FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(click down to each section)
Eligibility
Application Process
Selection Process
Professional Consultations with Agents & Editors
Travel & Lodging

ELIGIBILITY

Q: May I still apply even if I am not a U.S. citizen?
A: Yes, anyone may apply including non‐U.S. citizens.

Q: Who may apply for scholarships?
A: Only students in the 5-day Juried Workshops and Young Writers Workshops may apply for scholarships.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: Online applications close on April 6th, and absolutely no applications will not be accepted after this date.

Q: What is the application fee?
A: There is a processing fee of $25 for each 5‐day Juried Workshop application. If you are signing up for a 5‐day Non‐Juried Workshop or a 2‐day Symposium, your full tuition payment is due upon registration.

Q: May I apply for more than one 5‐day Juried Workshop of different genres?
A: Yes, you may apply to workshops of different genres. With each workshop selection in your application, you must submit a corresponding manuscript for the specific genre for which you are applying. In addition, you must pay the processing fee for each workshop to which you apply. For example: if you apply for poetry and fiction, you must submit one manuscript for poetry and one manuscript for fiction, and pay two processing fees for each submission (total of $50).

Q: May I apply for both 2‐day Symposia Workshops?
A: Yes, you may attend both 2‐day Symposiums if you desire. They do not conflict with one another.

Q: May I apply for a Non‐Juried Workshop in case I am not accepted to a 5‐day Juried Workshop?
A: If you are applying to a 5‐day Juried Workshop, you may ONLY register for a 5‐day Non‐Juried Workshop or 2‐day Symposia upon notification that you have not been accepted to your juried workshop of choice.

Q: How should the manuscript be formatted?
A: Your manuscript should be a MS Word or Adobe PDF document of up to 10 singlesided, double‐spaced, typewritten pages. For secretarial purposes it is helpful if you type your name and contact info on a cover page, and number your pages. It does not matter whether or not your name appears on each page. The manuscript is, by far, the most important element of your application. Please submit a sample of your best work, written in the genre to which you are applying (i.e. submit poems for the poetry workshop). This does not need to be ‐‐ or better yet, should not be ‐‐ what you plan to work on during Aspen Summer Words. Rather, your manuscript should be your most polished piece of writing to date. Again, please keep your manuscript to 10 pages, which is the absolute maximum our jury will review.

Q: May I submit work that has been previously published?
A: Yes, if you feel it is the work that best represents you as a writer.

Q: How do I apply for a scholarship?
A: To apply for a scholarship, you must be a student of either a 5-Day Juried Workshop or the Young Writers Workshop.  Please complete the workshop application and select the scholarship of your choice that applies to the genre of your writing. Upload a brief letter describing your financial circumstances and how this workshop will benefit you. No particular style of writing is required, but rather judging will be based on strong work that shows evidence of talent, promise and individuality.

Q: How will I know if my application has been submitted?
A: You will receive a notification email confirming the submission of your application.

Q: Can I snail mail my application?
A: We have moved to a completely electronic application process. Our preference is that you submit an electronic application through our website. If this is not possible please contact our office to discuss an alternative method.

Q: Is a festival pass included in my workshop fee?
A: A festival pass is not included in your workshop fee. If you have been admitted to a workshop and would like to purchase a festival pass you may do so at a discounted student rate of $150.

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SELECTION PROCESS

Q: About how many people apply for 5‐day Juried Workshops?
A: The number of applicants varies greatly from year to year.

Q: How many students are chosen for each workshop?
A: We accept a maximum of 12 students for each workshop.

Q: How are applicants chosen for the 5‐day Juried Workshops?
A: Manuscripts are reviewed by a carefully selected committee of jurors who discuss the merits and quality of writing of each submission. Applications are never read by faculty, staff, students, or fellows.

Q: What does the selection committee look for in a manuscript?
A: In a nutshell: good writing. The best advice we can give is to seek the advice of other writers when preparing your manuscript.

Q: When will I receive notification regarding my application for a 5‐day Juried Workshop?
A: Notifications are sent in mid‐April.

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PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATIONS WITH AGENTS & EDITORS

Q: What are professional consultations?
A: A writer’s favorite, these private meetings with guest editors and agents offer the chance to pitch an idea, receive feedback on a manuscript and network with professionals from the top publishing houses and literary agencies in the country.

Q: How do I know which agent or editor is right for my work?
A: We provide agent and editor bios on our website and we suggest that you supplement this information by doing some additional research online.

Q: How does the lottery system work for agent and editor meetings?
A: To best meet the demand for agent and editor meetings, consultations are assigned by a lottery system. Aspen Summer Words students who apply for meetings will be guaranteed two meetings each. Writing Retreat students and Literary Festival passholders receive priority access to meetings over the general public. While you may indicate your preference for the professional(s) with whom you wish to meet, we cannot guarantee your first choice.

Q: How long are the meetings and what do they cost?
A: Each 15‐minute meeting costs $35. Credit card information is due in advance with your registration form, but will not be charged until your meetings are confirmed.

Q: What is the deadline for the agent/editor application?
A: To be eligible for the lottery, and to be sure that the professional consultant will receive your writing sample prior to your meetings, applications and writing samples must be received in our office by Monday, May 25th, by hand‐delivery or mail (absolutely no email or fax).

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TRAVEL & LODGING

Q: Where do I stay while I am in Aspen?
A: We have a variety of lodging partners and a complete list will be available on Monday, February 16th.

Q: May I share accommodations with another student?
A: If you are interested in sharing a room with another student please contact Jordan Dann at Jordan@aspenwriters.org or call 970.925.3122 ext.4#

Q: Do I need to rent a car while in Aspen?
A: If you are staying in Aspen, you will be within walking distance of ASW venues as well as restaurants and shopping. We provide free shuttle transportation to and from most of our events and venues.

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