At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and share your writing while engaging with the community at the Paisley Book Festival.
- Company: Join the vibrant Paisley Book Festival, celebrating diverse voices and local storytelling.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for creative development and community engagement.
- Other info: 10-month residency with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by amplifying local stories and participating in a dynamic literary environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for writing in any form and a love for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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
Submission Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short, informal interview scheduled from w/c 17 and 24 August 2026.
Freelance Writer in Residence- Paisley Book Festival 2027 employer: OneRen
Paisley Book Festival is an exceptional employer for creative individuals, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the local community and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Paisley. With a focus on diverse storytelling and creative development, the festival fosters a supportive work culture that encourages artistic growth and collaboration, making it an ideal environment for writers looking to make a meaningful impact through their craft.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Writer in Residence- Paisley Book Festival 2027
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Paisley Book Festival inside out! Familiarise yourself with their past themes, events, and community engagement efforts. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local literary events or workshops, and connect with other writers and festival organisers. Building relationships can open doors and give you insights into what they’re looking for in a Writer in Residence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for that informal interview by practising your pitch. Think about how your writing style and community engagement ideas align with the festival's ethos. We want to see your passion for local storytelling shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to follow the process we’ve set up.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Writer in Residence- Paisley Book Festival 2027
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to think about who will be reading your application. We want to see your passion for Paisley and how you can engage with the community, so make sure your writing reflects that enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Creativity:This is your chance to shine! Use your application to demonstrate your unique voice and style. Whether it’s prose, poetry, or any other form of writing, let us see what makes you stand out as a creative practitioner.
Connect with the Festival's Ethos:Make sure to align your application with the festival’s values around community engagement and diverse storytelling. We’re looking for writers who can contribute to our mission, so highlight how your work can resonate with local stories and themes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you don’t miss any important details. Plus, we love seeing everything in one place!
How to prepare for a job interview at OneRen
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Paisley Book Festival and its ethos. Understand their focus on local storytelling and community engagement. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Freelance Writer in Residence, creativity is key! Prepare to discuss your previous work and how it aligns with the festival's themes. Bring examples of your writing that reflect diverse voices and local narratives, as this will demonstrate your ability to engage with the community.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about how you can connect with the local community through your writing. Be ready to share ideas for workshops or events that could inspire participation. Showing that you have a plan for community engagement will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Yourself
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to be authentic. The festival is looking for someone who can be a public-facing ambassador, so let your personality shine through. Share your passion for writing and how it relates to the vibrant culture of Paisley.
