Getting Into A Writers Residency — The Ultimate Guide

Do you know what a writers residency is? This article will tell you all about it. Have you ever dreamed of being on a lovely, perhaps isolated island? A place where you can spend time writing, and engaging with writer peers while learning from established authors and publishers.

If you have, then what you should be looking for is how to get into a writers residency, workshop or retreat. The good news is there are thousands to pick from yearly. 

What is a Writers Residency?

A writer’s residency is typically organized to bring writers from different parts of the world under one space. It is a great opportunity for writers to take their craft to the next level.

During a residency, writers can expect to explore new ideas, terrains and receive direct feedback on their work while providing the same for their peers. Of course, they also get the much-needed time and space to focus on their work.

You may also like to read: 5 Tips for New Freelance Writers to Improve Their Writing Skills

The average writer writing from home will probably have a parent yelling in their ears, a spouse demanding attention, or a child who insists on following you everywhere. Even when none of those are the case, there is the threat of avolition or writer’s block which may come from being in the same space for too long. This is why every writer serious about developing a solid body of work should consider getting into a residency. 

However, the application process usually seems daunting to many. This article will break down the process of getting into a residency from start to finish and provide you with the best tips for acing your applications.

Before Applying for a Writers Residency

• The Mindset

Before applying, you should understand that you will most likely not get into the first residency you apply to and that is okay. (If you do, congratulations on being a part of the lucky 1%)

Another point to note is that the fear of application requirements should deter you from applying. Many of the people who get certain opportunities aren’t always 100% qualified, but what matters is they do not count themselves out before the game begins. If everything you want is on the other side of fear, then frankly, a good application process should intimidate you. Feel the fear and apply, anyway. 

• Research

The first step in the application process is to research the different programs available. Many people are oblivious to the myriad of opportunities the internet is replete with. 

The lack of awareness of such opportunities is because people are not willing to do the work of searching for them.  I would advise taking out five to ten minutes daily to look for that opportunity that may change the trajectory of your life forever.

During the research process, it is important to give priority to the residencies happening in cities you love/ would like to explore, and opportunities that align with your vision for your work. If travelling does not excite you much, you may apply to digital residencies instead.

Other factors to consider when choosing where to apply include:

• location,
• duration,
• requirements, and
• cost.

Note that while there are lots of fully funded opportunities, there are also scholarship schemes you can search out for residencies that are costly. Again, research is key.  

The Application

Get Your Big Three Ready : The big three consists of your writing CV, your portfolio / writing sample and your cover letter. A residency application will always ask for at least one of these three. The best thing you can do is to have them prepared and constantly updated. You’re better off improving previous submissions than constantly starting from scratch.

• CV/ Resume: A writing CV should mention the places you have previously been employed at in a writing related role- copywriting, editor/ editorial, UX writer , screenwriter, social media manager etc. Your writing CV is different from your portfolio. Learn how to write a successful CV.
• Writing sample/ portfolio: Your portfolio is a compilation of your works fiction, articles as well as press news and other information that testify to your craftsmanship. If you are just starting out, you can create a portfolio with free web-hosting platforms. Feel free to insert medium or substack links, if you have one.  

Some residency applications may simply require you to attach your work samples, make sure you attach your best. 

• Cover Letter/ inspiration: Do not use your cover letter to reiterate points that are already stated in your CV.  A good cover letter should show your inspiration, areas your work explore, your vision for your writing, your plan for the duration of the residency and why you think it will be helpful to you. 

An important addition that will give you an edge is to be clear on how your writing goals align with that of the fellowship. For example, if the residency hosts have a mission to see women empowered, you may decide to mention how your work explores human rights or gender equality themes.

Finally, remember that your fears and inadequacies can also make for a great story. 

Sample Cover Letter 

Hi

[Greeting]

I am writing to express my interest in the writer’s residency program in

Italy. As an award-winning fiction writer from Nigeria, Nominated for [xxx prize] I am eager to explore new perspectives and cultures to inform my writing.

+

My passion for writing has been fueled by my interests [insert relevant interests]

As a woman of color, I believe it is essential to [State your inspiration] amplify marginalized voices and stories, and I am constantly seeking out new experiences and ideas to enrich

+

[Tie in to Organisers purpose and residency location] 

I hope to explore these themes further during my time in Italy, and to use my experiences to create complex and compelling female characters in my writing.

Italys culture has influenced so many aspects of the world, from art and architecture to cuisine and fashion and so I am excited to immerse myself in the

daily rhythms of Italian life, and to draw on these experiences to inspire my writing.

Finally, I am confident that my passion for writing and my dedication to exploring feminist themes in my work make me an excellent candidate for the

program.

+

[End strong]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant

creative community in Italy.

Note: A cover letter for a residency is not the same letter for a magazine submission

Be Honest: When applying, be honest with all questions. Avoid equivocating for the sake of being chosen.  

While you should highlight your achievements. Be sure that the information you are providing is true and can be factually verified.

Follow the Rules:  With all said above, remember rules are rules. If the application instruction specifies a double-line space formatting, do just that. Checking their FAQ page is also a great way to get more insight into the application process. If you look through, you will probably find answers to questions you may have had. 

Final Edits:  Editing is just as important as writing. Platforms like Google docs, Grammarly and Quillbot would be great for editing. Getting an extra pair of eyes on your work is also very important.

Submit in Time: Literal last-minute submissions are a terrible idea. For one, you are bound to make errors which are usually a turn-off to the applications committee.

In addition, the probability that a good number of people would be trying to submit at this time is high. This could usually cause a glitch in the host’s website. You don’t want to work so hard on an application without getting a chance to submit it.

After Applying

Track your Applications: Track all applications on a Google sheet or a word document. It helps to know how much time to give before writing back for a response. It is also a great way to appreciate how much work you’re putting in (Or how much more you still need to do)

Keep your Hopes Up: Be optimistic. 

Getting a rejection shouldn’t deter you. It should fuel your fire for acceptance. However, with all the tips shared in this article, you should not fret, your first/next residency is right on the way.

Wishing you all the best in your applications. 

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