The Sephardic Stories Initiative is part of PJ Library’s mission to represent the diversity of North American Jewish communities through the books we send to families. Year two of the Initiative aims to lift the voices of Sephardic emerging writers, with generous support and guidance from the Seattle-based Samis Foundation. This year-long, all-expenses paid fellowship (January – December, 2025) will include monthly virtual workshops with Sephardic experts, established authors, and publishing professionals; individual mentorship; a special in-person writing retreat; and regular editorial feedback.

Fellows will delve into the craft of writing children’s books and work with PJ Library publishing experts to develop their own stories, informed by Sephardic/Mizrahi traditions, tales, and/or experiences. Participants will also build a strong support base of authors with similar goals. The fellowship application can be found here. Before applying, please review the applicant criteria and important fellowship details below. If you have any questions, please email us at authors@pjlibrary.org.

Who can apply?

Applicants must have no more than one published children’s book, should identify as Sephardic or Mizrahi, and should be able to articulate a potential children's book project (picture book or middle grade chapter book/graphic novel) they would like to work on. Fellows can be based anywhere globally, however they must be writing in English.

What is the expectation for Fellowship participants?

This fellowship is designed for busy individuals. We ask selected applicants to commit to a monthly 1-hour virtual workshop beginning in January, 2025; a 5-day in-person writing retreat in early summer, 2025 at the Highlights Retreat Center in Pennsylvania; and to be prepared to work on their children’s book manuscript throughout the year.

How to apply?

The application will be open through November 1, 2024. Applicants will receive final decisions around November 8. Please fill out and submit your application here.

To learn more about our first-year Fellows, a cohort of seven established authors who will also serve as mentors in Year 2, please click here.