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First Edition Retreat

Due to recent changes to the funding and structure of the program the First Edition Retreat will, temporarily, be put on hold.

We will make an official update on the website and via our social media channels when a final decision is made.

Thank you for your understanding. 

TESTIMONIALS

'This retreat was an extremely valuable experience. In a journey that can sometimes be isolating, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to connect with other writers. It is amazing how much you can learn from your peers over a meal and a glass of wine! Laurie Steed was brilliant, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge (plus more than a dash of humour) to the workshops. The feedback he provided in the mentoring session was both encouraging and constructive, and I left feeling optimistic about my novel’s potential. Highly recommended to any emerging writer!' Ashleigh Hardcastle, 2017 recipient

Thank You!

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The KSP Writers' Centre First Edition Retreat is managed by the KSP Foundation Inc and supported by the Shire of Mundaring with full sponsorship from the WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

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2024-25 First Edition Retreat

As part of the Four Centres Emerging Writers Program

Applications Closed

 

Subject to successful renewal of funding, the KSP Writers' Centre is pleased to offer this fantastic opportunity to three emerging writers from Western Australia for a two-year development program, including retreats, workshops, seminars and mentoring. This retreat is included as part of the 4 Centres Emerging Writer Program coordinated by Fremantle Press in partnership with the KSP Writers’ Centre, Fellowship of Writers WA, Peter Cowan Writers’ Centre, and WA Poets Inc. Sponsored by the WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

 

This next intake will include two mentored retreat placements at KSP in both 2024 and 2025, group critiquing sessions, interaction with fellow authors, and a one-year KSP membership extension. Recipients will also gain access to a series of manuscript development workshops and seminars with Fremantle Press. The goal of the program is for recipients to complete and polish their current work-in-progress with the aim of being ready to pitch it to traditional publishers by the time the program finishes in June 2025 (if not sooner).

 

DETAILS

  • Deadline to apply: Closed

  • The first retreat will be held from Thursday to Sunday sometime in March 2024, exact dates TBD. The second retreat will be held over four days in 2025, dates TBD. Workshops commence from August 2023.

  • Limit of three places only 

  • Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria (below)

  • Retreat cost: None. 

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Criteria/eligibility to apply:​

  • The applicant is a current financial member of KSP and current resident of Western Australia.

  • The applicant has never had a *full work of fiction contracted and published by a **traditional publisher.

  • The applicant has never received a KSP fellowship, residency or retreat placement previously, OR they did receive a previous placement and did submit contractual reports on time. 

  • The applicant was not selected by KSP for the 2019-20 Four Centres Emerging Writer Pilot Program.

  • The applicant is not currently employed by the KSP Foundation and is not a KSP board member.

  • The applicant is an emerging writer who can display dedication, talent and promise in their chosen creative writing genre, and has completed at least 50% of their first full length work as part of a dedicated author career goal. These writers may have achieved some literary awards and publication of individual works (i.e. short stories, novellas, essays) but have not yet published a full work.

  • The applicant's work-in-progress is in the genre of contemporary literary fiction, short fiction, or commercial genre fiction. 

  • The applicant is committed to developing their manuscript to completion by the end of the two-year program, and be ready to pitch to publishers at that time.

  • IMPORTANT! The applicant has their own transport or ability to travel to a series of complimentary publishing seminars and networking events hosted by Fremantle Press which will be held at various locations in the Perth metropolitan area as part of this Fellowship, approximately 5-6 per year, over two years. Attendance at these workshops are mandatory.

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*We define a 'full work' as being at least 50,000 words, written by a sole author.
**A traditional publisher has an ABN and national or international distribution, covers all publication costs, and has a team of professionals who work with the author throughout the various stages of book production.

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How to apply:

  1. Read the eligibility details on this KSP web-page. If you meet the criteria, proceed with application.

  2. Sign up for a free Submittable account.

  3. Commence the Submittable application form by clicking on the 'Submit' button below.

  4. Understand and agree to the terms and expectations involved. 

  5. Organise a CV, author profile image, statement of intent, synopsis and sample of work, as per instructions on the Submittable application form.

  6. Proofread application carefully, upload files, and submit before the deadline.

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APPLICATION ENQUIRIES: 08 9294 1872 or office@kspwriterscentre.com

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