Mentorship programs are all the rage among a broad spectrum of professional fields. These types of programs offer novices much-needed support in the early phase of their career. Under the stewardship of a mentor, the mentee becomes privy to a whole host of industry tips and tools to boost their chances of success.
This holds true for aspiring authors, too. A writing mentorship program provides the guidance to help budding writers perfect their craft and successfully complete and publish their self-published book projects.
There is a variety of writing mentorship programs available, with many that specialize in a particular genre. Keep reading for helpful information about writing mentorship programs.
Writing Mentorship Programs You’ll Wish You Joined Sooner
With a wide array of excellent writer mentorship programs available, you can pick and choose the ones best suited to your authorship needs. Some programs offer free mentorship services, while others charge a fee. Check out these mentorship programs to find the right one for you.
Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP)
AWP offers the Writer-to-Writer Mentorship Program through a network of universities at no charge. Writers can submit an application and be matched with the appropriate mentor. AWP also offers writing programs nationwide and membership with year-round support sources.
“The AWP Writer to Writer Program not only changed my life but also the trajectory of my manuscript. I have a new momentum that I did not have before in getting my manuscript off the ground.” ~Nicole Kuruszko, AWP mentee
Gotham Writers (GW)
Gotham Writers provides mentoring packages in all genres and will match the writer with the best fit for one-on-one mentoring. Their program rates range from $1095-$1395 depending on intensity. Services are offered in New York City or via Zoom anywhere in the country.
“A great opportunity to learn memoir writing, using many examples from famous memoirs, supported by the detailed structure and focus needed to convey a compelling life story.” ~Lizzie Belden, mentee for memoir writing
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
SCBWI is a mentorship program specifically tailored to authors of children’s books. Once you become a member of SCBWI, you are eligible to apply to a mentorship program. The organization offers these mentoring opportunities in various formats. Fees range from free to $1350, as each region offers unique programming.
Romance Writers of America
RWA offers the Romance Author Mentorship Program, which caters to aspiring writers in the romance genre. This is a 5-month program to work one-on-one with a mentor that specializes in this genre. RWA also offers educational programming as a supplement, teaching about various topics related to a writing career.
“A good mentor helps you to see your work with new eyes. They will inspire you to elevate your writing to a higher level. They will believe in your power to create, even when you don’t.” ~Elizabeth Chatsworth, mentee
Women’s Fiction Writers Association
WFWA offers a semi-annual mentorship program tailored to female authors. The program pairs published authors with debut writers who are working toward publication themselves. They also assist seasoned authors who wish to improve their craft within the fiction genre. Mentors will work with the mentee to refine three chapters of their manuscript for three months.
3 Ways to Find a Writing Mentor
There is a multitude of ways to find a writing mentor aside from an online search for writing mentorship programs. A writing mentor can be discovered anywhere writers might convene. Keep in mind that it is no longer necessary for a writing mentor to be geographically local. Many mentors teach their mentees via Zoom or other digital platforms.
Ideas on settings in which to find these invaluable mentor resources include:
- Join a writer’s group. Writing communities abound—at bookstores, libraries, or MeetUp groups—and they are an excellent source for finding mentors. Join a couple of communities and participate in their seminars or workshops. Reach out to an experienced author and ask them if they’d be interested in mentoring you.
- Take a college course. Sign up for a college writing class or enroll in a master class. Many writing professors moonlight as mentors. If you feel a good connection with the instructor, go ahead and ask them if they would become your writing mentor.
- Attend professional events. Writer’s organizations offer several opportunities for finding a mentor. There will be breakout sessions, lectures, classes, and mix and mingles at conferences or seminars, all of which provide great options for meeting professional writers.
Refine Your Book Project With Expert Editing and Design
Once you’ve found your mentor and have honed your self-publishing book project, it is time for the final editing and book design steps. The pros at Gatekeeper Press offer a full menu of publishing services to help you create an exceptional finished product. Call Gatekeeper Press at (866) 535-0913 or contact us online today!
