By Jeanne Erdmann, AHCJ board member and freelance committee chair
Fellowships look great on your resume, but they become increasingly competitive. Freelancers can have an especially tough time winning a fellowship because we have to find editors who will support the project through a strong reference letter and provide a place to publish the stories.
Tips for your application package:
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Be prepared to put a lot of work into your application package. If possible, start a year ahead. Get some clips in your topic area and think through the project thoroughly. This also gives you time to find editors who will support your project.
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Being published in the area you want to write helps a great deal, so get as many clips as possible in the subject matter.
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Knowing your subject well will help you make the case to get your application accepted.
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If you don’t have stories published in the subject matter you are proposing, make certain your idea is strong and fresh and can produce a variety of stories.
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Here is where writing for a lesser-paying publication can come in handy. Sites that are hungry for stories would be open to publishing stories in a subject area you are passionate about and would be more likely to support your fellowship with a strong reference letter and a place for your stories.
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Some fellowships like Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT don’t allow you to publish during the fellowship year so ask yourself if you are willing to comply.
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Some fellowships require residency on site.
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Reach out to others who have already had a particular fellowship and ask for some tips. You can also get firsthand knowledge about the fellowship. If you know this person well, ask them to review your fellowship package and get some feedback.
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If you have any questions, reach out to the sponsors.
In your package be sure to:
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Include some personal information in your bio.
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Spend time refining your writing.
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Create a seamless narrative that encompasses your entire package.
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If you’re proposing a topic that a previous fellow has already covered, explain how your story package will advance this topic.
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If you have a friend who is also an editor, have that person write a letter of recommendation.
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If the fellowship includes a budget, for example $10,000, take a lot of care to submit a detailed justification for why you need that money so you can get the full amount.
Remember:
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Some fellowships may have more of a PR bent — so before you apply — follow the money and look into who the funders are — some fellowships may essentially be a PR tour.
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Don’t be dissuaded if you are turned down. This happens more frequently than you think. Just get some feedback and reapply.
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AHCJ is compiling a list of awards, grants and fellowships in its Freelance Center.
