Martha’s Vineyard Writers’ Residency

Residencies To Nurture and Support Your Writing Journey

I think of you and Martha’s Vineyard Writers’ Residency often and so fondly. Without you, I truly believe I wouldn’t be (as a writer) where I am today.” —Julia D.

Group of people gathered in a kitchen, smiling for a photo, with wine bottles and glasses on the counter.

Writing may be a solitary practice, but you don’t have to write alone. Since 2007, Martha’s Vineyard Writers’ Residency has welcomed hundreds of writers to the island to deepen their creative journey. Historic Lambert’s Cove Inn in West Tisbury is our creative home. And writers, Justen Ahren, Moira Silva, and Bridget Sampson, along with renowned chef Galen Sampson, curate your stay.

Each writer gets a private room/studio with en suite bath, freshly prepared and locally sourced meals, and amply time and space to write and engage other writers and the community. Space is limited so don’t wait.

Use the form below to apply. The deadline is January 1st, 2027.

April 4-24, 2027

Group of seven adults standing in front of a wooden wall, making playful and expressive gestures, some with open mouths, dressed casually, and one wearing a straw hat and colorful glasses.

About the Residency

Named one of the 10 best writing retreats in the country, Martha’s Vineyard Writers’ Residency provides writers, at all stages of their careers, with time and space to create in a supportive, and generous community.

The beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard has a long history of inspiring writers including James Baldwin, Geraldine Brooks, Tony Horowitz, Dorothy West, William Styron, and David McCullough, and Jorie Graham.

Residencies begin Sunday with departures on Saturday. Minumum stay 1 week, maximum stay 3 weeks.

What’s Included

  • 1-3 week writing residency in Martha’s Vineyard, between April 4-24, 2027

  • Private room/studio and private bath at Lambert’s Cove Inn, West Tisbury, Mass.

  • Locally sourced daily breakfasts, lunch, and dinners provided by Chef Galen Sampson

  • Access to Lambert’s Cove Beach, 1/2 mile from the Inn, and Ice House Pond preserve

  • Ample time to create in an intimate community of writers

  • Weekly literary gatherings and readings with the island’s literary community

Process & Fees

To apply complete the application form below, (be sure to select the week, or weeks, you prefer) and upload a short writing sample.

If selected, you will be invited to reserve your space with deposit of 50% of the residency fee.

Only seven writers are invited per week.

Cost: $1,799 / week

50% deposit due upon acceptance. Balance due 45 days before retreat. Deposit is fully refundable up to 45 days prior to retreat. Within 45 days, a refund of 50% will be granted.  

The white exterior of a house with black shutters, a porch with hanging flower baskets and white railings, a garden with purple flowers, green bushes, and a stone wall, with a sign for Lambert's Cove Inn & Restaurant.
Bright bedroom with a white bed, beige couch, wooden dresser, wall-mounted TV, and large windows showing greenery outside.
Aerial view of a house nestled among a dense forest with a sunset over a body of water in the background.
Bright bedroom with a white bed, gray bedding, and multiple pillows. A side table with a lamp and a small picture on the wall. A window, a dresser, a beige sofa with pillows, and a mounted TV.
Interior of a cozy restaurant with wooden floors, large windows, and a mix of tables and chairs, decorated with plants and wall art.
A farmer's market stall at Beetlebug Farm with fresh vegetables on display, customer shopping, and a sign indicating the farm's name.

Apply