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Be Our Next Writer-in-Residence

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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. 

Funds to support the Writer-in-Residence program are provided through the generous donation of a private donor and The Library Foundation.

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

  • Conduct 2 - 4 public writing workshops at CHPL locations.
  • Hold bi-monthly programs (6) at a Library location or virtually, through office hours or other engagement opportunities
  • Connect with the community online via 4-6 pieces of content, in some combination of: video, blog post, newsletter article/interview, etc.
  • Host a bi-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)
  • 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 to 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 Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Submit a Letter of Interest

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

About the Selection Process 

To select our 2027 Writer-in-Residence, CHPL and the Library Foundation will convene a selection committee comprising representatives from the Library, the Foundation, and the local literary community. 

Selection Committee Members: Emma Carlson Berne, Julie Dierker, Dan Hurley, Manuel Iris, Dani McClain, Abby Strickland, Tom Sundermann, Anna Thorner, Staci Dennison, Keloni Parks, Drew Pearson.

Questions about the Writer-in-Residence program or the application process may be directed here.