Call for Applicants: Author in Residence

Overview 

The Calgary Public Library invites applications for the paid position of Author in Residence. The program is a 10-week community engagement residency designed to champion the joy of reading, foster an understanding of the craft of writing and connect readers and writers. The Author in Residence acts as a mentor to emerging and established writers in the community, reviewing manuscripts and providing information and advice about all aspects of writing and publishing. 

The Resident is invited to work both remotely and in a designated office space in the Central Library. They will engage with the public through individual consultations, delivery of writing programs, workshops and public readings. There will also be an opportunity for the writer to work on his/her own projects during the residency. 

Application Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023 

Who Should Apply 

The successful candidate has been published professionally. Eligible publications include a complete book of fiction, short stories, poetry, drama, children’s literature or non-fiction written for the general public. Candidates must have some teaching and program delivery experience and feel comfortable critiquing a wide variety of genres in both creative and non-fiction writing. Applicants should have plans to work on a writing project during the residency. 

Responsibilities 

The Author in Residence will: 

• Host regular scheduled office hours during which the Resident will have scheduled or drop-in consultations with aspiring and published authors 
• Develop and deliver a minimum of three public programs, such as lectures, workshops or readings 
• Develop a booklist for the Calgary Public Library website 
• Vulnerable sector check is required 

The residency runs for 10 weeks, September to November 2023. 

Remuneration

The Author in Residence honorarium is $50.00 per hour to a maximum of 160 hours per residency. This amount includes offsite preparation time and onsite program delivery time, including consultations and time to work on a personal writing project. 

Evaluation of Applications 

Applicants will be evaluated based on inclusion of the following: 

• A letter outlining suitability for the position 
• A literary resume 
• Proposals for public programs to be offered in the Library during the residency 
• Writing samples: published book and/or 15-20 pages of work-in-progress 

The successful candidate will be selected by a committee.  All applicants will be notified once the committee has made its selection, generally in mid summer.  The successful candidate will be notified, but their name will not be announced until the residency has been formally announced by the Library. 

Please submit applications to:  

Service Design: Author in Residence Program 
Central Library, 800 3rd Street SE 

Or electronically to author@calgarylibrary.ca 

Application deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023