James Merrill Writer-in-Residence Application Process Selection Criteria:
   • A writer or scholar with a specific project of literary or academic merit who is committed to full-time residence in Stonington during their stay. We regret that the residency is not intended for completion of one’s dissertation. Genres accepted: poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays.
   • A person willing to contribute to the community. It is expected that this will include a reading and/ or a workshop for the community and be filmed in our Studio 107 Series.
   • A person of integrity and responsibility who can be entrusted with the Merrill Apartment and its contents.
   • We welcome suggestions from applicants about ways in which our fellows might reinforce the community’s links to writing, poetry, and James Merrill’s legacy.

About the residency

• We have six residencies for 2026-2027: September 2026 (2 weeks), October 2026 (2 weeks) November 2026 (4 weeks) February-mid March 2027 (6 weeks) April- May  2027 (6 weeks)  August 2027 (4 weeks)
•  For more information about living and working in the Apartment, please visit: https://www.jamesmerrillhouse.org/apply
• The Writer-in-Residence program includes a stipend of $1,100 per month, prorated according to the length of stay.

Applications: We accept applications for the 2026-2027 residencies between October 1, 2025 and Monday, January 12, 2026 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. Decisions will be made by mid-March 

A complete application includes the following documents:
   1. A resume of four or fewer pages
   2. A writing or work sample of ten or fewer pages
   3. A statement of your plan of work while in Stonington CT
   4. Two letters of reference
   5. If applicable, a brief biographical sketch of a spouse or partner who would be residing in the apartment with you. Please note that due to the age and nature of the building we cannot accept pets or children to reside there. Also, please note that the apartment is located on the third floor and is only accessible by stairs.
 6.  A $30 application fee. Unfortunately, we do not allow fee exemptions.

   Please direct inquiries about the application process or application status to jmhprograms@gmail.com