$5,000 for travel to archival collections related to a biographical project
The Clio Fellowship for Archival Research awards $5,000 to one or more biographers to travel to archival collections related to their biographical book project. It is named for Clio, the Greek muse of history and memory, whose name means “to make famous.” The fellowship is endowed by Linda Leavell, a biographer, Plutarch winner, and past president of BIO.
Clio, Muse of History by Johannes Moreelse, c. 1634
Endowed by Linda Leavell, a Plutarch Award-winning biographer and past president of Biographers International Organization (BIO), the Clio Fellowship for Archival Research awards $5,000 to one or more biographers to travel to archival collections related to their biographical project. Biographers rely heavily on primary documents—letters, manuscripts, personal papers—that are only available in library collections across the nation and/or around the world. Named for Clio, the Greek muse of history and memory, whose name means “to make famous,” this fellowship is a powerful investment in the craft of biography, aiming to reduce the financial roadblock the expense of essential archival work can present to biographers.
ELIGIBILITY
The Clio Fellowship for Archival Research is open to all members of the Biographers International Organization (BIO) who are writing in English and are working on a book-length biography. The fellowship supports travel to archival collections related to the applicant’s biographical project. The fellowship may fund one or more biographers each year.
A publishing contract is not required for eligibility. Biography, as defined for this fellowship, is a narrative of an individual’s life or the story of a group of lives. Innovative approaches to biography are welcome at the committee’s discretion. Memoirs and autobiographies are not eligible.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete the online entry form.
Upload the following submission materials in a single PDF document:
- Project description (500 words or less): Provide a synopsis of your biography, describing its subject and scope.
- Statement of need (500 words or less): Explain your plans for archival research, specifying which archives you intend to visit and how this work will advance your project. Include a brief budget and timeline for your proposed travel.
- Author bio (500 words or less): Include relevant background, publications, or research experience.
- Sample prose about the book project (1500 words).
Your document should be double-spaced, in 12-point type, with standard margins. The file must be a PDF, and you should include your name in the file name (for example, Lastname_ClioFellowship.pdf).
Sign the online entry form by checking the box affirming your understanding of the rules and procedures.
There is no application fee for this fellowship.
You will receive an acknowledgment of your entry within several days. If you do not, please contact BIO’s awards administrator.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The deadline for entries is March 1. Application forms will be available after October 15. All applications will be acknowledged by email. Fellowship recipients will be announced by early May, with a formal announcement made at BIO’s annual conference.
In submitting this application, you agree to all the terms and conditions of the BIO Clio Fellowship for Archival Research. You affirm that the work you are submitting is in progress and will not yet be in production at the time of the annual BIO conference.
Only one entry per applicant is allowed. In submitting this entry, you affirm that you are the sole author (or co-author) of the work being submitted.
If you receive the fellowship, you agree to:
- Use the funds to support archival research travel, including child care if needed.
- Acknowledge the support of BIO’s Clio Fellowship in any publications or presentations resulting from the fellowship.
- Submit a brief progress report within one year of receiving the award.
All decisions by the judges are final.
FAQ’s
Do I have to be a BIO member to apply?
Yes. The Clio Fellowship is open only to current BIO members.
Does memoir qualify?
No. Memoirs and autobiographies are not eligible.
Do I need a publishing contract to apply?
No. You may apply at any stage of your biography project.
Can the fellowship fund more than one applicant?
Yes. Depending on available funds, the annual award (approximately $5,000 total) may be given to a single recipient or divided among several recipients.
What kinds of expenses are eligible?
Funds may be used for travel to archival collections, related research costs, and, if necessary, child care.
How does this differ from the Caro Research/Travel Fellowship?
The Caro Fellowship supports travel to places significant to the biographical subject or to archives, while the Clio Fellowship focuses exclusively on archival research.
Will I receive feedback on my submission?
Due to the number of applications, BIO is unable to provide written or verbal feedback.
When will I be notified if I win?
Winners will be notified by early May, and the fellowship will be announced publicly at the annual BIO conference.
For further questions, contact:
BIO’s Awards Administrator