SAS Science: A New Program for Emerging Science Writers
Launching in 2026. Inspired by our flagship fellowship, designed for early-career writers
Hello everyone,
As South Asia Speaks heads into its sixth year, we’re delighted to announce a new program: SAS Science.
Modelled after our flagship mentorship, SAS Science is a year-long program designed to support emerging science writers with one-on-one mentoring, masterclasses and workshops. Fellows will be paired with an established author and receive mentorship for a full year. Like everything we do at SAS, this program is free. Our goal is to identify and support emerging writers in South Asia, make them globally competitive, and help them publish their first books.
Since our launch in 2020, SAS has supported over 100 emerging writers with 14 published books. Fellows have won prestigious awards such as the 2024 Crossword Book Award, received grants from the New India Foundation and the James Patterson Foundation, secured literary representation with CAA and the Wylie Agency, and established their own literary communities. We hope to bring this same opportunity to emerging writers who are specifically interested in science writing.
Who should apply?
Writers living in South Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Fellows must be citizens and residents of their home countries for the duration of the fellowship from June 2026. Afghan writers are exempt from the residency requirement and may be based anywhere in the world.
Writers developing their first book-length project in either science fiction or nonfiction. (Writers who have published books, but are publishing their first science book, are not eligible.)
Writers working and writing in English.
Writers who are committed to narrative-driven, character-centred storytelling.
What ideas are we looking for?
We’re seeking writers who can translate complex scientific ideas into engaging, human stories.
The projects should be:
Stories built around people, conflict and discovery.
Accessible but rigorous: writing that makes the science intelligible and alive without compromising accuracy or depth.
Rooted in science: works where scientific ideas, discovery or the natural world drive the narrative.
Some books we love: Superior by Angela Saini, The Burning Earth by Sunil Amrith, Lab Hopping: Women Scientists in India by Aashima Dogra and Nandita Jayaraj, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, Empire of AI by Karen Hao, Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, to name just a few.
What are we not looking for?
We’re not looking for fiction rooted in folklore, mythology, or religion; horror and any of its sub-genres, and retellings of existing tales. We are also not looking for explainers, compendia, encyclopedias, or an academic thesis.
Application Requirements
The most important part of your application is a writing sample from the project you would like to workshop with SAS. In addition to a book proposal, you will be asked to submit no fewer than 5,000 words from your book-in-progress.
You will also be asked to name one reference who can attest to your writing ability, capacity for collaborative work, and level of commitment. This reference will be contacted only if you are shortlisted.
The application form will be available on our website from March 1, 2026.
Fellowship support:
Six one-on-one sessions with an assigned mentor.
Masterclass interviews with acclaimed writers.
Workshops on science writing.
Access to SAS’s vibrant and engaged community across South Asia.
Access to the SAS Bursary, available every year to fellows who demonstrate outstanding ability.
Key Dates:
Applications open: 1st March 2026.
Applications close: 31st March 2026.
Program starts: 1st June 2026
Does this opportunity sound interesting to you? If yes, stay tuned, we’ll be sharing further details early next year. And if you know someone who may be a good fit, do let them know.
Until next time,
Anthony Chen, for South Asia Speaks
Restacked with a comment!
Delighted to be a part of this new opportunity for aspiring writers in South Asia.