Overview
Get the Word Out is a publicity incubator for early career authors. Under the mentorship of an accomplished book publicist, writers will develop and execute publicity strategies to maximize the exposure of their first book, reach readers, and create a platform to propel their literary careers.
Get the Word Out fellows will:
Participate in a six-session online publicity workshop led by an experienced book publicist.
Attend six online seminars with leading media, events, marketing, and sales professionals, and accomplished authors.
Devote time outside of scheduled sessions to implement book publicity strategies they are acquiring in workshops and seminars.
Contribute to a peer learning community by sharing what works and what does not, helping each member of the cohort to amplify their impact.
In addition, alumni of the program are eligible to apply for The Poets & Writers Fellowship at Vermont Studio Center, which provides a fully funded three-week residency to fiction writers and poets in alternate years.
There is no application fee and no cost to those who are invited to participate. Learn about past Get the Word Out fellows.
Meet the 2025 Fiction Publicity Mentor
Jennifer Huang is a freelance publicist at Cento Lit, a farmer on the Oregon Coast, and the author of Return Flight. Previously a publicist at Riverhead Books and The Shipman Agency, Jennifer enjoys working with authors and books that don't neatly fit into one box and helping authors "do" publicity in a way that feels true to themselves. In their spare time, Jennifer enjoys walking wherever they can, eating popsicles, and learning new crafts.
Selection Criteria
Fellows will be selected based on the strength of their statement of purpose, writing sample, and suitability for the program.
Get the Word Out is open to all eligible applicants. The program aims to support writers who might not otherwise have access to in-depth publicity support and to help develop strong literary voices nationwide. To that end, we encourage applications from writers who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or person of color), writers with disabilities, LGBTQ+ writers, writers from outside of New York City, writers who do not have an MFA or equivalent degree, and writers whose books are slated to be published by independent presses.
The selection decisions of Poets & Writers will be final and not subject to review.
How to Apply
Authors can apply to the program via Poet & Writers’ online application. Applications must include:
A completed application form
A double-spaced excerpt (max: 10 pages) in 12 pt. font from your forthcoming book.
An author bio (max: 250 words)
Applications for the 2025 Fiction Cohort are due September 30, 2024.
For more information, please email programs@pw.org.
Supporters
Get the Word Out was developed with funding from Leonard and Louise Riggio, with additional support from Macmillan Publishers.