Please read the entire grant guidelines for the grant program prior to reviewing these FAQs. Many questions are answered in the guidelines, with additional clarification or examples provided here. If you cannot find the answer to your questions, please contact Lisa Smalls.
This FAQ was last updated August 31, 2026.
- I only have draft chapters, and the manuscript isn’t finished yet. Can I still apply?
Yes. This fellowship is specifically designed to support works-in-progress. Eligible submissions may include draft chapters, sections of a longer work, or manuscripts undergoing substantial revision, if the work is actively being developed and fellowship support would meaningfully advance it.
- Are all literary genres eligible?
Yes. The Southern Prize for Literature is open to all literary genres, provided the submitted work is an original book-length manuscript in development and meets all other eligibility requirements.
- My work is exploratory and still evolving in form or structure. Is that acceptable?
Yes. Exploratory or generative writing is eligible when it demonstrates elements such as structure, character, argument, or voice. Panelists are instructed to recognize the developmental nature of work-in-progress.
- Are students eligible to apply?
The Southern Prize for Literature is intended to support professional writers. In keeping with classifications commonly used across academia, students enrolled in degree-granting programs are not considered professionals for the purposes of this award and are not eligible to apply.
- I am a professional writer who has returned to school. Can I apply?
Applicants who can demonstrate an established professional writing practice through their CV may be considered only if the submitted work is not related to coursework and is not being completed as a requirement toward a degree, regardless of the program of study. Grant funds also may not be used for tuition, fees, supplies, travel, or any other costs associated with pursuing the course of study.
- Will I be penalized because my work isn’t finished or publication-ready?
No. In-progress submissions are reviewed with the same seriousness as completed work. Panelists are specifically instructed not to penalize applicants for unfinished elements or exploratory passages when those qualities are integral to the work’s current stage.
- Do I need to complete or publish my manuscript during the grant period?
No. Completion or publication is not required. The fellowship prioritizes artistic process, experimentation, and development rather than finished outcomes.
- Does having a book deal make me ineligible?
No. Having a book deal does not automatically disqualify an applicant. The submitted work must still meet the program’s eligibility requirements. However, once completed, Awardees agree to credit South Arts in all marketing and publications.
- What should my Statement of Intent focus on if my work is still developing?
Your Statement of Intent should briefly explain the current stage of the manuscript, the artistic questions or challenges you are exploring, and how fellowship support would help advance the work. The statement provides context and is not used to assess feasibility or timelines.
- How are works in progress evaluated compared to completed manuscripts?
Works in progress are evaluated with the same rigor as completed work, using criteria that focus on artistic excellence and artistic merit, including originality, voice, vision, and promise for continued development.
- Can fellowship funds be used for research or experimentation, not just writing time?
Yes. Fellowship funds may support research, travel, archival work, experimentation with form or structure, professional consultation, and other activities that contribute to the work’s artistic development. This includes childcare/eldercare expenses as well as household help.
- I’m revising a manuscript that was recently updated but not finalized. Does that qualify?
Yes. Recently revised work that is not yet considered final or publication-ready is explicitly included among eligible works in progress.
- May I use generative AI in developing my manuscript?
The use of generative AI does not supersede the requirement that the submitted work be original and the sole intellectual and creative property of the author. Any use of generative AI must be disclosed in the application, including its purpose.
- If I receive the award, what will I be expected to report at the end?
Final reporting focuses on process and impact, not completion. Writers may reflect on how the fellowship supported their practice, progress made, insights gained, and next steps in development.
- I’m having trouble logging into Salesforce, or my application won’t submit. Who should I contact?
If you are experiencing technical issues such as login problems, upload errors, system glitches, or submission errors, please email grants@southarts.org for technical assistance.