According to Publishing Perspectives, over 80% of Americans aspire to write a book. Finding the time and resources to achieve this objective can be difficult, especially while working full-time or caring for a family.
You can remove some of the roadblocks by sponsoring your book ambitions with government money, such as grants. If you have enough money to cover your living expenses, you may be able to work less and write more.
If you need immediate funding, you might think of loans for your business. Merchant Cash Advance via GAD Capital might be a good idea!
Create a Book Outline
Many grant applications need you to outline your book to demonstrate that you have a solid, well-developed concept. This is also known as a synopsis. A synopsis, often known as an outline, summarizes the critical plot points in a book’s story. You can also use it to highlight examples of character growth. An outline shows the plot and character arcs contains spoilers and tells the grant reviewer how your tale ends.
Begin writing
You could have a fantastic plot for a book, but the book will fail if your writing fails to meet your outline’s objectives. Many grant applications require you to submit at least the first chapter to demonstrate your writing ability for the grant application. Any writing you submit should be polished and follow your outline strictly. Having critique partners or editors look at the writing sample you’re sending will help you present your best pages.
Look for available funding
Research grants are available depending on where you live and which categories you fall into.
The website Funds For Writers contains a list of grant opportunities for writers. GrantSpace.com recommends looking through the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) directory, your town’s arts council, and your state’s art commission to discover writing grants.
According to the NASAA website, almost $5 million in literature awards were awarded in 2013.
The awards also differ in terms of what they provide. According to the Funds For Writers website, some can cover the cost of attending a writers conference, while others can pay for you to write for months. Determine what you’ll need to make your book a reality and apply for the grant that best meets your requirements.
Non-Fiction vs. Fiction
Nonfiction grants are more common than fiction grants, but you must demonstrate that your book idea has a societal impact to win one. The Funds For Writers website, for example, stipulates that many writers requesting a grant must demonstrate the project’s impact on global humanities. According to Publishing Perspectives, the government Fulbright fellowship program is most renowned for awarding fellowships in hard sciences, public health, anthropology, and economics. However, innovative authors are also eligible, according to the website.
The Pulitzer Prize has been granted to more than 80 Fulbright fellows.
Submit your application
Each award will have its own set of forms and applications and writing samples and outlines to complete. Ensure you read all grant instructions thoroughly to meet the eligibility requirements.
This will save you from wasting time on grants you are ineligible. Follow all of the processes and provide all of the relevant information. Grant applications are time-consuming, and you don’t want to be dismissed due to omissions.