CatStone Books has announced a call for submissions to the Samuel R. Delany Fellowship, an annual award that will go to a writer from a community that has been traditionally marginalized in speculative fiction including fantasy, science fiction, and horror.
This unique fellowship is awarded by CatStone Books to one author (of any publishing status) from one of these traditionally marginalized communities, including authors of colour, LGBTQIA+ authors, authors with disabilities, and authors living an immigrant experience.
The fellowship is named after Samuel R. Delany, a critically acclaimed novelist and critic who had won four Nebula Awards and a Hugo Award by the time he was 27. He also taught literature and creative writing at the University of Massachusetts and Temple University.
He was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2002, by which time he’d also been chosen by the Lambda Literary Report as one of the 50 people who had done the most to change our view of gayness in the last half-century. In 2013, he was named the 30th Damon Knight Memorial Foundation Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
The idea behind this fellowship is in line with CatStone’s goals to provide emerging writers with resources, mentoring, and opportunities in order to complete and publish new works of speculative fiction. The recipient will receive:
- a $10,000 stipend to cover living expenses while focusing on their project.
- mentorship from a New York Times bestselling author in the writer’s genre, as well as other industry-leading professionals like agents and editors.
- a new laptop donated by Dell.
The application period is open until October 31, 2021, with the Fellowship recipient being announced on December 15, 2021. After completion of their Fellowship fiction project, the recipient will have the option to present their manuscript to CatStone Books for publication consideration.
The $10,000 Samuel R. Delany Fellowship is a CatStone Books signature program. The team at CatStone Books is continually seeking new ways to engage with and promote diversity in publishing, and outdated ways of seeking out, selling, and sharing minority speculative stories.
To apply for the Fellowship, visit this link. To learn more about CatStone Books and the Samuel R. Delany Fellowship, visit the CatStone Books website.
