Literary Journal

Steinbeck Fellows Program

Open now

Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

The Steinbeck Fellows Program, hosted at San José State University, was established to honor the legacy of John Steinbeck by supporting emerging writers of exceptional promise. Since its inception, the fellowship has provided writers with a year of financial support, office space, and access to university resources, allowing them to focus on a significant literary project. The program is rooted in Steinbeck's own commitment to social justice and the dignity of ordinary lives, encouraging work that engages with the complexities of the American experience. Fellows are selected annually through a competitive process, with a emphasis on fiction, creative nonfiction, and drama that demonstrates a distinctive voice and a serious artistic vision.

Submitting your work

Reading periodOpen now

Applicants should submit a writing sample that reflects a serious, sustained project, along with a clear and compelling project description. The selection committee looks for work that demonstrates literary merit, originality, and a connection to Steinbeck's thematic concerns, such as social justice, community, and the human condition. It is advisable to review past fellows' work to understand the program's aesthetic range. The application typically requires a resume, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample of up to 30 pages. Deadlines are usually in early winter, and applicants are encouraged to apply well before the due date to ensure all materials are received.

Submission calls

1 listed

OpenDeadline · 2027-01-05