Applying to the Clarion West Writers Workshop

You can apply for Clarion West by postal mail or email. Whichever method you choose, application materials must be received by midnight of March 1, 2012.

We recommend that application materials sent after February 23 are sent via email to make sure we receive them by March 1.

To apply by postal mail, send us:

  • Four copies of a sample of your work, consisting of a total of 20 to 30 pages of manuscript (one or two short stories, or a novel excerpt with a synopsis of up to 3 pages). Your manuscript should be printed in 12-point Courier (typewriter) font and double-spaced. It should not exceed the page limit, even if it includes a synopsis. Number each page. Set your margins flush left and do not justify the text. Please do not staple. Good descriptions of standard manuscript format can be found here and here.

  • Four copies of a 700- to 800-word description of your background and your reasons for attending the workshop. This essay will be used to introduce you to the workshop’s instructors if you are accepted as a student. Please also include your contact information through June: phone number, street address, and an email address if one is available.

  • $40 in U.S. dollars, payable to Clarion West. This application fee is nonrefundable, but will be deducted from your tuition if you’re accepted. You may enclose a check or money order, or pay online via the PayPal button below. If you choose to pay online, make sure to include a note telling us that you’ve done so with the rest of your application.

  • A scholarship form (if you’re applying for a scholarship). You can print out the application form here or you can email, phone, or write us asking that we mail one to you.

Application materials will be acknowledged, but will not be returned to you.

Mail your application materials first class to:

    Clarion West Writers Workshop
    P.O. Box 31264
    Seattle, WA 98103-1264

Do not send by an express service that requires a signature upon receipt.

To apply by email:

  • Include your contact information through June in the main body of your email, and tell us the titles and page lengths of your writing samples (for example, “Story Title,” 29-page short story; or Excerpt of My SpecFic Novel, 25 pages plus 3-page synopsis). You should also say whether you’re paying your application fee via PayPal, or with a check or money order sent by postal mail. Finally, tell us whether or not you’re sending us a scholarship application; if you are, let us know whether the application is attached to the email or will be coming by postal mail.

  • Create a work sample consisting of a total of 20 to 30 pages of manuscript (one or two short stories, or a novel excerpt with a synopsis of up to three pages). Your manuscript should be formatted in 12-point Courier (typewriter) font and double-spaced. It should not exceed the page limit, even if it includes a synopsis. Number each page. Set your margins flush left and do not justify the text. Good descriptions of standard manuscript format can be found here and here.

  • Create a 700- to 800-word description of your background and your reasons for attending the workshop. This essay will be used to introduce you to the workshop’s instructors if you are accepted as a student.

  • Complete a scholarship form if you’re applying for a scholarship. You can print out the application form here or you can email, phone, or write us asking that we mail one to you.

  • Attach your work sample and background description to your email as electronic files. If you are scanning and sending in an electronic version of a completed scholarship form, attach that to your email also. The formats we can accept are PDF (the file extension will be .pdf), RTF (.rtf), or Word (.doc) files. Please do not send in .docx format. We prefer the PDF format.

  • Send us $40 in U.S. dollars, payable to Clarion West. This application fee is nonrefundable, but will be deducted from your tuition if you’re accepted. You may wish to use the PayPal button below. If you choose to pay by mailing us a check or money order, make sure to include a note in the body of your email message telling us that you’ve done so.

Send your email application to:

Use this subject line: 2012 Clarion West Application for {your name}.

Application materials will be acknowledged.

Paying your Application Fee with PayPal

To pay via PayPal, just click the button below. Please be sure to enter your full name as it appears in your mailed application or email message, your work sample, and your background description. Include your address in the “ship to” field to ensure that we know who you are.

If you have any questions or problems, email us at info@clarionwest.org, write to us at the address above, or phone us at (206) 322-9083.

For more information about the Workshop, make sure to visit our Workshop and FAQ pages. Visit our Forums to ask alumni questions about the Clarion West experience.