Applications will open for the Fresh Voices Fellowship on September 15th, 2026.
The Fresh Voices Fellowship
The Fresh Voices Fellowship annually supports one early-career Black, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander or other writer of color who does not have nor is currently pursuing an advanced writing degree. Fellows receive $2000, print publication, a year-long position on our editorial masthead, and a year-long writing mentorship with Epiphany editors. Developing writers who are historically excluded from the publishing industry gain an advanced understanding of the inner functioning of an established magazine and the editorial process while honing their literary craft.
Applicants must not have an advanced degree (MA, MFA, PhD) in creative writing, English, or a related field, and must not be enrolled at the time of application in any degree-granting program. A BA in Creative Writing or English is acceptable, as is a Masters or PhD in an unrelated field. Applicants must not have published or be contracted to publish a full-length book (excluding self-publication). An early-career writer may be any age, and we are especially interested in writers who have not received prestigious awards, fellowships, or publications. Fellows must be based in or be living in the United States during the twelve-month fellowship. Preference will be given to New York City-based applicants, as in-person interaction will enhance the fellowship experience.
Fellows can expect to commit 5-8 hours per week reading and reviewing submissions, attending editorial meetings, and working with a mentor on their own writing. Additional commitments may include attending in-person and virtual events, performing at readings, editing work in advance of publication, conducting interviews for the magazine, or writing reviews for the magazine.
One writer, in poetry or prose, will receive:
$2000 stipend
Year-long editorial fellowship at Epiphany, which entails participation in the editorial process of a nonprofit literary magazine, as well as a writing mentorship with our editors
Publication in a print issue of Epiphany
FORMAT: Year | Winner | URL (if linked)
Applications are currently CLOSED for the Breakout Prize
The Breakout Prize
Formerly a student writing contest, the Breakout Prize now brings visibility and support to outstanding early-career writers who have not yet published a full-length book. Previous winners have gone on to sign with literary agents, publish at esteemed presses, win prizes, receive fellowships, and develop rich and rewarding literary careers. Previous judges include Victoria Chang, Hilary Leichter, Manuel Munoz, Shane McCrae, Marcus Wicker, Safiya Sinclair, Alexander Chee, Tracy O'Neill, and Nadia Owusu. In order to keep the contest sustainable for our organization and our community, we cap paid submissions at 300 per genre, and offer 50 fee waiver applications per genre to writers facing financial hardship.
Our 2026 judges were Cynthia Cruz in poetry and Alexandra Kleeman in prose.
Two writers — one in prose and one in poetry — each receive:
$1000 cash prize
Publication in a print issue of Epiphany
One-year print subscription to Epiphany
FORMAT: Year | Winners | Judges | URL (if linked)
Volunteer for Epiphany
Literary magazines like Epiphany are absolutely reliant on the work of volunteers, who are the front line for sorting through submissions and discovering gems. Becoming a reader at Epiphany is an opportunity to hone your reading skills and deepen your understanding of the technical aspects of narrative and/or poetry. We believe that each submission deserves a careful reading, and readers join the Epiphany community in order to dive into and discuss a diversity of writing.
We see Epiphany as not only a publication, but a community. Often subscribers become contributors become volunteer readers, then even editors. A friend may attend one of our events and become a subscriber, and the circle continues!
Epiphany maintains a highly collaborative and free-moving environment. Our weekly editorial meetings are open to and often attended by volunteer readers, which helps them learn about and participate in our editorial process. We often host in-person events in the NYC area and elsewhere, as well as virtual events.
The process of reading for Epiphany is straightforward: each week, we assign three to five submissions in the genre(s) of your choosing to read, review, and vote on by the following week. Readers are also able to review contest and fellowship submissions. Please review the complete guidelines for volunteer readership. If you have any questions about volunteer reading, we are happy to answer.
To apply to join our team of readers, fill out this form. Please note we are particularly seeking poetry readers at this time.
Epiphany also accepts unpaid interns periodically. To apply for an internship, send us a message.
