Applicants are selected on the strength and promise of the work submitted and on the committee's judgment that the applicant is likely to benefit from and contribute to the conference.
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SWC Update
We have some important changes to the conference this year as we try to address challenging budgetary issues in ways that align with our values. Since 2021, we have worked to reduce hierarchy at the conference, so we've decided to approach budget cuts partly through adopting a more egalitarian approach. To that end, we will no longer offer publication/production-based fellowships and scholarships, but instead shift toward providing need-based aid. Tuition, room, and board will now be $3,000 for all participants, who will have the same reading time, status, and opportunities. $3,000 is 40% of the actual cost to attend, so every writer will receive 60% support to participate.
We're still working to determine our process for need-based aid and are just beginning to raise funds for this endeavor.
Publications or productions are not required for admission
There is a $15 application fee
Applicants must be 21 years of age by the time of the conference
All participants are expected to attend the conference for its entire 12-day duration
We will announce all decisions on April 15
cost to attend
Thanks to the generosity of the Walter E. Dakin Memorial Fund, supported by the estate of Tennessee Williams, all writers who attend the Sewanee Writers’ Conference receive partial support to attend.
CONFERENCE FEES (AFTER ASSISTANCE)
Participants $3,000
If admitted to the conference, participants secure their places by sending deposits of $300 by May 1. The balance of the fee is due in Sewanee by May 15.
All participants are responsible for their own travel costs.
Application manuscripts
Applicants accepted to the conference will have the opportunity to submit a separate manuscript for workshop.
fiction
Fiction application manuscripts should be 20-30 pages, typed, double-spaced (examples: a novel excerpt, a longer story, or two or more short stories).
nonfiction
Nonfiction application manuscripts should be 20-30 pages, typed, double-spaced.
poetry
Poetry application manuscripts should be 10-15 pages, single-spaced.
playwriting
Playwriting application manuscripts should be a play or an excerpt of a play (please send 20 pages minimum), standard playscript format.
application faq
Can I apply in more than one genre?
Absolutely, but you can only attend workshop in one genre. If you are admitted in more than one genre, you may choose your preferred genre to participate in.
How competitive is it to be accepted?
For the last few years, we've received 1,200-1,800 applications for 144 available spots.
Is the application manuscript the same as the workshop manuscript?
No. We ask for workshop manuscripts by May 15.
Can I request who to work with at the application stage?
No. We ask for your first four preferences with participant forms, after participants are admitted to the conference.
Does applying early help?
No. While we appreciate early applications, we do not make any decisions until all applications have been read.
If admitted to the Conference, can I defer my acceptance?
We only accept deferrals for medical reasons or for pregnancy. Otherwise, we encourage you to apply again another year if you can’t make it that summer.
