Writer in Residence

Toronto Public Library (TPL)’s Writer in Residence program supports writers and encourages exchanges between the author and the community. The Writer in Residence creates and delivers programs, evaluates submitted manuscripts, meets with writers from the general public, and works on their own project(s).

Writers who have held residencies at the library include Gail Bowen, Chester Brown, Austin Clarke, Karen Connelly, Deborah Cooke, Farzana Doctor, Sarah Ellis, Rabindranath Maharaj, Elizabeth Ruth, Robert J. Sawyer, Karl Schroeder, Allan Stratton, Sugith Varughese, Tim Wynne-Jones, Alissa York, David S. Young, Kate Cayley, Kim Echlin, Vikki VanSickle and Howard Shrier.

Apply to be Writer in Residence

Toronto Public Library (TPL) invites applications from Canadian writers with extensive writing and literary experience to participate in our Writer in Residence (WIR) program.

Current Opportunities

Spring 2023 Writer in Residence position, focused on Literary Non-Fiction writing, based at Toronto Reference Library (TRL).

Deadline to apply is Monday, February 6, 2023 at 11 pm.

To apply, read the Expression of Interest and submit the requested documents through the Writer in Residence page at: https://torontopubliclibrary.bonfirehub.ca/opportunities/56356

To access a *PDF version of the Expression of Interest (EOI): Download PDF (217 KB)

*This PDF version is provided for information only. In order to ensure receipt of further information pertaining to the EOI, please note that all applicants are required to download the EOI from: https://torontopubliclibrary.bonfirehub.ca/opportunities/56356
Spring 2023 Writer in Residence position, focused on Science Fiction/Fantasy writing, based at North York Central Library.

Deadline to apply is Monday, March 6, 2023 at 11 pm.

To apply, read the Expression of Interest and submit the requested documents through the Writer in Residence page at: https://torontopubliclibrary.bonfirehub.ca/opportunities/61520

To access a *PDF version of the Expression of Interest (EOI): Download PDF (221 KB)

*This PDF version is provided for information only. In order to ensure receipt of further information pertaining to the EOI, please note that all applicants are required to download the EOI from: https://torontopubliclibrary.bonfirehub.ca/opportunities/61520

Past Programs

Watch replays of past Writer in Residence programs

Imagination Boot Camp: Writing Workshop for Teens

Getting Published: Finding a Home for Your Book

Past Writer in Residence

Fall 2022 Writer in Residence – Crime Writing

Howard Shrier, a two-time winner of Canada’s highest crime fiction prize, is the author of four acclaimed novels featuring Toronto investigator Jonah Geller: Buffalo Jump, High Chicago, Boston Cream and Miss Montreal. Howard’s first story collection, When It Was Cold, came out in 2021 on all e-tail platforms. He has also written a standalone thriller, Lostport, and recently completed a historical novel. Born and raised in Montreal, Howard earned an Honours Degree in Journalism and Creative Writing at Concordia University in 1979. He began his career as a crime reporter at The Montreal Star and has since worked in print journalism, theatre and television, sketch comedy and improv, and corporate and government communications. Howard has designed and delivered dozens of crime-writing courses at University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, and now mentors writers working to bring their manuscripts up to professional standards.

Submitting Your Manuscript

Toronto Public Library’s Writer in Residence offers writers of Literary Non-Fiction the opportunity to submit manuscripts for review and feedback. The Writer in Residence meets with writers who submit novel excerpts and short stories to offer feedback and answer questions. Meetings with the Writer in Residence are by appointment only and they may not be able to meet with everyone who submits their work.

Submission Requirements

Please ensure that crime fiction submissions are double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, and up to 2,500 words. Include a cover page with your name, email and telephone number. Email your submission to: trllanglit@tpl.ca

Please stay tuned for the next opportunity to apply.