Black Writers Fellowship ($2,000)
Black Writers Fellowship 2027: Win $1,000 and Get Published
Hand Papermaking has announced the return of its Black Writers Fellowship: Researcher, an annual opportunity for a Black writer to conduct research and produce a long-form article for potential publication in Hand Papermaking magazine.
The fellowship is for a writer who has an interest in hand papermaking and can propose a compelling research topic while demonstrating an ongoing commitment to research and inquiry in the field.
The selected Researcher will receive a $1,000 award, as well as a fellowship stipend of up to $1,000 to support expenses related to the research project.
About the Black Writers Fellowship
Hand Papermaking launched the Black Writers Fellowship Program in 2020 as part of its efforts to better reflect the breadth and diversity of work within the hand papermaking field.
Previous fellows have explored subjects ranging from papermaking fibers and Black papermaking artists to material history and traditional practices. The 2027 Researcher will continue this work by developing a research-based article that could be published in the Summer 2028 issue of Hand Papermaking magazine.
The selected fellow will work closely with fellowship coordinator and magazine editor Mina Takahashi throughout the process. This includes regular meetings, editorial guidance and the development of a work plan, budget and detailed timeline.
There is no application fee.
Fellowship Benefits
The 2027 Black Writers Fellowship: Researcher includes:
- A $1,000 award.
- A fellowship stipend of up to $1,000 for eligible research and professional development expenses.
- The opportunity for the resulting article to be published in Hand Papermaking magazine’s Summer 2028 issue.
- Exposure to a global community of hand papermakers, artists, scholars and other professionals.
- Opportunities for career development through Hand Papermaking‘s professional network.
- Professional development opportunities connected to the research project.
- Experience with editorial processes and scholarly publication through collaboration with Mina Takahashi and the Hand Papermaking team.
Recipients of the fellowship may use their stipend for expenses such as research travel, research materials, transcription or translation services, site visits, workshop or conference attendance, and other professional development opportunities.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be self-identified Black writers.
- Applicants should propose a research topic relevant to hand papermaking and demonstrate an ongoing investment in research and inquiry in the field.
Application Requirements for the Black Writers Fellowship
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- A cover letter.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A research proposal and outline for carrying out the proposed study or project, with a maximum length of 600 words. The proposal should include a description of the proposed research methods.
- Two relevant writing samples, which may include essays, research papers or dissertation excerpts. The writing samples must not exceed 3,000 words in total.
Combine all application materials into one PDF and email to:
bwfresearcher@handpapermaking.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
Applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their submissions.
The team will conduct interviews with the final pool of candidates from November 29 to December 13, 2026. They will announce the 2027 Black Writers Fellowship: Researcher in early January 2027.
They will make the names of the jurors public after they announce the selected Researcher.
How to Apply for the Black Writers Fellowship
Applicants should review the full 2027 application guidelines and request for proposals before submitting their materials.
Download the 2027 Black Writers Fellowship: Researcher guidelines
Applicants should review Hand Papermaking‘s guiding principles, recent magazine issues and previously published Black Writers Fellowship: Researcher articles for context and inspiration.
Applicants can request up to two article PDFs by October 15 by emailing bwfresearcher@handpapermaking.
Prepare Your Writing Samples
A strong application will require relevant writing samples alongside a focused research proposal. Writers preparing their application can also read Creative Writing News’ guide on whether you should hire a professional editor for your manuscript.
For additional inspiration and strategies for developing writing projects, applicants can explore successful writing ideas.
