Be Our Next 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 a Library location
  • 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

  • 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 September 25 - October 5, 2023.

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

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