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Published: 12 May 2023 313 views
The Richard J. Margolis Award is given annually to a promising new journalist or essayist whose nonfiction work combines warmth, humor and wisdom and sheds light on issues of social justice.
The award honors the life of Richard J. Margolis (1929-1991), a renowned journalist, essayist and poet who gave eloquent voice to the rural poor, migrant farmworkers, Native Americans, aging adults and others whose voices are seldom heard. He also wrote several books for children.
Richard J. "Dick" Margolis was a masterful writer with a gift for winnowing complex issues to their core and giving them a human, heartfelt voice. He brought personal stories to the forefront, showing how abstract political and policy issues affect real people — and helping us get to know them. Using a combination of humor, eloquence, wit and logic, he attempted in his writing to move individuals and politicians to respond to the needs of those who are typically forgotten or overlooked.... continue reading
| Application Deadline | 01 Jul 2023 |
| Type | Entrepreneurs |
| Sponsor | Richard J. Margolis Award |
| Gender | Men and Women |
The award combines a one-month residency at Blue Mountain Center, an acclaimed writers' and artists' colony in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, with a $5,000 prize (finalists receive $1,000 but no residency).
New journalist or essayist whose nonfiction work combines warmth, humor and wisdom and sheds light on issues of social justice.
Submit the following materials either as separate documents or combined into one or more documents as specified below:
A cover letter stating your interest in and qualifications for the award;
A project description of your current and anticipated work and what you will work on during your Blue Mountain residency;
A brief biographical note; and
Two to three samples of your work, published or unpublished, meeting the following criteria:
Nonfiction samples only (no fiction or poetry);
30 pages maximum; and
At least one sample being non-memoir material.
All materials may be emailed as PDF files (preferred!) to [email protected]. Please name all files starting with your last name (e.g., Smith-cover letter+description.pdf, Smith-writing sample.pdf, etc.).
The winner of the annual Richard J. Margolis Award is announced in November, with the Blue Mountain Lake residency taking place in the following summer or fall.
Applications are accepted year-round but must be received by July 1 for consideration for the current-year award. Applications received after this date will be considered for the award in the following year.
If submitting paper materials, mail them to the address below. Please note that we cannot return samples.
Richard J. Margolis Award
c/o Margolis & Bloom
100 William Street
Suite 220
Wellesley, MA 02481
For more details, visit Richard J. Margolis Award website.