Calling all DC-area emerging writers to apply to the Compass Fellowship!

 

The Writer’s Center Compass Fellowship is designed to support and recognize the talent, skill, and dedication of an emerging writer in our community. Each year, our fellowship introduces one new writer to our writing family, to help guide them along the next steps on their path, with $1000 in credits toward any TWC workshops within a two-year period, a $300 stipend, and opportunities to be published in The Writer’s Center Magazine and featured at TWC events. 

 

We are looking for a writer who’s at the beginning of your writing journey. You’re committed to honing your craft, but you’re not yet published, or you only have a few publications to your name. (Certainly, no published books or chapbooks!) 

 

Applicants must currently live and write in the DMV. Bonus points if you’re keen to be an active part of the literary community.

 

Instructors, staff members, board members and their families are ineligible for the fellowship.

Application

No previous publication experience is necessary. Applicants must live in the DMV area and be able to travel to Bethesda. Please attach the following in a single email submission, including your name on each attached document. Please submit .doc, .docx, or .pdf files only:

  • A 500-word Statement of Purpose to compass.fellowship@writer.org. The statement should introduce yourself as a writer and a human, as well as tell us more about your interest in community involvement.
  • A work sample in a single genre:
    • Poetry – 8 pages, no more than one poem per page
    • Fiction – 10 pages or less, double-spaced, 12 point standard font.
    • Nonfiction (essay, memoir, etc.) – 10 pages or less, double-spaced, 12 point standard font.
    • Screenplay/Script – 15 pages, standard formatting.

 

Benefits/Expectations

  • $1000 worth of credit toward Writer’s Center workshops (to be used over a 2-year period, January through December)
  • One-year subscription to Poet Lore
  • Publish one piece (essay, book review, or interview) in The Writer’s Center Magazine (circulation 11,000)
  • Fellowship award presentation/reception at The Writer’s Center
  • Serve as a judge for subsequent fellowship submissions for 2 years

 

Timeline

    • Applications open: September 1, 2026
    • Application deadline: November 1, 2026
    • Winner announced: December 15, 2026
    • Fellowship period begins: January 1, 2027; all workshops to be completed within 24 months

Please note that we will expect the Fellow to submit a written evaluation of the Fellowship on its completion.

Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.