The Writer’s Space Fellowships FAQ 

 How much is the application fee for the program?

There are no application fees.

If I am successful, are there any fees for participating in the program?

There are no fees for participating in this program.

Residency fellowships include meals and accommodation for two weeks.

What about travel costs?

Varuna will reimburse travel expenses between Katoomba and your home.

Am I required to take my fellowship at a specific time of year?

The residency will need to be taken between February - December 2025, subject to availability in the house. 

Is this your only fellowship for writers with disability?  

We also welcome writers with disability or who are D/deaf to apply to our 2025 Varuna Residential Fellowships round which will take place in April 2025. As part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships, we award our Jerra Studio Flagship Fellowship for writers with disability.

When will I be notified regarding the outcome?

You will be notified of the outcome of your submission by email, and the fellowship recipients will be announced on our website by January 2025.

Will I receive feedback upon my work?

Selectors do not discuss the selection process or offer individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

I’ve missed the deadline. Can I still submit an application?

No. Unfortunately no applications will be accepted after the deadline date.

I do not have a complete manuscript yet. Can I still apply?

Absolutely. 

Is there a word limit for my submission?

Yes, the word limit is 10,000 words.

How can I write my bio (previous writing experience) without including identifying details?

Try to indicate the level of your experience without being too specific. For example, you might write ‘I have had many essays published in literary journals, including Griffith Review and Meanjin, and my first novel was published by Black Inc. in September 2016.’ In general, it is advised not to include the titles of any published works. You can however mention any awards or fellowships received.

What do you mean when you say writers with disability or who are d/Deaf?

The aim of this program is to support writers who may have previously experienced barriers to developing their skills such as the lack of physical access, communication barriers, discrimination, or other people's attitudes. This includes, but isn't limited to, writers with sensory or physical conditions, hidden conditions, ongoing medical conditions, writers with cognitive or learning disability or mental health conditions. 

What access facilities does Varuna have for writers with disabilities or who are D/deaf?

We now have a wheelchair-accessible studio and a Disability Inclusion Action Plan so we can work on eliminating potential barriers to accessing our programs. While the main Varuna house isn’t wheelchair accessible, we have a portable ramp we put in place whenever wheelchair-users come for a residency. For this program we have funds set aside for meeting specific access requirements. We encourage writers with disability to email maeve@varuna.com.au to discuss specific access requirements which may be needed during a residency. More information can be found on our accessibility page of our website www.varuna.com.au/accessiblity. 

Can a support worker stay with me during my residency?

If you notify us in advance of your residency that you would like a support worker to stay with you, we can help you make arrangements for them to stay in a nearby holiday house. If you receive NDIS funding, we can provide any information required to ensure your NDIS support can be used to assist your stay.

Can I apply for more than one Varuna fellowship at a time?

Yes; for example, the Varuna Residential Fellowships will open in 2025, and you are welcome to apply for both.

Can I apply for a fellowship submitting work that is already under contract with a publisher?

Yes.

I work with another writer collaboratively. If our application is successful, can we come to Varuna together?

If your writing is genuinely a joint work, please contact maeve@varuna.com.au to explain your specific requirements. We will try to accommodate you if we possibly can.

Can I submit more than one application?

No.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants need to be an Australian citizen or have a permanent residency visa, be over 18 years old and identify as a writer with disability or who is D/deaf. Recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Writer’s Space Fellowships are not able to apply in 2025.

I have previously received a Writer’s Space Online Fellowship. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes. Recipients of a Writer’s Space Online Fellowship in any year are eligible to apply.

I applied to The Writer’s Space Fellowship in 2024 and wasn’t successful. Can I apply again?

Yes, if you applied to the program last year and were unsuccessful you are welcome to apply again.

For general information on Accessibility at Varuna including Varuna’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, go here.