Kenyon Review Fellowship
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 30
The Kenyon Review Fellowship is recognized as one of the most competitive programs for early-career writers in the United States. Awarded biennially by The Kenyon Review, a journal consistently ranked among the top tier of American literary magazines by sources like Poets & Writers, the fellowship draws hundreds of applicants for just a handful of spots. Designed specifically for writers who have not yet published a full-length book, the two-year program provides a $40,000 annual stipend, health benefits, teaching opportunities, and direct editorial experience.
What sets this fellowship apart is its dual emphasis on creative development and professional preparation. Fellows not only receive time and financial support to advance their manuscripts but also engage with Kenyon College’s literary and academic community, contributing to workshops, editorial projects, and public events. This structure positions the fellowship as a pipeline to long-term careers in writing, publishing, and academia, with past recipients going on to secure book contracts, win national awards, and obtain tenure-track positions at universities.
By combining financial stability, mentorship, and access to a respected literary platform, the Kenyon Review Fellowship remains a highly sought-after credential that strengthens a writer’s standing in a competitive industry where acceptance rates for top fellowships often fall below 5%.
What is the Kenyon Review Fellowship?
The Kenyon Review Fellowship is a highly competitive two-year program created to support emerging writers of exceptional promise who have not yet published a full-length book. Open to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, the fellowship provides recipients with both the time and resources to focus on their craft while gaining valuable teaching and editorial experience.
Fellows receive a $40,000 annual stipend, full health benefits, and dedicated support from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. In addition to pursuing their own creative projects, fellows teach undergraduate courses, mentor students, and contribute to the editorial work of The Kenyon Review, one of the most respected literary journals in the United States.
This structure allows fellows to develop their writing careers in tandem with hands-on experience in academia and publishing, preparing them for long-term success as both authors and literary professionals. By combining financial support, professional development, and a vibrant literary community, the Kenyon Review Fellowship has become a sought-after opportunity for writers looking to establish themselves on the national stage.
A Balance of Writing and Teaching
The Kenyon Review Fellowship stands out for its integration of creative practice with academic engagement. Fellows typically teach one undergraduate course per semester, enabling them to share their expertise while advancing their own manuscripts. Beyond the classroom, fellows participate in community outreach initiatives and contribute directly to the editorial operations of The Kenyon Review, gaining firsthand experience in literary publishing. This balance of responsibilities ensures fellows develop both as writers and as professionals prepared for future roles in teaching, editing, or arts leadership.
Mentorship and Literary Engagement
Another defining feature of the fellowship is its emphasis on mentorship and literary community. Fellows collaborate closely with Kenyon College faculty, visiting writers, and the editorial team at The Kenyon Review. They are also active participants in public readings, workshops, and campus literary events, building a strong professional network during their tenure. These connections frequently lead to publication opportunities, editorial collaborations, and long-term career partnerships, extending the fellowship’s impact well beyond its two-year term.
A Launchpad for Literary Careers
The Kenyon Review Fellowship has established itself as a springboard for some of today’s most accomplished literary voices. Past fellows have gone on to publish award-winning books, secure tenure-track faculty positions, and receive national recognition for their work. For example, Jaquira Díaz, a former Kenyon Review Fellow in Prose, published her memoir, Ordinary Girls (2019), which won the Whiting Award and was named a finalist for the Kirkus Prize. Margaree Little, a poetry fellow, has released her debut collection, Rest, through Four Way Books and earned recognition for her critical and scholarly work.
Other fellows, including Jaime Brunton and Misha Rai, have transitioned from the program into teaching positions and editorial roles, using the fellowship as both a professional credential and a foundation for long-term careers in academia and publishing. The combination of dedicated writing time, teaching experience, and editorial engagement makes the fellowship uniquely positioned to prepare emerging writers for success across multiple facets of the literary world.
Within literary circles, the Kenyon Review Fellowship is regarded as a prestigious credential that signals both talent and professional readiness. It strengthens a writer’s portfolio, enhances their academic standing, and connects them with a respected literary community that continues to support fellows long after the program concludes.
For writers eager to immerse themselves in a vibrant literary environment while receiving structured financial and professional support, the Kenyon Review Fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity. Full details on eligibility, application requirements, and upcoming deadlines can be found on The Kenyon Review’s official website.
Have you participated in the Kenyon Review Fellowship? Share your story with us—we’d love to hear about your experience.
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