Selected Works

Thank You for Your Consideration!

I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for your consideration for the Mass Cultural Council Cultural Sector Recovery Grant program. As a fully self employed resident of Massachusetts looking to grow into the role of a published author, the opportunity to apply for this grant is truly invaluable to me. I firmly believe the arts play a critical role in the mental health and well being of our society. All too often during challenging times the arts are neglected, this is why I feel the mission of the Mass Cultural Council is doubly important now.

I have been fully self employed in the marketing sector for approximately ten years and a resident of Massachusetts for approximately thirteen. I have been actively pursuing a new career as an author for the past five years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent rise in inflation I have seen the revenue of my business significantly decline. It is partly because of this that I am attempting to pivot my career from the marketing sector to that of a full time author.

I have written numerous short stories, novellas and one novel. I am currently attempting to publish my short stories in literary magazines to build a portfolio, as well as traditionally publish my completed novel. I have two additional novels that I am presently working on that are half completed.

If I am selected as a recipient of the Mass Cultural Council's Cultural Sector Recovery Grant I intend to use the funds on the following:

• Hire the services of a developmental editor in order to make my completed novel more saleable to a publishing house.

• Enroll in additional classes at Grub Street, a Boston based creative writing nonprofit, so that I may increase my skills as an author.

• Provide myself with a financial runway so that I can secure a literary agent for my completed novel

• Allow myself additional time to work on my two half completed novels, as well as continue to seek publication for my short stories

I believe I possess many skills to be successful as an author. As a self employed business owner for the past ten years, I have developed the skills to be successful in an independent environment. Authors are often self employed and the transition from a more traditional employment situation to that of a self employed one can often be a huge stumbling block for many. Not only am I comfortable being in a self starting situation, but I also possess the financial skills and mindset of the self employed.

Additionally, I believe my background in marketing would provide me with a unique advantage when it comes to promoting my work once I have secured a literary agent and publisher.

I feel I am poised on the edge of making this transition. I possess many of the pieces in order for me to become employed full time in the arts, I just need the financial runway and time in order to secure the resources I need to succeed.

Regardless of your decision, I sincerely appreciate your consideration and the work for do for our commonwealth.

About Ed Godbois