Creative Opportunities
Through our UNESCO Cities of Literature Network, we’re able to offer writers, poets, graphic novelists, authors, & other creatives in Devon meaningful creative opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally.
If you are going to apply for any of these activities, please do contact us first to discuss your application so that we can support you as much as possible!
Writers’ Mailing list
We share these opportunities with our Writer’s Mailing List before they’re published to the website. We’ll also let you know about any other commissions and opportunities that we can’t share here.
Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Writer in Residence
Wonju City of Literature is offering a chance for one writer from a City of Literature to stay at Toji Cultural Centre for eight weeks, through Wonju City of Literature’s Writer’s Residency programme.
Closing Date of Application: Friday 11th July 2025
Announcement of Successful Recipient: Before 30th July
Place for Residency: Toji Cultural Centre
Residency Duration: Eight weeks, September 1st - October 31st
Round-trip air ticket and transport upon arrival/departure provided
How to apply: Applicants are asked to write a Microsoft Word document of 1,000 - 2,000 words (font size 11-12) reflecting all the subjects numbered below. Disproportionate emphasis on only one or two subjects is not encouraged. Balanced approach to each subject is highly recommended.
Let us know about yourself
Let us know about your literary works, achievements, awards, etc
Let us know about your literary world
Let us know about why you would like to come to Wonju
We also would like to know your plan for creative works during Residency
How much you will contain Wonju-Experince in your new creative works (how much Wonju-Experience effect in your new creative works)
Applications that do not meet 1,000 words or exceed 2,000 words will not be considered. Additional portfolio and materials will not be accepted or considered. You must include which country and which City of Literature you are currently living in. If you are not currently living in a City of Literature but are able to provide a reliable source of evidence that you have lived in a City of Literature, the application will be considered. Your connection will be verified through your connected City of Literature once a final pick is done. The residency opportunity does not roll over to the next year even if the selected writer is not able to fly to Korea to stay at Toji Cultural Centre.
Language: Applicants should possess the minimum command of B2 level English.
Selection and Notification: The invited applicant will be decided by an independent panel designated by Toji Cultural Centre. Final notification will be available to both the recipient and the coordinator before July 27th.
Requirements during Residency: There are no requirements whatsoever for a successful writer during their stay. We want the recipient just to relax and engage in their creative activity as much and comfortably as possible in such a tranquil environment around Toji Cultural Centre during the Residency. Korean writers and artists will stay at Toji Cultural Centre during the same period, and the writer is highly recommended to form friendship with them during his/her/their stay. Writers and artists from Korea and also outside of Korea will stay at Toji Cultural Centre from September 1 to October 31. Just like other writers and artists, the selected recipient should follow the rules of living established at Toji Cultural Centre.
Please send your application to wonjucityoflit@korea.kr no later than Friday 11th July
Could you be Exeter’s first Young City Laureate?
The search is on to find Exeter’s first ever Young City Laureate. Literature Works are looking for an aspiring young writer aged between 14 and 19 years who is ambitious to develop as a writer and performer, voicing the stories of the young people of Exeter.
The role of Exeter Young City Laureate is important. The chosen young writer will be commissioned and paid to create work to celebrate special events or occasions in the city and will be invited to perform in libraries, schools and at festivals.
Submissions are open now and close at midday on Wednesday 16th July 2025.
Who can apply?
The Young City Laureate is open to any young person aged 14-19 who lives, works or studies in Exeter. You will be a writer of either prose (fiction, creative non-fiction) or poetry.
Announcing Campfire – Exeter’s New Quarterly Literary Salon
Location: The Refugee, below The Mermaid, Gandy Street, Exeter
When: Wednesday 13th August, from 7pm
Exeter’s newest quarterly literary salon, a welcoming space for writers and storytellers of all backgrounds and styles. Set in the intimate surroundings of The Refuge, located beneath The Mermaid cocktail bar on Gandy Street, Campfire offers a cozy environment where creativity can flourish and stories can come to life.
