Writer in Residence

Call for Expressions of Interest

Surrey Libraries’ mission is to connect people, spark curiosity, and inspire lifelong learning to enhance the lives of Surrey residents. The goal of this program is to provide support to a local literary arts professional and writers in the Surrey community.

Term/Pay

  • Contract start date January 13, 2025, and end date December 12, 2025 (48 weeks)
  • 24 hours per week
  • $35 per hour

Expectations/Deliverables

  • Work on self-directed creative writing project(s) and then share results with the Library and the community at the end of the residency (12 hours per week)
  • Facilitate writing consultations (12 hours per week): library patrons will submit a sample of their work in advance; may be in-person or online
  • Regular weekly check-ins with designated Library staff

Requirements

  1. Must be legally permitted to work in Canada for the duration of the residency
  2. Recognized as a writer with a significant body of published writing
  3. Enthusiastic about working with members of the public in one-on-one settings
  4. Teaching and public speaking experience
  5. Comfortable with technology e.g. Teams
  6. Must have own laptop with camera and headphones with microphone to use during the residency
  7. Proposed writing project(s) for this residency must be in the early working stage
  8. Works well independently with effective time management skills

Expression of Interest to include

  • A cover letter and résumé that highlight your credentials as a writer and how your previous experience would contribute positively to this residency
  • A brief description of the writing project(s) you intend to work on during the residency and how this residency would benefit your project(s)
  • Contact information for three references
  • A 20-30 page sample of recent writing
  • Reviews of produced/published works

Please note: a criminal record check is required, with no conviction of any offence related to this contract opportunity. 

Completed applications must be received by 5pm (PST) on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Applications may be emailed in PDF format (one consolidated file preferred) to  SPLadminoffice@surrey.ca