Here’s how to apply.

  • Writing Sample.

    You will be required to select a category into which your submission best fits. The five categories are: Poetry, Play, Screenplay, Fiction/Short Story, and Nonfiction.

    Your writing sample must match the category. You are allowed one submission per category.

  • Cover Letter.

    The purpose of the cover letter is for you to tell us a little about yourself and the project you would like to work on if you are accepted as a resident. It is not the place to tell us your life story or an in-depth analysis of your artistic vision. Remember, your submission to become a writer-in-residence with the Kerouac Project is based on the quality of your writing sample, not your cover letter.

  • Résumé.

    Share a one-page résumé. In our assessment process, the quality of the writing sample is what matters most, not your resume. Upload your résumé as a separate file along with your writing sample file.

Applications are currently closed.
Read below for full submission details (open January 2026).

About Our Residency

The Kerouac Project provides six residencies a year to writers of any stripe or age, living anywhere in the world. We encourage BIPOC and LGTBQ writers to apply. In the past, we have accepted writers with no formal writing education alongside those with MFA’s and impressive résumés. You will be judged on the quality of the writing sample you submit. Each residency consists of approximately a two-month stay in the cottage where Jack Kerouac wrote his novel Dharma Bums. Utilities and a food stipend of $600 are included. As writer-in-residence, all you are required to do is live in the Kerouac House during your residency, work on your writing project, and participate in four events: a Welcome Potluck dinner for you, two creative workshops to host, and a Final Reading of your work at the Kerouac House at the end of your residency. Should you desire them, the Kerouac Project can also offer opportunities for you to participate in other readings, lead more workshops, and interact in other ways with the vibrant Central Florida literary community.

A large part of the Kerouac Project is to extend writing and writing culture into the community. During their stay, residents are expected to participate in four events: a Welcome Potluck, two creative writing workshops, and a Final Reading.

Residents are required to teach at least two writing workshops from the Kerouac house for the Kerouac Project. At least one workshop must be done via online so that international workshop attendees may participate. The other workshop may be done in person at the Kerouac House or via online. The Kerouac Project will work with residents to facilitate and advertise these workshops. Residents have creative direction regarding the workshop content. Residents are not paid additionally for the workshops. Proceeds of workshops benefit the Kerouac Project so that we can continue future residencies and community outreach.

We understand that some residents may have remote jobs to help with income. That said, residents are expected to utilize a good portion of their time at the Kerouac House and in the Orlando community for writing and inspiration. At the end of the residency, each resident is required to do a Final Reading at the Kerouac House showcasing new creative material they’ve worked on since becoming a resident.