Typewronger Writer's Residency


SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR A 6 MONTH RESIDENCY


What It Is

The Typewronger Writer's Residency is an opportunity for up-and-coming Edinburgh-based writers to use our studio space to work on their creative projects. Though writing can be done everywhere and at any time it's often difficult to be disciplined about one's writing practice and very easy to get distracted when writing at home or in cafés/libraries. Successful applicants will be issued with a key to the Typewronger Studio at St Margaret's House and allotted times of the week in which they can access the space for a six month period. The studio has a desk (oooo!) chairs (oooo!) typewriters (oooo!) and heating (OOOOOOOOOO!) There is also internet and the option of pinching free coffee from the third floor (the process for which will be fully explained in an induction session.) The next residency will be for November 2024 - April 2025.


Who It's For

This is suited to somebody who doesn't already have their own studio or office or heated room in which to write. It's especially pertinent that it runs over the winter and the studio is fully heated. All applications will be considered, but Typewronger is especially interested in promoting poetry. If you have any art/illustration skills that could also come in handy, and though you can work on whatever projects you like during your residency, we would hope you'd like to collaborate with us in the production of a zine on our risograph machine.


How Do I Apply?

Applications can be made by emailing residency@typewronger.com

Applications must use the subject line "TYPEWRONGER RESIDENCY 2024/2025". 

In your email you must explain why you feel a Typewronger Residency would be beneficial to you and tell us a little about what you would hope to achieve over the six month period, and what sort of zine/booklet you'd like to collaborate on. Your cover email must not exceed 500 words. Please also attach a piece of your work. This piece must not exceed one thousand words. Cover letters and work samples will be word-counted before being read - one word over and your application is in the bin. At Typewronger we believe brevity is the soul of wit. 


The deadline for this residency is 30/09/24


The shop and print studio are BUSY - please don't email us extra questions about the residency as all the information you need to know is definitely included on this webpage. BUT... here's some PAQs (potentially asked questions)


Q Is the residency funded?

A We'd love to receive funding for our residencies, and as a Social Enterprise Typewronger will do its utmost to secure funding for projects like this at some point in the future, but currently no - the residency is exactly as described above, a space to work in the warm for a portion of the week over the winter.


Q Why are you so strict about word count?

Last time we received over fifty applications. If everyone uses the maximum word count we'll have to read over 75,000 words whilst trying to decide who gets the space. We're booksellers who have plenty other jobs to do - get to the point, direct and straightforward applications are best, one shot straight to our email and we'll get back to you if you succeed.


Q Is the space accessible?

A The studio is pretty wheelchair accessible - it's located at St Margaret's House which has a lift, there are various desks of different heights so something should work for most wheelchair users. Other accessibility accommodations can be made, please outline any requirements of this sort briefly in your introductory email.


Q Will you email us to let us know if we haven't got the place?

A There will be a lot of applications, and we'd love to be the sort of residency that emails you back with fulsome feedback... but we really don't have the time.  We will not be giving feedback, please don't ask for it. The winner will be contacted by email, and you'll know you didn't get it when you see us announce who did and it isn't you. Shan times, right? Don't take it personally, and do try again another time, which leads us to...


Q Can I reapply if I've applied before?

A Yes - we've not placed any restriction on reapplying in the information above. If you didn't succeed before remember that we get a lot of applications, and frankly though some are clearly better than others at the top of the pile there's very little in it as to whether you get the place or not. Part of this, like any job application, is luck. Good luck!





Our First Typewronger Writer In Residence was Iona Lee!

Check out Iona's work here: www.ionalee.com/