Our Writer-in-Residence Program aims to support emerging and accomplished writers in the production of compelling literary work by providing short-term housing in Key West. Residency periods of one to four weeks are available from February through June, and again from September though November. You may apply here, via Submittable. We are usually not able to accommodate residencies in the summer.
Potential writers-in-residence should submit a concise narrative proposal in the form of a personal letter. Please describe past accomplishments and current projects, outline a proposed focus for your residency, and convey a strong sense of why you want to work in Key West. Reviewers will evaluate the literary merit of each proposal as well as its “fit” with our mission and history. Priority will be given to applicants whose project could only be completed in Key West, or where something about the geographical, environmental, cultural, and/or political factors of the region and/or our island city are germane to your project.
Please include the names and contact points for two references, as well as your own contact information. You may include sample publications or works-in-progress that may strengthen your proposal (if material is unpublished, please limit to 10 pages). All this material can be submitted here.
Housing is provided in a private, fully furnished upstairs apartment, part of our small compound on Love Lane in old town Key West, next door to the library and within walking distance of all the basic requirements: food, drink, movies, and the ocean. We are able to host one writer at a time. No funding is available for travel or living expenses.
Notification of status: You will likely not hear from us until 1 – 2 months before your possible residency date. Note that we do notify each applicant about the status of their application at some point in the process; if you do not hear back from us, it is because your application is still open.
Applications currently closed: Due to volume, we are no longer accepting submissions for the 2023- 2024 residency season.
More information is available by emailing kschumann@kwls.org.