Update! The 2026 fellows have been chosen. Meet the fellows HERE.
For over a decade SmokeLong has supported emerging writers through The Kathy Fish Fellowship, later renamed The SmokeLong Quarterly Emerging Writer Fellowship. As we have grown, we’ve decided to offer a program that will help not only one emerging writer per year but up to four. Are you excited about taking the next step with your writing? Read what our most recent SmokeLong Emerging Writer fellows have said about their time with SmokeLong.
The SmokeLong Quarterly Emerging Writer Fellowship 2026 — January to June
As a SmokeLong Fellow you will read the SmokeLong submissions queue for six months with our team of 19 submissions editors, gaining valuable experience behind the scenes at a lively literary journal. Reading submissions is the best way to learn what works and what doesn’t in any form.
You will also have free access to SmokeLong Fitness, the community workshop of SmokeLong Quarterly for six months. Active participation in this workshop is expected from SmokeLong fellows.
You will receive feedback on two drafts under 1000 words each month from the senior SmokeLong editors.
Application Requirements
Applicants must be
- emerging writers, meaning writers who have not published a book-length work of fiction or non-fiction;
- passionate about the form and future of the flash narrative;
- eighteen years of age or older;
- willing to spend 5-7 hours a week reading submissions;
- committed to being a lively participant in SmokeLong Fitness, the community workshop of SmokeLong;
- excited about learning.
What we want to see:
- three examples of your writing (each under 1000 words)
- a statement of your commitment including your reasons for applying for this fellowship (300 words)
Ready to apply? Deadline December 15th, midnight NYC!
In September 2022 SmokeLong launched a workshop environment/community christened SmokeLong Fitness. This community workshop is happening right now on our dedicated workshop site. If you choose to join us, you will work in a small group of around 15-20 participants to give and receive feedback on flash narratives—one new writing task each week.