars must submit at least 10,000 new words monthly via email until they complete their book or the scholarship term ends. This requirement ensures continuous progress and accountability throughout the year.

Submission Guidelines

Candidates are required to submit:

  • A writing sample of 2,000-5,000 words from a published and commercially available work
  • Proof of publication and sales for the submitted work
  • A 400-1,000 word description of the proposed new book
  • Official documentation proving African birth or parentage
  • A brief 200-300 word biography
  • Information on how they learned about the scholarship

Application Process

  • Unlike many scholarship programs, the Morland Writing Scholarships do not require a formal application form. Instead, interested writers should upload their documents through the MMF website between July 1 and September 18, 2024. The foundation will acknowledge receipt but will only contact shortlisted candidates further.
  • The MMF will publish a shortlist in November, contacting these candidates for further information about their circumstances and writing plans. The final winners will be announced in December 2024.

Official link: https://milesmorlandfoundation.com/

Evaluation Criteria

The judging panel, appointed by the MMF, will evaluate submissions solely on literary merit. The scholarships aim to support creative writing across various genres, excluding academic, scientific, religious, or political works. While the proposed works don’t necessarily need to be about Africa, the judges may show a preference for Africa-related themes.

Application Deadline

September 20, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a specific application form required?

No formal application form is necessary.

What is the application period?

Submissions are accepted from July 1 to September 18, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after initial acknowledgment.

How should I submit my application?

Upload the required documents via the online form on the official website, accessible through the top blue bar or dropdown menu at the homepage

Are exceptions made for promising unpublished authors?

No exceptions are made. Only published authors meeting all criteria should apply.

What is the word count for submissions?

Submit a single excerpt of 2,000-5,000 words from one published work.

Can I resubmit a previous entry?

Applicants are advised against resubmissions. New, unseen work is preferred.

Must works focus on Africa?

While not mandatory, Africa-related works may be favored by judges.

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