The Overheard Writing Retreat

Overheard was founded in Cape May, a coastal town at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. We are pleased to welcome writers to stay for 10 days, based on their own schedule, for a stay in October or April. This retreat is envisioned as a dedicated writing time. Writers stay for free, with an opportunity to lead a craft class for local creatives.

Selected writers will be promoted on Overheard’s social media, email newsletter, and a selection of their work will be hosted on our website.

The details…

• This retreat is hosted in a 4-bedroom Victorian house (built in the 1860s!) in the heart of Cape May. View the space here. Free parking is available.

• This is an individual retreat; you will not share the space with other writers.

• Overheard wishes to make this retreat as accessible as possible to writers with young children. Writers are welcome to bring their children should they so choose.

• Pets are not allowed unless they are registered service animals.

• Writers are responsible for their own travel expenses and there is no stipend available at this time, though we hope to work towards providing financial assistance in the future.

• There is no set programming. Should writers wish to teach a craft class for the local community, that can be arranged. Learn more about Studio Sessions here.

How to apply:

• Overheard uses Duosumo to manage all submissions. There is a $25 reading fee for all submissions.

• For the October 2026 retreat, applications open July 1-August 1. For the April 2027 retreat, applications open December 15-January 15 2027.

• We ask writers to submit:

  • For Prose: No more than 30 pages; preferably of the project they would be working on during the retreat.

  • For Poetry: 8-15 poems; please do not exceed 30 pages in total

  • For all submissions: A brief biography which includes relevant publication history and a short statement on how you would use the time (a brief project overview if applicable)