Each edition of Campfire centers around a prompt phrase, inspiring submissions of fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, or plays. The prompt can be taken literally or more of a jumping off point, it's all up to you. Writers are encouraged to submit works that can be read aloud within 10 minutes, allowing for a dynamic evening of storytelling and shared ideas.
At Campfire, we gather to listen, reflect, and engage in the timeless tradition of storytelling, celebrating the power of words to connect us all. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone finding your creative voice, this is your chance to contribute and be heard.
Submission Guidelines: Work must be inspired by the quarterly prompt phrase, with fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, or plays up to 10 minutes long when read aloud. Please email campfireexeter@gmail.com in advance if you are planning to come along and read so we can gauge the timings.
August Prompt Phrase - “The great and glorious flora and fauna of this nation.”
Come share your story at Campfire—where the flicker of words and ideas will light up the room. For submissions or more information, contact us at campfireexeter@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @campfireexeter
Step into the circle, share your voice, and let your words kindle the conversation.
Prague UNESCO City of Literature
Residency for Writers & Translators
Do you have a breathtaking project you would like to work on during your residency in Prague? Prague City of Literature offers an opportunity to writers and translators to live and work in the beautiful city centre where historical architecture meets modern and vibrant city life.
This call goes for eight two-month residencies in 2026 which will be held in:
January–February
March–April
May–June
July–August
September–October
November–December
Required documents:
optional: Extract from a published text (in Czech or in English) or sample of a translated text from or into Czech; max 2 pages
Selection criteria:
Basic knowledge of the English language
At least one published literary work (not self-published) or two broadcast or published radio dramas or one carried out or published theater play or at least one translated work of a Czech author
Willingness to participate in the local literary life (author readings, meeting students, talks, activities arranged by the receiving institution or connected to the cultural events of the city)
Working on the writings during the stay
Cultural interest for the location
The author who has already received the scholarship once cannot apply again
The Resident undertakes that in the course of the residential stay or no later than within 2 months from its termination, he/she will provide the Municipal Library in Prague with the text inspired by the stay that the Municipal Library in Prague, through the project "Prague City of Literature", will be authorized to use to promote the Prague's residential stays. The Municipal Library in Prague will enter into a license agreement with the Resident for the purpose of using the text in electronic as well as printed version.
Service provided:
The accommodation and travel expenses are covered by Prague City of Literature; the residents will also receive a scholarship of CZK 15,000 (approx. €600 per month).
If you have any questions, please contact us at prague@cityofliterature.cz.
General terms and conditions and FAQ can be found here.
Virtual Writer In Residence
Melbourne City of Literature
To all writers from our sister UNESCO Cities of Literature – we are inviting you to put yourself forward to be one of our virtual writers in residence in November this year.
From poets to playwrights, this is an opportunity to get to know Melbourne’s vibrant and varied literary community up close by spending November working with one of the many organisations that make them a City of Literature.
Below is the list of hosts that we have and the simple point of inspiration they are looking for!
Blak & Bright seeks a First Nations writer to connect our stories and lands with theirs
Geelong Regional Libraries is looking for an emerging writer to help us diversify our offering to our community through a range of opportunities for collaboration, connection and engagement.
Going Down Swinging is looking for a writer of experimental, hybrid or emerging forms of storytelling who can share their creative process with its community and inspire them to find joy in their own creative risks and experiments.
Melbourne Writers' Theatre is looking for an experienced playwright to share their knowledge and their culture with our community of enthusiastic playwrights.
Myli-My Community Library is looking for an engaging, passionate writer who is highly enthusiastic about working across a variety of age groups and genres to inspire and support creativity through writing.
Signal is looking for a writer connected to young people aged 14 to 25 years keen to inspire the next generation
Society of Women Writers Victoria is looking for a woman writer to encourage our members in writing short form genres to tell women's stories, historical or contemporary.
