Breakthrough Writing Residency, by Literary Cleveland
Apply for the 2025–2026 Breakthrough Writing Residency by Literary Cleveland
Applications are now open for Literary Cleveland’s 2025–2026 Breakthrough Writing Residency, a year-long, fully supported mentorship and professional development program for emerging writers in Greater Cleveland/Northeast Ohio. This unique residency is ideal for writers working on their first book-length manuscript in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
What the Residency Offers
Selected writers—two in each genre—will receive:
- A $200 monthly stipend for 12 months
- One-on-one mentorship with a published author in their genre
- Access to free writing classes and workshops
- Monthly in-person meetings and community sessions
- Opportunities to present work at the Inkubator Conference
- Guidance on teaching skills, publication, and career development
This program is primarily virtual, with a few in-person engagements throughout the year, and culminates in a public reading and final manuscript showcase in October 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for the Breakthrough Writing Residency
It is open to:
- Writers who have not published a book
- Those who have not completed an MFA
- Residents of Greater Cleveland/Northeast Ohio, aged 18 and older
- Writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals
- Applicants not currently enrolled in academic programs or affiliated with Literary Cleveland’s staff or board
Writers at all stages of their creative development are welcome. Don’t rule yourself out—apply if you’re passionate and committed.
Application Deadline: August 4, 2025
Free in-person info session: July 13, 2025
Meet the 2025–2026 Mentors
- Fiction: Claire McMillan and D.M. Pulley
- Nonfiction: Athena Dixon
- Poetry: Teri Ellen Cross Davis
Each mentor brings years of experience in publishing, teaching, and guiding emerging voices through the creative process.
Application Requirements for the Breakthrough Writing Residency
- Application form
- Artist biography
- Artist résumé or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Project description
- Writing sample with a short description
If you need guidance on any of these materials, especially your statement of purpose, read this:
Statement of Purpose Examples
And if you’re a fiction writer polishing your manuscript or story collection, we recommend this craft article:
How to Write a Great Short Story
Timeline
- August 4, 2025 – Application deadline
- September 2025 – Finalists contacted and selected
- November 2025 – Orientation and start of residency
- October 2026 – Final reading and residency close
Final Thoughts
This is residency is a launching pad for writers who need structured, ongoing support to finish their first book. Whether you are writing a novel, a memoir, a poetry collection, or another genre-blending manuscript.
For questions or application assistance, email: info@litcleveland.org
Apply before: August 4, 2025
More info: litcleveland.org
