• Candidates must have at least one children’s book published by a traditional trade publishing house but no more than five. Picture books, chapter books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult novels are all acceptable. 

• Must have experience teaching/working with children in an educational setting. 

• Applicants must currently reside in or be born/raised in Ohio (if you were not born/raised in Ohio but you’ve spent at least two years in Ohio, please contact us for a possible exception to this requirement).

• The submitted book must have been published in the last two years.

• Applicants must be over 21 years of age.

You will be asked to provide/complete:

1) A 200-500-word statement explaining why you want this residency and what you hope to accomplish during the residency.

2) A 100-300-word statement or resume outlining your experience, accomplishments, and accolades.

3) A copy of your latest published book, mailed to Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215.

4) Your contact information.

5) Alternative contact (if applicable).

6) Checkboxes:

• Applicant agrees to the following:

  • Artificial intelligence: All submitted writing and graphic novel artwork is original and created solely by the writer/artist and without the use of artificial intelligence. I understand that any non-original work, including work manipulated or generated in any way by artificial intelligence, will be rejected.

  • Warranty and indemnity: I warrant that the submitted work is original and does not infringe on any third party’s rights. The writer/artist agrees to indemnity and hold harmless Thurber House and its authorized representatives from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from the breach of this warranty.

  • Participation: I agree to participate in Thurber House programming during my residency.

  • Honorarium and expenses: If I am awarded a residency, I understand that the honorarium provided by Thurber House is intended to be used for expenses involved in participating in the residency (including travel and meals). No additional stipend will be provided by Thurber House to cover residency-related expenses (including travel and meals).

  • Travel arrangements: I understand that the residency takes place in Columbus, Ohio, and that I am responsible for making all travel arrangements.

  • Accessibility: I understand that the residency takes place in an apartment on the third floor of the historic Thurber House, which is only accessible via two flights of stairs.

  • Image/likeness: I grant permission to Thurber House and its authorized representatives—including but not limited to its employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, trustees, directors, successors, assigns, and other parties/representatives who are authorized to act on behalf of Thurber House—to use and exhibit my name and/or likeness, image, photographs, audio recordings, quotes, and any and all recordings of myself produced in conjunction with the residency for purposes related to the residency and/or Thurber House, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised. This usage includes but is not limited to recording, broadcast, and live stream elements; promotion; and advertising materials. I expressly release Thurber House and Thurber House authorized representatives from all claims which I have or may have for invasion of privacy, defamation, or any other cause of action arising out of production, duplication, broadcast, or exhibition of any appearance.

  • General release of liability: I expressly release Thurber House and its authorized representatives—including but not limited to its employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, trustees, directors, successors, assigns, and other parties/representatives who are authorized to act on behalf of Thurber House—from any and all liability for claims, damages, or expenses related to plagiarism, pirating, artificial intelligence engineering, invasion of privacy, defamation, damages, losses, or any other cause related to the writer's/artist's interactions, relationship, or engagement with Thurber House and Thurber House authorized representatives and/or related to the writer’s/artist’s application for and participation in a Thurber House residency. Under no circumstances will Thurber House or Thurber House authorized representatives be held liable or financially responsible for any damage or loss to the writer/artist.

The application process is online. You do not need to complete your application in one sitting; you may save your application in the portal and finish it later.

What is the application window? Applications are accepted from October through mid-January each year.

When will I learn if I’m selected as a resident? We will notify you in March or April.

When does the residency take place? The residency takes place over two weeks in June, July, or August, depending on the applicant’s availability and Thurber House programming.

Is there a cost to apply? There is a $20 fee to submit an application.

I’m interested in a residency, but I don’t exactly meet the criteria. Contact megbrown@thurberhouse.org to discuss.

What amenities does the apartment have? The apartment has Wi-Fi and is furnished with a living room, full kitchen (sink, mini-refrigerator/freezer, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, tea kettle, stove, oven, dishes/cutlery, etc.), full bathroom with walk-in shower, and two bedrooms. A bike is available for resident use. Thurber House is a short walk from the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Topiary Park, various restaurants/fast food, and other attractions. Free parking is available 24/7.