Writers Residency | Affirm Press Fellowships — Varuna, The National Writers' House

Writers inspired by history are invited to apply for the opportunity to develop exceptional new work through editorial feedback with Affirm Press during a week in residence at Varuna.

Applications open: 21 April 2026
Applications close: 26 May 2026
Residency dates: 23-30 November 2026
Places: Up to four writers will be selected
Who should apply: Writers developing fiction or non-fiction that is inspired by history, that is not under contract to a publisher.
Fees: There is an application fee of $70, or $40 if you have a Healthcare card.
If you have a Healthcare card, you may apply to the Varuna Travel Assistance Fund for a subsidy of up to $350. If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can have your fees waived via the Varuna Equity Access Fund.

FAQs: Please read the FAQs before you apply.

Melbourne-based publisher Affirm Press is dedicated to publishing great Australian stories and building relationships with emerging local writers.

Writers of fiction or non-fiction work that have a historical bent and have been inspired by history, are invited to apply for one of four places for this week-long residency at Varuna. The week includes independent writing time in your own private writing studio and all meals. Affirm Press editors also stay in residence, providing editorial support and guidance, and meeting with each writer at the beginning and end of the week to discuss their projects, as well as providing manuscript feedback as necessary.

After the residency, Affirm Press will be able to offer general advice up to completion of a completed or reworked draft. It is important for applicants to note that this program does not come with a guarantee of publication.

For more information about staying at Varuna, visit our Residencies page.

HOW TO APPLY

You will need to complete a short application form and send us between 7,000 and 10,000 words from the beginning of your manuscript, along with a synopsis of the entire work.

Applicants must be available to attend the residency week which takes place from 23-30 November 2026.

Affirm Press is on the hunt for work with a historical bent. Submissions of works outside this description will not be accepted.

Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work.

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