At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and share your writing while engaging with the community at the Paisley Book Festival.
- Company: Paisley Book Festival, a vibrant hub for creativity and diverse voices.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for creative development and community engagement.
- Other info: 10-month residency with a focus on collaboration and creative workshops.
- Why this job: Be a key player in amplifying local stories and making literature accessible to all.
- Qualifications: Experience in various writing forms and a passion for community storytelling.
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: Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd
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 and community projects. This way, when you chat with them, you can show how your writing aligns perfectly with their vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local literary events or workshops in Paisley to meet fellow writers and festival organisers. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for that informal interview by practising your pitch. Think about how your unique voice and experiences can contribute to the festival’s ethos. We want to hear your passion for local storytelling!
✨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 engage with our platform.
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 how your unique voice and experiences can resonate with the Paisley Book Festival's ethos. Tailor your writing to reflect the festival's values of community engagement and diverse storytelling.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for Paisley and its stories shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just a writer but also a creative practitioner eager to engage with the local community. Share your ideas on how you plan to inspire others and contribute to the festival’s year-round presence.
Be Clear and Concise:While we love creativity, clarity is key! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use straightforward language to convey your thoughts and ideas, ensuring that we can easily grasp your vision for the residency.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with our digital community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research the Paisley Book Festival and its ethos. Familiarise yourself with their past themes and community engagement initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Work
Prepare a portfolio of your writing that reflects the diversity of your skills. Include pieces that resonate with local storytelling or themes relevant to Paisley. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with the festival's values and how you can engage the community through your writing.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways you can connect with the local community during your residency. Come up with ideas for workshops or events that encourage participation and access to creative writing. Sharing these ideas during the interview will demonstrate your commitment to community engagement.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The festival is looking for someone who can be a public-facing ambassador, so showing your passion for writing and your enthusiasm for the role will make a lasting impression.
