At the end of August 2023 I will be teaching a poetry masterclass that encourages students to push the boundaries of their poetry. As part of my commitment to supporting writers on low incomes, I am offering one free place on the course that usually costs £495.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship place on this course. Please read the criteria below and submit your application by midday (GMT) Tuesday 8th of August 2023
Who can apply for this scholarship?
This scholarship is open to poets who earn less than £12570 per annum – or the equivalent in their currency. This benchmark has been used because in the UK those who earn less than this figure do not pay taxes. This figure is used for benchmark purposes only and applications for the scholarship are invited from around the world.
It works out at an income of around £1045 a month, if breaking it down by month makes it easier for you to figure out if you are eligible.
If you are not eligible but would like to join the course as a paid participant, you can apply here.
Do I have to be able to prove that I earn less than that amount to apply?
No. I am one woman and do not have the resources to trawl through your bank statements, check authenticity of documents etc. The place is being offered in good faith. Every application received will be read in good faith. So all I ask is that you make your application in good faith. Please only apply if you earn below the specified limit. Otherwise a poet who badly needed the place will miss out.
What will be required of me if I’m accepted?
A full course outline can be viewed here. In terms of what is required, it will simply be a matter of making the most of the course and engaging in all activities set.
The course outline makes it clear how many hours a week you are expected to engage with the materials. If you don’t have time to complete the course, please don’t apply as, again, another poet who badly needed that space will have lost out. If you don’t have that much time spare, it is unlikely you will be able to make the most of the scholarship place.
What if I’m not accepted?
There is only one place available so, naturally, there will be people who are declined this time. I wish I had the resources to help everyone but I’m afraid it’s just not feasible. In this instance you will receive an email from me letting you know on Thursday 17th of August. In that email, I will include a host of free resources that I have made available for poets, including podcasts, ebooks, and in-depth writing prompts that can support you in your craft.
I know that’s no substitute for weekly tuition and mentorship but I hope it goes some way to helping those who miss out.
How do I apply?
Simply send an email to helen@helencoxbooks.com with the word Scholarship in the subject line before midday on Tuesday 8th August 2023. Include the following three things in your email:
- Confirm in writing that you meet the income benchmark and earn less than £12570 a year – or the equivalent in your currency.
- Explain your approach to giving critical feedback to other poets in 300 words or fewer.
- Attach three of your best poems in one Word document / Google doc.
How strict are these criteria?
Due to time constraints, I’m afraid that any candidate who does not follow this criteria will not be considered for a place. I regret also that I will not be able to provide individual feedback for candidates who are not sucessful.
I wish you the very best of luck with your application, and your poetry craft.