Sticky Institute is looking for a writer interested in working with our local zine community to transform their ideas into a narrative zine.
Story Studios Australia is looking for a writer who is generous in outlining their process, community-minded, and excited by the possibilities of online connection.
Writers Victoria is seeking a writer keen to engage with our diverse community of writers and help them share their stories with the broader public.
This content can be any three of the following (or three of just one of the following)
a workshop
a written piece
an appearance/ panel
a social media takeover
The residency will also include opportunities for meetings with all the writers in residence and facilitated further connections with Melbourne as a City of Literature. As one of our virtual writers in residence you will be paid $1500(AUD) and you will retain all copyright for your work.
To be eligible you need to be a writer and resident presently in one of the UNESCO Cities of Literature.
APPLICATIONS
Follow this link to express your interest in being a virtual writer in residence.
You will be asked to nominate your choice of organisation and what you would love to do for and with them! You will also have the opportunity to propose a second organisation.
They are looking to be excited and inspired by your thoughts and the possibility of connecting with you!
We invite you to explore all of our hosts online but if you have any specific questions to ask the Melbourne City of Literature Office please do not hesitate cityofliterature@wheelercentre.com
Granada UNESCO City of Literature
International Writers in Residence 2025
Granada UNESCO City of Literature, a programme under the Department of Culture of the Granada City Council, in collaboration with the University of Granada announces a new edition of its International Writers in Residence Programme in Granada.
The Granada International Writers in Residence Programme is open to writers and literary translators residing in any country and writing in any language.
What you get:
A 30-night stay in Granada for two writers, from November 3 to December 2, 2025 (inclusive), at the Corrala de Santiago, a guest residence of the University of Granada.
Granada UNESCO City of Literature will cover travel expenses for each selected writer. The University of Granada will provide full board accommodation in a private room at the Corrala de Santiago.
Both institutions will offer the resident writers opportunities to engage with the literary life of Granada, including meetings with local writers and participation in workshops and educational activities.
What We Request: Resident writers are expected to actively participate in the literary and cultural activities proposed by the programme. Residents must commit to focusing on their literary project during their stay. They may not engage in other public activities with external institutions or in other cities without prior approval from the programme coordinators. They are also expected to publicly share and promote their residency experience in Granada (e.g., on social media).
Selection Criteria:
At least two published books (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.); self-published works are not eligible.
Fill out and send the form at this link to Jesús Ortega (granada@granadaciudaddeliteratura.com)
Upper-intermediate level of English or Spanish.
A summary of the literary project to be developed during the residency.
Additional materials (optional but appreciated):
Knowledge of Spanish.
Cultural and historical interest in the city of Granada.
An excerpt (1,500–3,000 words) from one of the applicant’s published works, translated into Spanish or English.
Letter(s) of recommendation.
The selection committee will be composed of experts appointed by Granada UNESCO City of Literature Office and the University of Granada.
Application and deadlines: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by August 31, 2025, to Jesús Ortega (granada@granadaciudaddeliteratura.com)
Selected writers will be announced on September 30, 2025, on the Granada City of Literature website.
Exeter Novel Prize 2025
Word Kitchen are delighted to announce that the Exeter Novel Prize has a new home with Word Kitchen. The competition is open from JULY 1ST ‘25 to January 1st, 2026.
This prestigious prize welcomes entries in English from all over the world, and is open to all authors who are without representation by a literary agent at the closing date, whether or not they have previously been published.
Hellie Ogden, head of the book dept at WME Agency's London office, will choose the short list and winner for the competition.
First prize - £1000
Five finalists receive £100
By submitting the first 10,000 words of your novel, along with a synopsis, you are in with a chance of not only winning a prestigious prize, but also - by daring to put your work out there in the world - getting your name and work noticed.
Read the rules below carefully, then send us is those first ten thousand words, including a brief synopsis, of a novel that has not been accepted for publication by a traditional publishing house.
The fee for entry is £20, and for entry plus an appraisal report it is £150.
