Writer Grants: Funding for Your Next Novel

Whether you are writing your first book or your third, a writing grant is worth considering. 
Here at Rowanvale we have put together some questions and answers to help you understand what exactly a writer grant is, what it can be used for, and examples of writer grants you can access.  
 
What is a writer grant?
In short, a writer grant is a sum of money that can help support your journey as an author. Obtaining a grant can provide you with a salary while you embark on your next project. Grants are essentially free money! 
 
What can I use the writer grant for?
Grants are generally put towards anything that will help fund your writing project. Writing grants can give you the time and money to dedicate yourself to your work. This money could cover the time it takes to sit down and write the book, or it could help go towards the costs of advertising and printing. You could also use the money to help you cover the costs of maintenance whilst starting your next project. However, note that some grants specify exactly what they can be used for within the application process.  
 
Am I eligible for a writer grant?
There is nothing worse than getting halfway through an application and realisation hits! You do not meet the awarding body’s requirements. Some grants are solely for unpublished authors, whereas others remain open only to authors with works that have been published previously. Some may not extend these grants to self-published authors, and others may only include self-published authors. Make sure to carefully read the eligibility requirements on any grant you apply for. 
 
What are the different types of writer grants?
When looking at what writer grants will work for you as an author and writer, it is important to do your research. Make sure to thoroughly read through and research your sought-after writing grant. To save you some time, we have compiled some information on 4 different grants for writers and their application processes:  

• The White Pube Writers Grant 

 Based in the UK, The White Pube Grant supports writers of all ages. This Working Class Writers Grant is given out to a different working-class writer each month to help them with their career of becoming a writer. The financial aid can be used to support you as a writer, however that may be. To be selected, a writer is chosen based on their ongoing research. The application process is simple! Email The White Pube here to introduce yourself (including your contact details) and attach an example of your writing. 
 

• The Royal Literary Fund 

 As a British charity, The Royal Literary Fund helps to support a range of literary writers, from novels and poetry, to crime and children’s literature. There is a vast range available for different writers. This grant offers financial support to writers who may be struggling due to hardships within their life. To be eligible for this writer grant you must be a commercially published writer, with several works already published. Unfortunately, this grant does not extend to self-published authors right now. However, it is always useful to keep an eye out for any changes! To apply, you’ll need to fill in their application form. They will request details on your income, expenditure and examples of your published works.  
 

• The Black Artists Grant (BAG) ​

BAG is a grant posed by Creative Debuts. This £500 grant aims to help black artists within the UK. This grant can be spent on absolutely anything you want. It could be used for working on new writing, researching or covering the cost of your living situation. This is a monthly rolling grant and has no age limit! Although you may not be selected for the month you applied for, BAG stores applications to be kept and reviewed. This means that you could be chosen in the future for this grant. To apply you need to fill out a form introducing yourself and discussing your creative side, as well as linking to a portfolio of your work.  
 

• The Society of Authors  

The Society of Authors have a grant for works in progress. SoA helps to support authors through all stages of their career. There is a multitude of different grants offered, however the grant for works in progress ranges between £2,000 to £3,500. This grant is awarded twice a year. The two application deadlines are the 1st of February and 1st of July. This grant cannot be used to cover the costs of publication but rather the time to write, basic living costs and research trips. To apply you must fill in an application form including information on your work in progress and details about yourself. You cannot apply more than once a year. If you are choosing to traditionally publish, this may be the grant for you! Unfortunately, self-published authors are unable to apply to this grant. However, it is important to keep SoA in mind as their policies for eligibility are kept under review by the charity trustees.