Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Diverse Worlds Grant provides USD 500 to writers developing unpublished, book-length speculative fiction that naturally portrays diverse worlds through compelling storytelling, rich cultural settings, and well-developed characters. Open to writers worldwide regardless of publishing experience, the grant supports new works in genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, magical realism, and other speculative fiction.
Unlike grants focused on author identity, the Diverse Worlds Grant emphasizes the diversity within the fictional world itself, encouraging authentic and inclusive storytelling rather than token representation.
Diverse Worlds Grant Overview
The Diverse Worlds Grant supports writers creating book-length speculative fiction that features diverse societies, cultures, perspectives, and characters through thoughtful world-building and high-quality literary writing.
The programme encourages stories that naturally reflect the complexity of real and imagined worlds. Rather than requiring specific identity-based themes, the grant values originality, authenticity, and meaningful storytelling.
Funding is intended to help writers complete works that contribute fresh perspectives to speculative fiction.
Purpose of the Diverse Worlds Grant
The primary objective of the grant is to support writers developing imaginative speculative fiction that portrays diverse and believable fictional worlds.
The programme aims to:
- Encourage inclusive speculative fiction
- Support original book-length manuscripts
- Promote authentic world-building
- Reward literary quality and creative storytelling
- Help writers complete unpublished projects
- Expand diversity in speculative literature
The grant recognizes that diverse stories can emerge through thoughtful settings, cultures, and characters without relying on stereotypes or token representation.
What Is Meant by a “Diverse World”?
For this grant, a diverse world is a fictional setting that naturally reflects a variety of cultures, experiences, perspectives, and communities.
Reviewers are looking for stories that demonstrate:
- Rich cultural landscapes
- Well-developed fictional societies
- Meaningful character relationships
- Authentic representation
- Strong literary craftsmanship
- Complex and believable world-building
Projects do not need to focus on identity-related issues. Instead, diversity should be woven naturally into the story and setting.
Eligible Writing Genres
The grant supports book-length speculative fiction across a broad range of genres.
Eligible genres include:
- Hard science fiction
- Science fiction
- Epic fantasy
- Fantasy
- Horror
- Ghost stories
- Folk tales
- Fairy tales
- Magical realism
- Slipstream fiction
- Fabulist fiction
- Myth-inspired fiction
- Other speculative fiction
Projects may include elements of multiple speculative genres.
What Projects Are Eligible?
Eligible projects must:
- Be book-length manuscripts
- Be works of speculative fiction
- Be currently in progress
- Be unpublished
- Demonstrate strong literary quality
- Present a naturally diverse fictional world
The grant is intended to help writers complete new creative works rather than support already published projects.
What Is Not Eligible?
The following types of projects are not eligible:
- Previously published books
- Nonfiction
- Poetry
- Picture books
- Editorial projects
- Completed published manuscripts
Only new, unpublished speculative fiction manuscripts are eligible.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applications from writers around the world.
Eligible applicants include:
- Emerging writers
- First-time authors
- Self-published writers
- Traditionally published authors
- Independent writers
- International applicants
Applicants may apply regardless of previous publishing experience.
Works should be submitted in English, although manuscripts may incorporate other languages where appropriate.
Funding Amount
Successful applicants receive:
Grant Amount: USD 500
The funding is intended to support writers as they continue developing and completing their speculative fiction manuscripts.
Applicants may choose to apply for:
- The Diverse Worlds Grant
- The Diverse Writers Grant
- Both grants, if they meet the eligibility requirements
What Makes a Strong Application?
The programme values literary excellence alongside imaginative storytelling.
Competitive projects typically demonstrate:
- Strong writing quality
- Original storytelling
- Deep characterization
- Rich world-building
- Complex cultural settings
- Authentic diversity
- Creative imagination
The grant specifically discourages:
- Tokenistic diversity
- Stereotypical representation
- Diversity included solely to satisfy expectations
Instead, reviewers seek stories where diversity is an organic part of the fictional world.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit a complete application package.
Required materials include:
- A project description (maximum 500 words)
- A cover letter stating which grant or grants are being requested
- A short autobiographical statement (maximum 500 words)
- A bibliography of previously published work (if applicable)
Applicants without previous publishing credits are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply for the Diverse Worlds Grant
Applicants should prepare all required materials before submitting their application.
Step 1: Confirm Project Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that the manuscript:
- Is book-length
- Is speculative fiction
- Is unpublished
- Is currently in progress
The manuscript should align with the programme’s emphasis on diverse world-building.
Step 2: Write a Project Description
Prepare a project description of no more than 500 words explaining:
- Story concept
- Fictional setting
- Main characters
- Themes
- Current progress
- Overall creative vision
The description should clearly communicate the originality of the project.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants should include:
- Cover letter
- Short autobiography
- Publication bibliography (if applicable)
Each document should remain within the specified word limits.
Step 4: Review the Complete Application
Before submission, verify that:
- All required documents are included.
- Word limits have been followed.
- The manuscript is unpublished.
- The application complies with programme requirements.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application according to the programme guidelines.
Applicants may apply for either the Diverse Worlds Grant, the Diverse Writers Grant, or both, if eligible.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting published work
- Exceeding word limits
- Applying with nonfiction or poetry projects
- Presenting stereotypical or tokenistic diversity
- Omitting required application documents
- Failing to explain the project’s originality
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Build believable fictional cultures
- Develop memorable characters
- Demonstrate literary quality
- Show authentic diversity within the story world
- Clearly explain the manuscript’s unique strengths
- Carefully edit all application materials before submission
Why This Grant Matters
Speculative fiction has the power to imagine new societies, cultures, and futures.
The Diverse Worlds Grant helps:
- Expand diversity within speculative literature
- Encourage creative world-building
- Support emerging and established writers
- Promote inclusive storytelling
- Strengthen literary innovation
- Increase opportunities for unpublished authors worldwide
The programme contributes to a richer and more representative speculative fiction landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Diverse Worlds Grant?
The Diverse Worlds Grant provides USD 500 to support writers creating unpublished, book-length speculative fiction featuring authentic and naturally diverse fictional worlds.
Who can apply?
Writers from anywhere in the world may apply, regardless of previous publishing experience.
What genres are eligible?
Eligible genres include science fiction, fantasy, horror, ghost stories, magical realism, folk tales, fairy tales, slipstream fiction, and other speculative fiction.
Do stories need to focus on identity issues?
No. Projects are not required to focus on identity-related themes. Instead, reviewers seek stories that naturally portray diverse cultures, communities, and perspectives through strong storytelling.
How much funding is available?
Successful applicants receive a USD 500 grant.
Can unpublished writers apply?
Yes. Writers without previous publishing credits are fully eligible to apply.
Can applicants apply for both available grants?
Yes. Eligible writers may apply for the Diverse Worlds Grant, the Diverse Writers Grant, or both programmes if they meet the respective eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The Diverse Worlds Grant supports writers who are creating imaginative speculative fiction with rich, authentic, and inclusive fictional worlds.
By encouraging literary excellence, thoughtful world-building, and meaningful cultural representation, the programme helps writers complete original book-length manuscripts while contributing to greater diversity and creativity within global speculative fiction.
For more information, visit SLF.
