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A while back I asked Leslie Zampetti to write an article that could help writers and illustrators apply for grants.  Today Leslie got the job done.  I am hoping that it will help you tackle the opportunity that grants provide. 

Here’s Leslie:

Many writers are intimidated by the process of applying for a grant or award, but really, it’s not that different from submitting work for publication. Too, while winning an award or grant is fabulous, the process of applying itself can improve your writing and bring it to a new level.

Step 1: Research.

Just like submitting to an agent, editor, or publisher, do your homework. Carefully read the application announcement, and make sure your writing fits the requirements for the grant. Check out previous winners’ work when possible. Add the application deadline to your calendar and see how it fits into your usual schedule. Most importantly, take the risk! Don’t talk yourself out of applying. A good friend pushed me to apply for a scholarship to the Highlights Foundation Children’s Writers Workshop in Chautauqua, NY last year whenI felt that others might be more economically deserving. Well, we were both right. I didn’t win a full scholarship – but I did win a partial grant. And I had an amazing workshop experience that has profoundly affected my writing!

Step 2: Choose your piece.

Nearly all grants require a writing sample. Make sure your piece fits the purposes of the grant and its requirements, such as word count, genre, etc. You may find you need to rework a piece or even write something new. Give yourself plenty of time to get feedback and critiques – both on the sample itself and on the application. As with all writing, revision is the name of the game.

Your critique group is a great place to start to get help. I have a few trusted colleagues and friends that I like to ask, outside of my critique group. Often they have a different viewpoint, being less familiar with my current work. Remember, being eternally grateful for help is good, but returning the favor is even better.

Step 3: Practice makes perfect.

It’s tempting to reuse a biographical note or a writing sample, especially if it’s worked before. But this is a great opportunity to practice those marketing skills: writing a synopsis, creating a pitch, developing your profile. Even if you don’t start from scratch, see if you can surprise yourself. Many applications require you to answer specific questions; you can use those as a starting point just as you would a writing prompt.

Step 4: Follow the directions.

Before you begin filling out an actual application, read the directions. Several times. If you’ve questions, contact the the sponsoring organization and get answers or ask a fellow writer who’s applied for the same grant. Make sure every piece of your application fits the requirements. This is not the time to get creative with fonts, spacing, margins, etc. If submission requirements aren’t specified, format your writing as you would a piece for publication: double-spacing, Times New Roman (preferably 12 point), at least one inch margins.

Make sure that when you put your application together that you’ve followed all instructions correctly, including the order in which items are collated, how many copies to be submitted, whether your name appears on the sample or not. Ask a close friend who’s not already familiar with your application to check it – they’ll be less concerned with the quality of your writing and more likely to notice the tiny details, such as whether your pages are