mentee expectations
We’re excited that you’re interested in being mentored by a member of the Storymakers Guild. It’s awesome that you want to improve your craft and prepare for publication! We hope that this year is one of growth for you.
Before you apply to the program, we’d like to share with you our expectations and guidelines so you know what it is you’re getting into! If you ever have any questions or concerns about any aspect of the program that aren’t answered here, please contact the program directors at storymentors.program@gmail.com. We are here to help you have a great experience!
General Expectations
This program is for writers who have completed a full manuscript and are willing to dedicate themselves to preparing for publication over the course of the coming year. The mentorship lasts from September 1st to April 30th. Our mentors are ready to commit to the entire time to help you. If you cannot commit to working on your writing for the full 8 months, please wait to apply for the program until you are ready.
Once you are paired with your mentor, please work with them to set up an initial introduction meeting. We recommend Zoom or other video call format, but you can meet over the phone or even on a chat program. Use whatever method you and your mentor are most comfortable with! It is much easier to get to know each other using a live communication format for the initial meeting, even if you’ll be communicating by email thereafter. You’ll be checking in with your mentor at least once a month.
Mentorship Tracks
Here’s a quick overview of the three tracks so you can decide which one best suits your goals.
- Traditional Publishing Track: this track is for writers who have decided they want to either sign with a literary agent or small press. They are looking for mentors who can help them craft a query letter, synopsis, and other submission materials, and give them advice on the submission process.
- Indie Track: this is for writers who have decided they want to publish independently, and are looking for guidance as they prepare for a fantastic first book launch.
Writing Sample
When you apply, you’ll submit the first chapter of your completed manuscript. If you are applying for the Traditional Publishing track, you’ll also include a query letter and synopsis.
General Mentorship Advice
Obviously, every mentor/mentee pairing is going to be different, with a range of needs and wants, but here are some basics:
- Be considerate of your mentor’s time. Authors are busy people! At the same time, though, you should feel like you can approach your mentor if a question comes up. Open communication is really important.
- Set aside time to work on your writing. If something comes up and you need to take a break for a while, that’s okay, but remember that your mentorship will be much more valuable to you if you put in the time and effort.
Complications
Life happens! We know there may be a situation where someone has to drop out of the program.
- If you need to drop out of the program: Please contact us as soon as possible (storymentors.program@gmail.com). We may be able to give the opportunity for mentorship to another writer.
- If your mentor needs to drop out: This is very rare, but can happen. Sometimes we’ll be able to find another mentor for you to work with. Otherwise, we do encourage you to apply again next year.
We’ve had a lot of success in past years, with many mentees reporting that they improved their skills and had found a new friend in their mentor. We are excited to offer the program again to help another crop of writers and hope that you’ll have a great year of writing!