Underrepresented Writers Scholarship
A high-touch program to help historically marginalized people write books that feature protagonists like them
Applications close
December 8
The world feels pretty shitty these days.
What with fascism and climate change and genocide and the many systems of oppression we live within, it’s easy to get pulled into a pit of existential despair. It’s easy to feel like there’s nothing we can do.
But as a writer, you have a secret weapon, and it’s story.
Story has the power to change the world, because our brains are wired to respond to it. When we read a story, we live it. To our brains, it’s as through we’ve been the protagonist.
That’s why we need more stories in the world from writers like you.
We need more stories from the people who’ve been overlooked, gatekept, and under-supported.
I want to help you write a story that shows the world there’s more than one way to be.
Let’s write your story.
is a high-touch program that supports underreprsented writers as they discover, plan, draft, and revise novels that feature a protagonist like them.
The Underrepresented Writers Scholarship
Underrepresented writers are those who hold historically marginalized identities which have been gatekept, overlooked, or undersupported by publishers and readers.
Books that receive a scholarship do not need to center around divisive, traumatic, or polarizing themes or messages. They simply need to feature a protagonist who holds one or more of the writer’s underrepresented identities.
Writers who are underrepresented may identify as…
BIPOC
AAPI
LGBTQQIP2SAA+
An Immigrant
Neurodivergent
Fat
Unhoused
Low Income
Having a mental disability
Having a physical disability
Housing Insecure
Formerly Imprisoned
…or another identity which is underrepresented in publishing
Scholarship Benefits
Two-year membership in the Rooted Writers Mentorship
24 hours of private coaching, to be used in one-on-one calls or coaching intensives
Two outline or manuscript assessments
The Underrepresented Writers Scholarship is valued at $24,000. One to three scholarships will be awarded according to available funds.
Let me introduce myself.
Hi, I'm Dani Abernathy.
I’m a book coach and Enneagram teacher who helps deep thinkers and feelers write the stories they need to tell so their readers can feel seen and can see others.
I believe stories can change the world, one reader at a time, because they teach us to have more compassion for ourselves and others.
Stories are one of our most powerful tools for having less war and more love, and that’s why I’m on a mission to support folks like you as you write brave stories that tell the truth (even in a fantasy world).
Story has changed me.
It’s given me the context to understand people I was afraid of, the courage to confront myself, and the drive to see the world made better.
I want more books in the world that show the vast expanse of human existence—how we are all the same and different and wonderful—because story is the best way to dismantle hatred, soften fear, and build compassion.
That’s why I created the Underrepresented Writers Scholarship.
Candidates for the Underrepresented Writers Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
Hold one or more historically marginalized identities which their protagonist shares, whether literally or figuratively, as in the case of speculative fiction
Be at least 18 years of age
Be writing fantasy, science fiction, speculative fiction, young adult, women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, historical fiction, or romance. The following genres do not qualify for the program at this time: thriller, mystery, suspense, memoir, poetry, short story, middle grade, children’s books and non-fiction.
Intend to publish through traditional, hybrid, or self publishing
My training lies in developmental support and not in English-language or grammatical education. To ensure that no element of your novel is overlooked, writers must:
Be writing in English
Be comfortable communicating in English
Have a basic understanding of grammar and writing skills
Are unable to enroll in the Rooted Writers Mentorship due to financial restrictions
The Underrepresented Writers Scholarship is right for you if see yourself in these statements:
Life-long reader and writer
Care more about reaching your reader than you do about other accolades
Long for a writing community where you really belong
Enjoy self-paced coursework
Deep thinker and feeler
Self-proclaimed weirdo
Writing something deeply personal to you
Want to make your reader feel seen and help them see others
Application Process
Phase One: Apply
Writers submit their application and writing sample to the program from November 7 to December 8
Applicants are evaluated for scholarship fit
Phase Two candidates are notified on December 16
Phase Two: Discover
Applicants work through the first phase of the Story Tree Process, as much as they are able
Applicants submit any completed work by January 26, 2025
Applicants are evaluated for program and story fit
Phase Three candidates are notified on February 3
Phase Three: Connect
Applicants attend a discovery call with Dani
Applicants are assessed for community and coaching fit
Scholarship recipients are notified by March 7
Recipients attend a Kickoff Call and get started!
Ready to Apply?
Submit your email and I’ll send you all the details.
Support an Underrepresented Writer
I set aside 10% of my revenue to fund scholarships. I’m currently able to fund almost one scholarship spot, but that’s not good enough!
I want to support three underrepresented writers through this program.
So I need your help.
If you believe in the power of books to change the world, please give a one-time or recurring donation. $12,000 funds one scholarship recipient for one year.
If all of my 3,000 email subscribers gave $12, we’d be able to fund three scholarships for the first year of the program.
That said, if you’re able to give more, please do. Not everyone is able or willing to give. Recurring donations are especially helpful.
We can do this!
If scholarships are fully funded, I’ll use the 10% scholarship designation to award financial aid to other underrepresented writers.
Funds Raised
$1,191
Every red square represents $1,000 raised. Last updated: Nov 8, 2024
$12,000
Year One scholarship for one writer
$24,000
Year One scholarship for two writers
$36,000:
Year One scholarship for three writers
Donations will be accepted up to $72,000 which would fund Year One and Two scholarship for three writers.