Harlequin Adds N.C. A&T to Diverse Voices Scholarship Program

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (March 2, 2022) – Global publisher of romance, fiction and nonfiction, Harlequin is offering a new scholarship at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Starting this year, scholarships will be available to students enrolled in North Carolina A&T’s four-year undergraduate Creative Writing Program, as well as in Emerson College’s Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing online MFA program.

“A&T’s Creative Writing Program provides students with opportunities to experience dynamic workshops, visiting authors, publications, and our spring literary festival,” said Jason DePolo, Ph.D., English Department chair. “More importantly, it provides students with an outlet for their voices and creative expression at a premiere historically Black college and university. We are excited to offer this additional support to our students as well as a partnership with a leader in the publishing industry.”

These new additions at A&T and Emerson College double the number of Harlequin scholarships to four and increase Harlequin’s scholarship commitment to $8,000 annually in support of underrepresented voices.

“We are delighted to offer more scholarships for writers who are underrepresented in publishing. Seeing more diverse and inclusive stories, perspectives and experiences on the page enriches reading for everyone, and we are excited to play a role in encouraging the next generation of writers to develop their craft and careers,” said Loriana Sacilotto, executive vice president of Harlequin Trade Publishing.

Harlequin created the scholarship program in 2020 working with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Canada, and Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction MFA program based in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Three recipients have received scholarships to date. Scholarship winners are independently chosen by program faculty from among eligible candidates, including but not limited, to people of color, members of LGBTQ+ communities and people with disabilities. More information is available at WriteforHarlequin.com.

Harlequin is committed to publishing diverse and inclusive voices so that readers see themselves reflected in the authors and stories it publishes. Alongside its scholarship program, Harlequin’s acquisitions outreach initiatives and support for diversity, equity and inclusion include a mentorship program, #RomanceIncludesYou pitch events, calls for submissions by underrepresented voices, and involvement in writing conferences and events that promote diversity in publishing. Details are available on Harlequin’s website.