The National Library of Scotland’s recently acquired John Murray Archive is a treasure trove of business papers, manuscripts and correspondence of one of the most important publishers of the nineteenth century and its authors (who comprise names as diverse as Byron, Austen, Darwin and Livingstone, among many others). Thanks to support from the Scottish Arts Council and the John R Murray Charitable Trust, they have an opportunity to appoint a writer in residence for initially a one-year fellowship, starting in January 2008.

50% of the writer’s time will be spent developing and delivering workshops for members of the public and the Library staff and in production of a commissioned new piece of writing. 50% will be spent on the writer’s own work.

Further information is available at http://www.nls.uk/jma/projects/writer-in-residence.pdf  

Interested writers should apply in writing to:
Nat Edwards
John Murray Archive Programme Manager
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh
EH1 1EW

e-mail n.edwards@nls.uk  

Applications should include an indication of your own ideas for the residency, supported by an example of your own work, details of any relevant experience working with the public, learners (including children) and confirmation of your availability to deliver a fairly full and varied programme over the calendar year 2008, commencing early January 2008. Details of two referees should be included.

Deadline: Applications (either in hard copy or via e-mail) are due by 5.00pm on 30 November 2007.

The fellowship will be supported by a fee of £18,000, paid in monthly instalments. Full payment of the fee will be subject to completion of the full term of the fellowship. The successful writer will be expected to have a Disclosure Scotland check prior to commencing any of the public elements of the programme.