Fresh Perspectives and Undiscovered New Voices Scholarship Opportunities for ThrillerFest 2026


ITW is awarding scholarships in two separate categories for ThrillerFest 2026:

  • The Fresh Perspectives Scholarship for any underrepresented author, published or unpublished.
  • The Undiscovered New Voices Scholarship for any unpublished author who is writing a mystery/thriller novel (80-100k words).

Each scholarship recipient will receive a $1000 (USD) stipend and a free pass to attend ThrillerFest XX, which takes place May 5 – May 9, 2026 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City.

A panel of esteemed judges review the submissions. Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2026.

If you would like to sponsor a scholarship, please email samantha@thrillerwriters.org.

For more information about the event please visit: www.ThrillerFest.com

For more information or questions, please contact Executive Director of International Thriller Writers, Kimberley Howe at: kimberleyhowe@thrillerwriters.org