The Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship

The Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship provides £18,000 to African writers to help them complete the first draft of a full-length book written in English. The scholarship supports both fiction and non-fiction writers, offers flexible non-residential funding for 12 months (or up to 18 months for selected non-fiction projects), and includes post-scholarship mentoring opportunities.

About the Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship

The Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship is an annual programme that provides financial support to talented African writers, allowing them to focus on completing the first draft of a full-length book.

The scholarship is designed to reduce financial pressures so that writers can dedicate time to producing high-quality literary work. It supports both fiction and non-fiction projects and aims to promote African voices in global literature.

After completing the scholarship, recipients may also receive mentoring from established authors or publishers to support the development of their manuscripts.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

Scholarship Amount: £18,000
Payment Schedule: Monthly instalments
Scholarship Duration: 12 months
Extended Support: Up to 18 months for selected non-fiction writers requiring additional research time
Mentoring Opportunity: Guidance from an established author or publisher after the scholarship period (at the Foundation’s discretion)
Living Arrangement: Non-residential, allowing scholars to live and work wherever they choose

The scholarship enables writers to focus on completing a book without relocating or attending a residency.

Programme Objectives

The scholarship aims to:

Support African writers in completing a full-length manuscript.
Encourage high-quality fiction and non-fiction writing.
Increase the publication of African literature.
Reduce financial barriers for writers.
Support long-term literary careers.
Provide mentoring opportunities for emerging and established writers.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Write in English.
Be born in Africa, or
Have both parents born in Africa.
Propose a new full-length book.
Submit all required application materials.
Demonstrate literary ability through previously published work.

The scholarship welcomes both emerging and established writers who meet these requirements.

Eligible Writing Projects

The scholarship supports:

Adult fiction novels
Adult non-fiction books

The proposed manuscript must:

Be a new work.
Be written in English.
Contain at least 80,000 words.
Be intended as a full-length adult book.

Ineligible Projects

The following are not eligible:

Poetry collections
Plays
Film or television scripts
Children’s books
Short story collections
Collaborative writing projects
Academic research
Scientific publications
Religious writings
Political writings
Highly specialised technical works

Only full-length adult fiction and non-fiction manuscripts are supported.

Scholarship Requirements

During the scholarship period, recipients are expected to:

Produce at least 10,000 new words each month.
Continue writing until the first draft is completed or the scholarship period ends.
Revise and improve the manuscript if the first draft is completed early.

The Foundation monitors progress through monthly writing submissions.

Voluntary Contribution

Scholars are requested to make a voluntary contribution to support future writers.

Recipients are asked to contribute:

20% of future earnings generated by the book produced during the scholarship.

This may include income from:

Book sales
Film and television rights
Translation rights
Serialisation rights
Other related income

This contribution is voluntary and helps sustain future scholarship programmes.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Published Writing Sample

Submit:

An excerpt of 2,000–5,000 words
From a work that has already been published
Evidence that the work has been offered for commercial sale

The writing sample will be assessed solely on literary merit.

2. Book Proposal

Applicants must provide a proposal of 400–1,000 words describing:

The proposed book
Main themes
Story or subject
Writing approach
Overall vision

The proposal should explain the significance and originality of the project.

3. Author Biography

Applicants must submit a biography of 200–300 words covering:

Writing background
Career achievements
Relevant experience
Previous publications

Shortlisting Process

Writers shortlisted for the scholarship will:

Be notified at the end of October.
Be required to submit a 3,000–4,000-word sample chapter from the proposed manuscript.
Submit the sample chapter within 15 days of notification.

The sample chapter helps assess the quality and potential of the proposed book.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Ensure that:

You write in English.
You were born in Africa or both parents were born in Africa.
Your proposed manuscript is eligible.

Step 2: Prepare Your Writing Sample

Select an excerpt of 2,000–5,000 words from a previously published book.

Include evidence showing that the publication has been commercially available.

Step 3: Write Your Book Proposal

Prepare a 400–1,000-word proposal explaining:

The book’s concept
Main themes
Structure
Objectives
Expected length

The manuscript must be a new work of at least 80,000 words.

Step 4: Prepare Your Biography

Write a 200–300-word biography highlighting:

Your writing experience
Publications
Literary achievements

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete the application and upload all required documents before the programme deadline.

If shortlisted, submit the requested sample chapter within the required timeframe.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Many talented writers struggle to dedicate sufficient time to writing because of financial pressures. This scholarship allows authors to focus on producing substantial literary work while contributing to the growth of African literature.

The programme supports:

African storytelling
Literary excellence
Diverse voices in publishing
Professional writing careers
High-quality fiction and non-fiction
Long-term author development

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

Submitting a high-quality published writing sample.
Presenting an original and compelling book proposal.
Clearly explaining the importance of the proposed book.
Demonstrating strong writing ability.
Following all word limits carefully.
Providing clear evidence of previous publication.
Submitting a well-written professional biography.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

Submitting unpublished writing samples.
Providing insufficient evidence of commercial publication.
Proposing poetry, scripts, children’s books, or short story collections.
Exceeding or falling below the required word limits.
Submitting collaborative writing projects.
Proposing academic or specialised technical works.
Missing the sample chapter deadline if shortlisted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship?

It is an annual scholarship that provides £18,000 to eligible African writers to complete the first draft of a full-length book written in English.

2. Who can apply?

Applicants must write in English and either be born in Africa or have both parents born in Africa.

3. How much funding is available?

Successful applicants receive £18,000, paid in monthly instalments over 12 months. Selected non-fiction writers may receive extended funding for up to 18 months.

4. What types of books are eligible?

The scholarship supports full-length adult fiction and non-fiction books of at least 80,000 words.

5. What writing sample must be submitted?

Applicants must submit a 2,000–5,000-word excerpt from a work that has already been published and commercially available.

6. Are poetry collections or children’s books eligible?

No. Poetry, plays, film scripts, children’s books, collaborative works, and short story collections are not eligible.

7. What happens after the scholarship ends?

Scholars may have the opportunity to receive mentoring from an established author or publisher, with mentoring costs covered at the Foundation’s discretion.

Conclusion

The Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for African writers seeking financial support to complete a full-length book in English. By providing £18,000, flexible non-residential funding, and potential post-scholarship mentoring, the programme enables writers to focus on producing high-quality fiction and non-fiction while contributing to the continued growth and global recognition of African literature. Writers with strong literary ability, a compelling book proposal, and a commitment to completing their manuscript will be well positioned for this scholarship opportunity.