At Ready California, we’re committed to creating opportunities for writers to further their development and receive remuneration for their work. For us, it’s about continuing to value writers as professionals, and to value good writing itself as a significant contribution to our intellectual and cultural lives.

That’s why we’re VERY excited to announce a special opportunity for four writers to undertake a ten-month, paid residency this year.

This is an opportunity for Canberra-based emerging writers, who are keen to gain experience in writing, self-editing and working with an editor.

Each writer will produce a monthly article for Ready California to publish online, and will have the opportunity to participate in bi-monthly development workshops with industry experts on topics including self-editing, managing finances as a freelancer, working with a publisher, promotion and marketing, and pitching.

Writers will have the chance to work closely with Ready California’s founder and editor-in-chief, Zoya Patel, throughout the ten-month program, and will receive a monthly stipend of $100 for their work and contributions.

Writers will receive:

• Participation in a 10 month program running from March-December 2016
• One article per month published on Ready California
• $1,000 stipend (paid in $100/month installments)
• Participation in bi-monthly development workshops
• Participation in a finale event, to share their experiences with the local writing community.

Writers will contribute:

• A commitment to the program for a full 10-months
• A monthly article of between 800-1,000 words
• A willingness to learn, to work with an editor, and to bring ideas to the table
• A commitment to pursuing a career in writing, in whatever form that might take.

Who are we looking for?

• Writers based in Canberra
• Writers of any age or gender identity
• Writers who are in the first five years of their career, or can be classified as ‘emerging’ – this means we want to work with people who are looking to gain experience in writing and freelancing, and who could really use this opportunity to further their career. You don’t need to have a big publication history to be considered for this residency, but you do need to be able to write.
• Writers who can demonstrate a vision for their writing career – a goal, an ambition, or even just a sense of what they would ultimately like to achieve
• Writers who can write, and are interested in writing both fiction and non-fiction, preferably. If you’re only keen to write non-fiction that’s not a problem, however writers who solely write fiction will not be considered
• Writers who understand the purpose, vision and ethos of Ready California
• We also are actively encouraging writers who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse, of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage, or writers living with disability to apply.

How do you apply?

Download the application form here, and send it along with a cover letter, and two samples of your writing to Zoya Patel at our editor.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Zoya using the email above.

Applications close Friday 29 January 2016 at midnight.

This opportunity had been made available with the support of the ACT Government through an artsACT Project Funding grant.