The Word: A Storytelling Sanctuary

The Word: A Storytelling Sanctuary is a national literary arts 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to achieving cultural equity in the publishing world. Founded in 2016, its mission is to promote and uplift the voices of writers and creatives from BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and neurodiverse communities. The organization directly challenges cultural erasure in publishing through high-impact programs, including:

• The prestigious Editor-Writer Mentorship program.

• The biennial [margins.] Literary Conference + Book Festival.

• The #MarginsBookselling initiative, which supports bookstore owners and booksellers from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Word provides a vital sanctuary and professional pathway for historically underrepresented storytellers, ensuring their narratives are honored and seen in literature, and is based in Denver, Colorado. To learn more about The Word, please visit our website and review the following: The Word Strategic Plan 2023-2026.