Residencies
The KSP Writers’ Centre proudly supports Australian writers through annual residencies, continuing a 30+ year legacy that has fostered hundreds of award-winning publications across diverse genres. The KSP program is proudly sponsored by the KSP Foundation with generous help from the Shire of Mundaring.
Residency Benefits
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Paid residency with CV credit and promotional exposure
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Dedicated time and space to write in a peaceful, inspirational setting
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Access to:
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Katharine Susannah Prichard’s historic studio
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Library and heritage walking trails
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WIFI, complimentary printing, and writing groups
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Welcome pack on arrival
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Opportunity to sell books at KSP events (self-managed sales)
Benefits to KSP and the Community
In return, Writers are expected to:
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Positively promote KSP as a key literary hub before, during, and after the residency
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Engage the local community by delivering informative and inspiring literary events
Eligibility
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Open to Australian writers who are current KSP members
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Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and regionally-based writers are strongly encouraged to apply
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Specific criteria apply to each residency category (see category guidelines on this page)
Important Notes
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Travel and food expenses are not covered
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KSP is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers and part-time staff; all income raised by the Centre goes back into our programs and maintenance of heritage-listed buildings and grounds.
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Staff support is available during working hours; emergency contacts are provided
Application Deadlines 2026:
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ESTABLISHED CATEGORY - CLOSED
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EMERGING CATEGORY - CLOSED
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UPCOMING CATEGORY* - CLOSED
*Please note: our guidelines for the UpComing category have changed, writers applying in this category don't have to be under 30 years of age to apply, please follow the guidelines in the document below only.
Definitions, FAQ's & Guidelines (for all residencies)
Please make sure to carefully read the document before applying for a residency. FAQ's can also be found on this page.
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Please view/download HERE
Supporting Document
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Please download HERE
Ready to submit?
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Click on the Submittable button below
Application FAQs
Is there a cost to apply?
No, but you do need to be a current financial member of KSP to be eligible, or your application will be disqualified. See here to sign up. Note that interstate, regional and overseas applicants qualify for the 'Country' category. Also note that the WA Writers United (WAWU) collaborative membership does not apply in this instance.
What classifies as 'Regional' or 'Culturally and Linguistically Diverse'?
To classify as a 'Regional' writer, you must be based overseas or currently living in a remote area of Australia (see here for postcodes that qualify). CALD is a contemporary descriptor for ethnic communities. CALD people are generally defined as those who are born overseas, in countries other than those classified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) as 'main English speaking countries'.
I have received a KSP fellowship in the past. Can I apply for a KSP residency?
If your fellowship reports from the previous stay were submitted, then yes.
I have received a KSP residency in the past. Can I apply for another KSP residency?
Not in the same category, no. But you can apply for a different category, if eligible.
Will I be staying alone at KSP if I win a residency placement?
We have three cabins available, so Writers-in-Residence will usually have the company of at least one other writer whilst at KSP. We also have regular writing groups on at the Centre so there are plenty of opportunities to meet people.
Applying: What to Do
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Read the guidelines to determine your appropriate residency category, and to ensure you are eligible.
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Download and read the *Supporting Residency Document to ensure you can complete the required supporting material. If you can, start preparing this material.
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If you are not an existing KSP member, sign up here. If you aren't sure whether your membership is up to date, please email our friendly staff at office@kspwriterscentre.com and they will check for you.
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Sign up (or log in, if you are an existing account holder) for a free Submittable account.
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Click on the Submittable button above, find the correct application category, then answer all questions and read/sign the Terms of Use. Remember to save your application; you can return to it anytime before the deadline.
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Attach required documents, including your author head shot, Letters of Recommendation or Statements of Support, and the completed Supporting Residency Document (ensure to use KSP's provided template) that has been saved as your full name.
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Review, edit (check your spelling) and submit by the deadline.
APPLICATION ENQUIRIES: Contact the KSP Writers’ Centre office on 08 9294 1872 or office@kspwriterscentre.com
What is included in the *Supporting Residency Document?
The Supporting Residency Document (important: ensure to adhere to page limits, if specified) asks applicants to supply the following information (refer to the document for specific details):
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Cover Letter, max two pages, giving details of suitability and reasons for applying.
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Literary Resume, no page limit, including relevant work history, any publications, writing awards and achievements, i.e., residencies or grants won, and community engagement with the writing sector.
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Project Details, max one page, focusing on the work you expect to be developing during the residency.
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Workshop Proposal, max one page, outlining your three-hour workshop [required for Established and Emerging/Invited writers only].
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Sample of Polished Work, ten pages of polished work; this sample may be either published or unpublished material, which best reflects and showcases your writing style.