Applications open for The University Book Shop Summer Writer in Residence Award, in association with the Robert Lord Writers’ Cottage Trust

By University Book Shop | Posted: Monday Sep 15, 2025

Applications close 13th October 2025.

The University Book Shop Summer Writer in Residence Award, in association with the Robert Lord Writers’ Cottage Trust, is open to emerging writers who are normally resident in New Zealand and write for adults, young adults or children. They may write in any genre including poetry, drama, fiction, narrative non-fiction, graphic novels, biography, autobiography, essays or literary criticism. It is based in Ōtepoti/Dunedin, New Zealand’s UNESCO City of Literature.

 
The residency aims to provide an opportunity for the recipient to concentrate on their writing work to assist in finalising a piece of writing or to help prepare a submission for further publication. The residency runs annually for six weeks between the beginning of January and the end of February. The exact dates will change each year and will be concurrent with the University of Otago Summer School term.
 

APPLICANT

As an emerging writer the recipient of the residency will be an applicant who, in the opinion of the University Book Shop Summer Writer in Residence Advisory Group, has established by their published work, or otherwise, that their writing would benefit from the residency.
 

WRITER IN RESIDENCE AWARD INCLUDES:

• Accommodation at the Robert Lord Writers’ Cottage in North Dunedin. This is conveniently located within walking distance of the University Book Shop and University

• A six-week residency, to mirror the University of Otago Summer School semester

• A working space at the University Book Shop with full internet and a generous amount of photocopier/printer support

• A stipend of $2000 during the residency, paid in one lump sum to a NZ bank account

• UBS Otago staff discount on book purchases during your time in the residence

• Access to the wider community of the University of Otago, City of Literature, Public Libraries and NZ Society of Authors during their time in Dunedin

 

APPLICATIONS

Applications open 15th September – 13th October 2025.

Recipient announced late October.
To request the application form and further details, contact gm@unibooks.co.nz.

Travel arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the recipient.