KINSMAN AVENUE PUBLISHING, INC.

Literary Leaders Fellowship 

(Open for enrollment Jan. 2027)

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Kinsman Avenue's ​Literary Leaders Fellowship strategically addresses the diversity gap among leaders in the publishing industry and is available to candidates who have successfully completed our twelve-week Kinsman Internship Program.

 

The fellowship is a nine-month professional development program designed for BIPOC and traditionally underrepresented writers and artists seeking publication opportunities while participating in a mission-focused literary project and expanding their professional industry knowledge. 

 

PUBLICATION AND INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

We seek strong, distinctive voices through a competitive process who will refine a manuscript for publication while gaining hands-on experience in the editorial, publishing, or bookselling process. Fellows work with a mentor and team on a literary project from concept to completion. Literary projects may include, but are not limited to book publishing, editorial activities, event and course management, marketing, submission reviews, funding, and community outreach. 

 

MANUSCRIPT WORK

The fellowship’s publication track is designed for emerging and established writers committed to completing a publish-ready manuscript under the guidance of Kinsman Avenue Publishing. Applicants accepted into the publication track must submit a manuscript draft to participate in the fellowship. During the program, fellows are expected to dedicate approximately two hours each week toward the development, revision, and production of their approved manuscript. Each fellow meets weekly with a Kinsman writing coach for one dedicated hour of individualized support focused on editing, refining craft, strengthening structure and voice, and preparing the manuscript for publication consideration through Kinsman Avenue Publishing. The fellowship is intended to provide accountability, mentorship, and professional editorial guidance throughout the manuscript completion process. Manuscript submissions: https://www.kinsmanquarterly.org/manuscript-submissions

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ASSIGNED INDUSTRY PROJECTS

As in the internship program, fellows may participate in either of our four professional departments (editorial, journalism, production, or fundraising and marketing) of which they will serve as the leader of a literary project for two to three hours per week. Project proposals include, but are not limited to, editing collaborative works, creating a writing group, overseeing a writing contest, or running a book club,  podcast, or a marketing campaign. Fellows will work closely with their assigned mentors for direction and updates on their proposed projects.

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Fellowship Structure

• Duration: 9-12 months (aligned with your publication cycle)

• Commitment: Up to 5 weekly hours for manuscript development and project management

• Delivery: Online

 

Selection Process

• Application Components:

  • Writing sample (10–20 manuscript pages or portfolio)

  • Personal statement (alignment with mission)

  • Literary Project Proposal (if applicable)

  • Bio

  • Headshot

• Evaluation Criteria:

  • Literary merit

  • Voice and originality

  • Demonstrates strong initiative and the ability to operate independently

  • Feasibility of proposed project (if applicable)

 

Fellow Responsibilities

• Primary Deliverable:

  • Complete a publishable manuscript (chapbook, short story collection, essays, etc.)

• Secondary Contributions:

  • Participate in team meetings and submission reviews

  • Contribute 2 literary works to Kinsman Quarterly (author interviews or magazine articles)

  • Contribute to a Kinsman Quarterly community program or outreach (workshops, panels, podcast, book clubs)

• Brand Representation:

  • Serve as an ambassador fellow for Kinsman Quarterly

Support Provided

• Editorial Development:

  • Assigned editor or mentor (weekly or biweekly check-ins)

• Professional Training:

  • Participate in workshops on craft, publishing, marketing, and platform-building

• Publishing Opportunity:

  • Guaranteed or priority publication upon successful completion

• Platform Amplification:

  • Feature in Kinsman Quarterly magazine, podcast, and events

Program Milestones

• Quarter 1: Project Assignment + initial publication drafts

• Quarter 2: Project expansion + publication peer/mentor feedback

• Quarter 3: Project completion + manuscript draft + developmental edits

• Quarter 4: Production + publication prep (marketing, cover, launch strategy)

Mentorship & Community

• Mentor Pairing:

  • Match fellows with established authors or editors

• Peer Cohort:

  • Monthly team meetings or workshops

Output & Integration

• Final Product:

  • Book, chapbook, or featured portfolio in your publication

• Public Showcase:

  • End-of-year reading, launch event, or digital showcase

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