Girls Write Now is a nonprofit platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and nonbinary emerging writers across identities and genres. The organization pairs talented young writers with accomplished mentors, creating powerful, genre-crossing partnerships that launch careers and reshape literary culture.
Through digital programs, public readings, and paid opportunities, Girls Write Now builds pipelines for leadership and creativity. This structured support network helps writers refine their craft, navigate publishing, and bring nuanced stories to wider audiences.
| Program Track | Focus Area | Typical Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fellowship | Genre exploration and manuscript development | 9 months | Completed portfolio and public reading |
| Mentorship | One-on-one guidance from published authors and industry professionals | Ongoing | Revised work and personalized publishing roadmap |
| Sprints | Skill-building workshops and rapid drafting | 2–4 weeks | Draft chapters and peer feedback |
| Events & Readings | Live and virtual showcases with industry partners | Quarterly | Audience engagement and networking |
Program Structure And Curriculum
Girls Write Now structures its programming to guide writers from initial ideas to polished manuscripts ready for submission. Each track emphasizes craft development, community, and professional growth.
Core Pillars
- Skill-building workshops on plot, voice, and research
- Mentorship sessions focused on personalized feedback
- Peer cohorts for collaborative learning and accountability
- Public platforms for emerging writers to share work confidently
Genre Diversity And Representation
The platform actively centers writers from historically marginalized communities, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ and nonbinary voices, and disabled creators. This commitment to representation enriches the literary landscape with a wider spectrum of stories and perspectives.
By pairing writers with mentors who reflect a range of professional backgrounds, Girls Write Now ensures that emerging talent receives guidance informed by real-world publishing and media experience. The result is a vibrant, intersectional community that redefines whose stories are told.
Career Pathways And Industry Access
Beyond workshops, Girls Write Now creates concrete pathways into publishing, journalism, and media. Writers gain exposure through public readings, digital features, and portfolio reviews with editors and agents.
Alumni often advance to paid residencies, fellowships, and book deals, leveraging the network and skills cultivated in the program. The organization’s partnerships with publishers and cultural institutions amplify opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
Application Process And Eligibility
Applicants submit a writing sample, short statement of purpose, and details about their creative project. The review committee looks for strong voice, curiosity, and commitment, rather than prior publication history.
Eligibility criteria are intentionally broad to welcome emerging writers at different career stages. Selected fellows receive structured support, including editorial guidance, industry insights, and practical tools for navigating the publishing landscape.
Getting Started And Next Steps
Writers ready to deepen their practice can begin by reviewing upcoming cohorts, deadlines, and requirements on the official site. Planning ahead for submission materials and setting realistic creative goals will streamline the application process.
- Visit the official site to review cohort dates and deadlines
- Prepare a concise writing sample that highlights your voice and project
- Draft a statement of purpose outlining your goals and strengths
- Gather references or recommendations if requested by the program
- Submit early and tailor materials to reflect genre and career interests
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I apply if I am early in my writing journey and have not published before?
Yes, Girls Write Now welcomes emerging writers at any stage, focusing on voice, potential, and dedication rather than prior credits.
What genres does the program accept, and are nonfiction writers included?
The program accepts memoir, creative nonfiction, essays, poetry, fiction, and hybrid forms, ensuring broad genre representation.
Is there a cost to participate, and what financial support is available?
Many programs operate on a sliding scale or scholarship model, with targeted aid to reduce financial barriers for qualifying writers.
How does mentorship work, and can I request a mentor in a specific genre?
Mentors are matched based on genre alignment and professional expertise, with opportunities to request preferences when possible within program guidelines.