Apply Now: The 2025–2026 Gregory Djanikian & Anthony Veasna So Scholarships for Emerging Writers

This is your cue to apply for the Gregory Djanikian & Anthony Veasna So Scholarships! For emerging poets and fiction writers seeking recognition, mentorship, and a global audience, The Adroit Journal has opened submissions for two of its most prestigious annual opportunities: the Gregory Djanikian Scholars in Poetry and the Anthony Veasna So Scholars in Fiction. Both scholarships honor beloved contributors to the journal and uplift new voices shaping contemporary literature.

These opportunities are open to all emerging writers regardless of age, location, or educational background, so long as they have not yet published a full-length collection.

About the Gregory Djanikian Scholars in Poetry

Named for Egyptian-born American poet Gregory Djanikian, this scholarship celebrates his decades-long dedication to nurturing emerging writers.

Each year, six emerging poets are selected as Djanikian Scholars. Winners receive:

• $200
• Publication of a poetry portfolio in a future issue of The Adroit Journal
• Recognition alongside finalists and semifinalists

Submission Details

• Submit up to six poems (maximum ten pages).
• Simultaneous and previously published work is welcome, so long as at least one poem remains unpublished.
• Include a full publication history in both the submission and the cover letter.
• Only one entry per writer per year.

Fee waivers are available.

Submit here:
Gregory Djanikian Scholars in Poetry – Submittable

About the Anthony Veasna So Scholars in Fiction

This scholarship honors Anthony Veasna So, a Cambodian-American writer and cherished Adroit Journal editor whose work continues to influence a generation of fiction writers.

Each year, six emerging fiction writers are recognized as Veasna So Scholars. Winners receive:

• $200
• Publication of one story in a future issue of The Adroit Journal
• Complimentary copies of Afterparties for finalists

Submission Details

• Submit up to three stories (maximum 9,000 words total).
• Simultaneous and previously published work is allowed if at least one story remains unpublished.
• Include a publication history at the top of the document and in the cover letter.
• Only one entry per year.

Fee waivers are available.

Submit here:
Anthony Veasna So Scholars in Fiction – Submittable

Eligibility Requirements for The Gregory Djanikian & Anthony Veasna So Scholarships

For both scholarships, writers must:

• Be emerging writers who have not published a full-length book
• Be of any age, nationality, or educational background
• May have forthcoming books, as long as publication is after April 2025

Strengthen your cover letter, artist statement, and creative portfolio with these guides:

• Learn from six award-winning writers on craft, rejection, and discipline:
  Writing advice from award-winning authors
• Write a compelling, professional bio:
  How to write a short author bio
• Strengthen your statement of purpose:
  Statement of purpose examples

Submission Window for The Gregory Djanikian & Anthony Veasna So Scholarships

November 15 — December 31, 2025