Writers' Residency

Each year, the Foundation will offer several residencies for specialized cohorts. In 2026 we invite applications from recent MFA graduates for a residency in the summer, K-12th grade teachers (or their international equivalents) also for a summer residency, and Maine writers for a residency in the fall. We will likely add more residencies in 2027.

Quality of writing samples and work plans are the primary considerations for admission. 

Before beginning the application, you must create a writing sample PDF document with the first four letters of your surname on the top right of every page. You will need to upload this PDF in the last step.

Writing Sample Guidelines

Recent MFA graduates

Applicants must have received their MFA degrees (or MA and/or PhDs) in creative writing (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, playwrighting, screenwriting) in 2026, 2025, 2024, or 2023. For 2026 graduates, the degree must be conferred before the beginning of the residency.

K-12 School teacher

Teachers from all over the world who teach high school, middle school, or elementary school (or their international equivalents) are welcome to apply. Applicants must have taught full-time during the 2025-2026 school year. Retired teachers with eight or more years of experience will also be considered.

Maine Writers

Applicants must be residents of Maine who reside in Maine for at least six months out of the year, or they must have grown up in Maine (lived in Maine for at least five years from ages 0-18). We ask that Maine prose or poetry applicants have at least one published book or chapbook (not self-published or published by a vanity press) or four publications in reputable literary magazines.