Freelance Writer in Residence Book Festival

Freelance Writer in Residence – Paisley Book Festival 2027

Paisley Book Festival seeks to appoint a part‑time Writer in Residence to support the festival’s strategic aims around creative development, community engagement, and amplifying diverse voices. The residency will centre on Paisley as a lived environment, responding to the festival’s ethos and values, and prioritise local storytelling, participation, and access to quality creative writing and / or literary engagement.

The Writer in Residence will act as both:

• A creative practitioner developing new work
• A public‑facing ambassador, engaging communities and contributing to the festival’s year‑round presence

This residency is open to all forms of writing, including prose, poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, spoken word, writing for children, and genre writing. The writer must be inspired by and influenced by Paisley. Each festival is curated with a theme, confirmed 6 months ahead of launch; the residency should take inspiration from this theme when curating workshops, engagement activity and festival events.

Timeframe: 10 months (August/September 2026 – May 2027)

(based on SAU Recommended Rates of Pay 2025‑2026, 3+ Years’ Experience)

Deadline for submission: Monday 20 July 2026 at 12 noon

Internal contact: Louise Oliver

Submission Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short, informal interview scheduled from w/c 17 and 24 August 2026.