Arts & Culture

Call for Applicants: Author in Residence

Now accepting applications for 2026

Call for Author in Residence: 2026

Application Timeframe: May 7 – June 18, 2026
Residency Timeframe: September 21 – November 27, 2026

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 Residency 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. This residency recognizes the contribution of Calgary Authors to the Calgarian, Albertan, Canadian and International literary scenes and seeks to provide Library patrons with the opportunity to have constructive criticism of their work as well as to receive an introduction to literary pathways and viewpoints they may not otherwise experience.

The Resident is invited to work both remotely and in a designated office space on the 2^nd floor of Central Library, downtown Calgary. They will engage with the public through individual consultations, delivery of writing programs, workshops and public readings. There is also an opportunity for the Author to work on their own projects during the residency.

Description of the Position

The Library seeks Authors that have an affinity for people and have 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 also present a clear plan of the personal writing work they intend to pursue during their residency.

This residency program is based in a glass-fronted studio in a public space, which means, while the Author’s privacy is to be respected whether in the studio or in the public space of the Library, we do expect the Author to be comfortable and open to engaging with patrons.

The Author in Residence will:

Fulfill 160 hours during the course of the residency, which includes office hours (see next point), hours preparing for and presenting programming, hours spent reviewing and critiquing manuscripts (a maximum of 10 pages per patron) submitted by patrons, hours spent working on personal residency writing project

Host regular scheduled office hours during which they will have scheduled or drop-in consultations with aspiring and published authors
Develop and deliver a minimum of two public programs, such as lectures, workshops or readings
Develop a booklist for the Calgary Public Library website
Present a clear police clearance with Vulnerable Sector check

Additionally, the successful applicant must be willing to:
Work collaboratively with Library staff and other residents as needed
Sign a formal written contract which will detail the rights and responsibilities of each party
Provide: (1) a short bio in 50 words or less (2) a short description of the Author’s work in 150 words or less, and (3) a headshot or organization logo in high resolution .jpg or .png format, suitable for print reproduction. This information will also be used to create in-Library signage and to introduce the Author at community engagement events, as well as for additional publicity opportunities
Successfully meet the criteria of their residency under the budget, residency schedule (co-developed with Library) and timelines set out in their contract
Be willing to constructively critique a wide range of levels, styles and genres of writing in a respectful and kind manner
Be available for press events/media interviews, and be open to discussing their work with library patrons when engaged, within reason
Participate in Library-initiated projects, such as video interviews, for the Library’s archives
Document and share their residency with the Library and the public via blog, social media feed, written account, photographs
Sit on the Selection Committee to choose the 2027 Author in residence in June of 2027

Application Requirements

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING

Applicants will be evaluated based on inclusion of the following:

A literary and teaching resume with evidence of strong public engagement being of additional value
Detailed proposals for public programs to be offered in the library during the residency – please give indication of intended audience for programs
An explanation of the work or process you wish to investigate during the residency (500 words or fewer)
A description of how your writing practice is particularly suited to the Calgary Public Library’s values of inclusion, curiosity, and collaboration as well as being respectful and suitable for family audiences
A sample of your writing or direction to an online website or portfolio space where writing or publications can be viewed

Remuneration

The Author in Residency honorarium is $50/hr to a maximum of 160 hours per residency for a total of $8000. The amount includes offsite preparation time and onsite program delivery time, including consultations and time to work on a personal writing project.

Selection Process

At the close of the call out all COMPLETE application packages will be reviewed and scored by a committee, with the top three candidates asked back for an online interview. The final selection will be made by considering the results of the application package and interview. All applicants will be notified once the committee has made its selection, during the summer. The successful candidate will be notified, but their name will not be announced until the residency has been accepted.

Please submit applications to:

By Mail:
Residencies: Programs and Partnerships
Central Library, 800 3^rd Street SE, BOH 1M
Calgary, AB T2G 2E7