The Ann Friedman Weekly Fellowship is a private, annual fellowship designed to support emerging nonfiction writers who have not yet established themselves in the field. Sponsored by the Ann Friedman Weekly and funded by its paid subscribers, the fellowship provides financial, editorial, and promotional support to selected fellows. The core mission of the fellowship is to mentor and uplift promising new voices in nonfiction, helping them gain exposure, refine their craft, and connect with broader audiences.
The program spans approximately nine months each calendar year, from April to December. During this period, fellows receive a $5,000 stipend, structured mentorship and editing support, and regular check-ins to provide accountability and guidance. A unique aspect of the fellowship is the opportunity for fellows to publish and promote their work through the Ann Friedman Weekly newsletter, offering valuable exposure to a wide readership.
While the fellowship does not provide detailed information about allowable expenses, the structure implies that the stipend is intended to provide general support for writing and project development during the fellowship term. No cost sharing or matching funds are required for participation.
Eligibility is tailored to nonfiction writers who are early in their careers and not yet established, though specific criteria such as age, publication history, or institutional affiliation are not detailed. The fellowship appears to be open to individuals broadly and is not restricted to residents of any specific state or country, suggesting a likely national or potentially international scope.
Applications for the 2026 cycle will open in December 2025, though exact opening and closing dates have not yet been published. Selection appears to be competitive, with three fellows selected annually in recent years. There is no mention of pre-application steps, specific forms, or required documents at this stage, nor are evaluation criteria disclosed.
For inquiries, interested applicants are encouraged to contact Ann Friedman via email at ann@ladyswagger.com. Questions specific to newsletter submissions can be directed to Mercedes Gonzales-Bazan at assistant@ladyswagger.com. The program does not offer a downloadable PDF or publicly accessible application form at this time.
