Emerging Voices Workshop LA

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Illustration by María Lavezzo

The Emerging Voices Workshop in Los Angeles serves early-career writers from communities underrepresented in the publishing world. An outgrowth of the long running Emerging Voices Fellowship, this in-person craft intensive shares the goal of demystifying publishing, cultivating literary community, and diversifying the publishing and entertainment industries.

The week-long workshop, offered twice annually, provides 15 writers the opportunity to develop a manuscript-in-progress with peers and expert instructors. Mornings are dedicated to guided poetry, fiction, and nonfiction workshops. Afternoons offer access to visiting authors, editors, publishers, digital marketers, and literary agents through exclusive presentations and Q&As on the business of books. Evenings feature opportunities to connect over meals, literary outings, and open mics, with the final day culminating in celebratory public reading of works-in-progress.

December Application Open NOW Until October 12th

Workshop Benefits and Components

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  • Five days of in-depth workshop time with expert creative writing instructors and peers on a current writing project
  • Guided writing exercises and self-investigative activities to generate creative insight and nurture self-awareness
  • Insider knowledge about publishing and entertainment direct from accomplished visiting authors, editors, publishers, and literary agents
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  • Opportunities to connect with fellow writers and the larger literary community through events, gatherings, and open mics
  • A final, public reading featuring new work by workshop writers
  • A complimentary one-year membership in PEN America
  • Deals and discounts for classes and programs from partner organizations
  • A submission guide for literary journals, agents, residencies, and workshops
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Guidelines and Eligibility

Workshop Timeline

Eligibility

Selection Criteria and Process

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in LA to apply to the Emerging Voices Workshop?

Are there any age restrictions?

Can I submit work that has been previously published?

Can you help me decide what work to submit as my writing sample?

How should the manuscript be formatted?

What does the selection committee look for in a manuscript?

When are applicants notified of acceptance to the workshop?

I write only screenplays/graphic novels/children’s books. Am I eligible?

Do I need to provide references?

Is there an application fee?

If offered a place in the Workshop, may I defer acceptance for another year?

If not awarded the Workshop, may I reapply for a future workshop?

Are current PEN America staff, interns, donors, and Board members eligible for the Emerging Voices Workshop? What about past staff, gap year fellows, interns, donors, and Board members?

Am I allowed to apply to both the Emerging Voices Workshop in Los Angeles and the Emerging Voices Fellowship?

Participants will be asked to agree to the House Rules of our workshop hosts The Unlikely Collaborators throughout the onsite and final reading. House rules are as follows:

For more information, please write to [email protected].

The Emerging Voices Workshop is made possible by the support of