Writer in Residence Program
Brewster Book Store believes that stories matter.
Matching readers with great stories is at the core of what we do, and we support writers by championing their published work.
Before this is possible, though, stories must make their way onto the pages of a book, no small feat. We created the Brewster Book Store Writer in Residence Program to offer writers support earlier in their book’s journey.
Are you an author with germinating seeds of a story, a character dancing in your head, or a bold idea to explore? Are you at a roadblock, several chapters in? Are you knee deep in edits? Regardless of where your book is in its journey - or where you are in your writing career - we invite you to apply for Brewster Book Store’s Writer in Residence Program.
The Program is designed to give emerging and established writers the space and setting to start, work on, or wrap up a writing project.
PERKS
The selected writer will receive:
one week’s stay at The Book Nook, Brewster Book Store’s AirBnB apartment, including use of the apartment’s internet access, during a mutually agreed upon week in February or March of the upcoming year
access to BBS’s Advance Reader Copy (ARC) library
the BBS 20% store employee discount on all store purchases made during the week
BBS promotion of published work - an event, social media marketing, and premier front facing location in store
EXPECTATIONS
The writer will conduct three one-hour sessions at the store (the nature of which is decided in partnership with the bookstore and may include any of the following: a book club meeting, writers' workshop, author talk, guest bookselling, blog writing, and/or book signing).
There is no stipulation about how time is spent outside of the three sessions. Some authors opt to use some of the time for vacation; others use all of their time and space for writing.
ELIGIBILITY
Writers 18 and older, writing in any genre, at any stage of their career, are encouraged to apply. Employees, former employees, and family members of current and former employees are not eligible; those who work for a publisher are also ineligible.
APPLICATION
To be considered, provide some basic information, describe (in 500-750 words) why you have applied, share your elevator pitch for your writing project and a writing sample (no more than 25 pages, please), and submit your writer’s resume.
Finalists will be invited to speak with the selection committee via phone or Zoom, and a recipient will be announced shortly thereafter.
DEADLINE & ANNOUNCEMENT
Our 2025 Writer in Residence Applications are open.
Application Due Date: January 7, 2025
Finalist Interviews: mid-January
Recipient Announcement Date: at the beginning of February
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the volume of applications, we will not personally acknowledge receipt of yours. Please know, however, that we are deeply grateful for your interest and are honored to read what you have shared.
All applicants will be notified prior to the public announcement.
Thank you in advance for your time and thought!