Fearing that e-mail lost by their web host is the cause of the exceptionally small number of applications for the Speculative Literature Foundation’s Older Writers’ Grant, SLF has reopened the process.

All mail sent to the SLF between February 23 and March 5 was deleted unread by the server. This happened just before the original deadline and probably explains why SLF received 5 applications instead of a more typical 100+.

Now, the 5 whose applications came through will get a confirmation e-mail this week: they need not re-apply. Everyone else interested in applying for the SLF Older Writers Grant has until May 31 to do so. The recipient will be announced by July 15.

The $750 grant is awarded annually to a writer who is 50 years of age or older and who is just starting to work at a professional level.