The mentoring scheme is free of charge for authors who are currently unagented and not yet published (in the traditional sense) and I am looking for mentees to work with over a 6-month period, one running in January 2023 and one running in July 2023.
WHAT DO I DO?
Mentoring is a tailor-made process, so it is different for every person. It may involve setting targets and goals, discussing issues or stumbling blocks, providing critiques or feedback on stories, providing support, advice and encouragement… It is whatever you need it to be.
I will give you as much time as I can but please bear in mind that I offer this mentoring alongside my own writing career and home-schooling five children.
WHO AM I LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for ONE picture book author and ONE chapter book author (one for January, one for July). You can apply for both categories if you wish.
I try to work with mentees who I think would particularly benefit from my help and might find it harder to pursue writing or break into the publishing industry. I’ll be publishing the criteria for this year in the autumn.
HOW DO I APPLY?
During the announced submission window, please contact me here: Amy Sparkes | Contact with:
- A short cover letter explaining the kind of books you like to write, what you’re hoping to get out of the mentoring, how you meet the criteria and any relevant writing experience
- The first 500 words of either a completed story or a work in progress (please specify picture book or chapter book). It can be under 500 words if it’s a picture book with a lower word count.
*** NB: PLEASE DO NOT ENTER ANYTHING WHICH IS SUBMITTED FOR THE WRITING MAGAZINE PICTURE BOOK PRIZE OR CHAPTER BOOK PRIZE ***
The selection process will involve connecting with the work and the writer. It’s always a very tricky decision so please don’t take it personally if you’re not selected this time.
Any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
CLOSING DATE: tba (sometime November 2022)
Thank you for your interest!