Writer's Retreat: October 2026 Overheard

The Overheard Writing Retreat

Overheard was founded in Cape May, a coastal town at the southern most 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 and 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.

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 January 1-February 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)