© Manuel Ruiz, 2020

The Literary Laddership for Emerging African Authors is seeking submissions for its fourth edition. The submission period begins on April 1, 2025, and ends on April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM WAT.

This virtual fellowship, founded in 2022 by Suyi Davies Okungbowa, supports African authors by offering fellows $500 grants, a three-month virtual residency, and access to a community of practice. This provides fellows with the space and time to write, improve their craft, connect with other writers, and explore opportunities for publication. Some of the fellowship recepients have gone on to win awards and be featured in publications, which further strengthens our resolve to continue on this mission.

Emerging authors of African descent, based primarily on the African continent and writing in English, are encouraged to apply. Winners will be announced on May 26, 2025.

Submission Guidelines

To apply, submit the following information to: fellowship(at)suyidavies.com. (Kindly ensure that no name or identifying information is present in the submission documents/materials. Such information may be present in the email body).

  1. Cover letter: In the email body, briefly describe your basis for meeting the eligibility criteria.

  2. Writing sample: A sample of 3,000 words max (doc, docx, pdf), across 2 different works, split however the author wishes. We will receive any kind of work, but excerpts from a lengthy work-in-progress (novel or novella) are recommended over shorter fiction (flash, short stories, novelette). Please do not send in one work of 3,000 words. Judges would like to see how authors work across different pieces.

  3. Project description, fellowship plan, budget: A separate document (2 pages max, single spaced) detailing:

  • why you should get this fellowship

  • what you will be working on while here

  • how you will spend the funds to achieve this plan

NOTE: The proposed work in your plan MUST be a manuscript of minimum novella-length (i.e. 17,500 – 40,000 words) or novel length (i.e. 40,000+ words). All applicants must be aged 18 and above.

Response time: *Selected fellows will be announced (and contacted) between 30-90 days from the application deadline.

Check out the fellowship’s submission page for judging criteria and more information.