Information for Applicants

Eligibility

At the time of application, you must meet one of the following requirements: (1) be a native Texan, (2) have resided in Texas at least three years at some time, or (3) have published significant work with a Texas subject. Those who meet requirement 1 or 2 do not have to meet the Texas subject matter restriction.

Deadline

Entries for fellowships for 2010-2011 must be postmarked on or before January 15, 2010.

Application fee

The application fee is $20.00 for one fellowship or $30.00 for both fellowships. If applying for both fellowships, include the $30.00 application fee with the Ralph A. Johnston Memorial Fellowship application and check the appropriate box at the top of the Johnston application form. Application fees are non-refundable.

You must submit each application and its accompanying materials in separate packets.

Make checks or money orders payable to: The University of Texas at Austin.

Application Form

Submit entries on the forms:

(1) Use Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 5.0 or newer) to complete either application form online and then print the completed form from the web. (Download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader at the following web site: http://get.adobe.com/reader/.)
or
(2) Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (2 ounces postage) to request a printed copy of either application to the address below. Address questions to Margaret Borden at mborden@austin.utexas.edu or call (512) 232-3609.

The University of Texas at Austin
The Graduate School
Attn: Dobie Paisano Fellowship Program
1 University Station, G0400
Austin, TX 78712

Austin and Austin-area Applicants

The purpose of a Dobie Paisano fellowship is to provide solitude and financial support for a committed writer. The fellowship requires full-time residency at the ranch. It cannot be used as a part-time work site or as a temporary retreat. Since you live so close to the ranch, it would be useful to the judges to read of your commitment to this requirement. You can address this commitment on the application form under: "Why do you feel that you would be a suitable Paisano fellow?"

Number of copies

Submit three copies of the completed application and three copies of your writing sample. If applying for both fellowships, you must submit each set of three in separate packets.

Work Submitted

In general, limit writing samples to no more than 50 manuscript pages. Published work, however, may be longer than 50 pages. The writing sample should reflect your best work and be indicative of the type of writing you would pursue at Paisano.

Criteria

Among criteria on which judges make the awards: quality of work, character of the proposed project, and suitability of the applicant to life at Paisano.

The fellowship is designed as an opportunity for writers who can demonstrate exceptional writing ability and a clear idea of a project to be pursued within the time frame.

Description of Fellowships

The fellowships are the Ralph A. Johnston Memorial Fellowship and the Jesse H. Jones Writing Fellowship. The Johnston Fellowship is for four months with a stipend of $5000 per month and is aimed at writers who have already demonstrated some publishing and critical success. The Jones Fellowship is for approximately six months with a stipend of $3000 per month and is aimed at, but not limited to, writers who are early in their careers.

Residence

The house is simply but adequately furnished. Fellows need provide no more than personal linens and such belongings as they choose. No financial assistance is provided for moving in or out of the ranch. The University of Texas at Austin provides utilities and internet access (except for long-distance telephone) and maintenance.

Judges

Judges for the competition are selected each year by The University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Institute of Letters. Names of the judges may be obtained from the Director at the conclusion of the competition.  There will be different judging panels for each fellowship.

Recommendations

Personal recommendations are not requested and are not included in applicant files.

Announcement of Winners

Winners are announced in early May. Letters are sent to all applicants. Applicants do not receive any critique of their entries.

Submit Applications

US Postal Service
The Graduate School
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station, G0400
Austin, Texas 78712-0531
Attn: Dobie Paisano Program
Phone: (512) 232-3609		 Overnight Delivery
The University of Texas at Austin
The Graduate School - Main Bldg. 101
Austin, TX 78705
Attn: Dobie Paisano Program
Phone: (512) 232-3609

Entries will not be returned unless you check "Return" on the application and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage and large enough to accommodate your materials.

Address questions to Margaret Borden at mborden@austin.utexas.edu or the US Postal Service address above; or call (512) 232-3609 or fax (512) 471-7620.