InqWork Writer Development Grant
Your story has been waiting long enough. InqWork seeks nine African writers, offering grants, platform access, and reader audiences ready for their work.
About this grant
This is not a competition. It is a beginning.
The program prioritizes emerging writers over polished manuscripts, seeking those who have been writing in private and wondering if anyone would care.
Grant details
- KES 6,000 award with no conditions
- 9 writers selected
- Coaching with experienced publishers
- Featured placement on an African storytelling platform
- Access to engaged African readers
Eligibility & theme
Who can apply: Novel and short story writers, published or unpublished.
Cohort 1 theme: “Nairobi Nights — When the sun goes down, a different city wakes up.”
Judging criteria
- Originality: Fresh worlds, voices, perspectives
- Storytelling skill: Real characters, compelling plots
- Writing quality: Grammar, craft, deliberate word choice
Submission requirements
Two components are required:
- A 500-word synopsis capturing the essence of your story
- Four opening chapters (1,200–2,400 words each)
Submit to editor@inqwork.africa. Application deadline: 20 June 2026. Cost: free.
Terms & conditions
- Original, unpublished work only
- Authors retain full copyright
- InqWork may use brief excerpts with attribution
- Merit-based selection; no correspondence regarding decisions
- Program subject to amendment or withdrawal