Be Our Next Writer-in-Residence

Update on 8/24/21: The Library Foundation is now reviewing accepting applications for our 2022 Writer-in-Residence.

The Library Foundation’s Writer-in-Residence serves as the Library’s literary ambassador to the community. The goal of the Writer-in-Residence program is to foster engagement between the Library and the community’s writers and readers by providing instruction on the craft of writing, both online and in-person. The Writer-in-Residence also serves as the Library’s representative in the local literary arts scene. 

During the residency period, the Writer-in-Residence is required to: 

• Conduct a minimum of four public writing workshops at the Downtown Main Library
• Hold monthly programs (12) at a Library location or virtually, through office hours or other engagement opportunities
• Connect with the community online via nine pieces of content, in some combination of: video, blog post, newsletter article/interview
• Host a monthly podcast
• Host, appear or speak at other Library and community events and participate in Library promotions, as needed
• Complete a written work that can be shared at the end of the residency 

The successful candidate is: 

• A resident in southwest Ohio (priority given to Hamilton County residents) 
• Is at least 18 years of age 
• Is actively engaged in the local literary arts community 
• Possesses a record of past achievements, strong artistic merit, and a commitment towards advancing the literary arts
• Has experience teaching writing or conducting writing workshops
• Any writer may apply, but priority is given to writers in the following genres:
  • Fiction
  • Narrative non-fiction, including history, biography, and memoirs
  • Children's literature
  • YA literature
  • Graphic novels
  • Poetry 

The selected Writer-in-Residence candidate receives: 

• $10,000 stipend
• Promotion and exposure as the selected Library Foundation Writer-in-Residence 

Application Process

• Submit the online statement of interest and qualifications by Friday, Aug. 20, 2021. This portion of our deadline has passed.
• Selected candidates will be invited to submit the full application, including: 
  • Résumé or CV 
  • Three recent writing samples, limited to two pages each (no less than 12 pt. font) 
  • Description of the written work that you will develop during the residency, not to exceed one page 
  • Three potential topics for writing workshops 
  • Three references who can provide letters of recommendation, if requested. The references should be able to speak to your work as a writer. 
  • Finalists are invited to participate in an in-person interview, during the weeks of Oct. 11-24, 2021.

Questions about the Writer-in-Residence program or the application process may be directed to the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library's Lifelong Learning Department.