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In advance of the #WriteMentor applications opening (15-17th April), I wanted to do a quick thread on FAQs to help you understand more fully what's involved.
First, here's the link to this year's programme: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-programme/2020-writementor-summer-programme/
First, here's the link to this year's programme: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-programme/2020-writementor-summer-programme/
Which mentors can I apply to?
A full list of our mentors is here, with hyperlinks (click on their name) to their blog post, expanding upon what they are offering and looking for. https://write-mentor.com/2020-mentors/
A full list of our mentors is here, with hyperlinks (click on their name) to their blog post, expanding upon what they are offering and looking for. https://write-mentor.com/2020-mentors/
We have a timetable of Twitter chats which will continue until Tuesday - see below:
Which agents are participating in the showcase?
A full list is on the link below: https://write-mentor.com/2020/04/07/2020-agent-showcase-participating-agents/
A full list is on the link below: https://write-mentor.com/2020/04/07/2020-agent-showcase-participating-agents/
How many mentors can I apply to?
3 - this is fixed, spreads the applications, and ensures that no single mentor is overwhelmed with the number of applications. No exceptions.
3 - this is fixed, spreads the applications, and ensures that no single mentor is overwhelmed with the number of applications. No exceptions.
I am a former mentee - can I apply again?
You can, but not to the same mentor with the same manuscript that you were chosen for previously.
You can, but not to the same mentor with the same manuscript that you were chosen for previously.
What do I need when I apply?
- a query letter (no need for salutations, Dear Mentor will suffice)
- 1st chapter (double-spaced)
- synopsis (single-spaced, 1 page)
in one document, 12", plain font.
Plus the answer to this question:
Why have you applied to WriteMentor?
- a query letter (no need for salutations, Dear Mentor will suffice)
- 1st chapter (double-spaced)
- synopsis (single-spaced, 1 page)
in one document, 12", plain font.
Plus the answer to this question:
Why have you applied to WriteMentor?
If I am apply for PB, should I send more than 1 text?
1 is fine. We have high application numbers and few PB mentors, so they will request more if they see promise in that first one, so send your best.
A PB synopsis does not need to be a page, but a short summary.
1 is fine. We have high application numbers and few PB mentors, so they will request more if they see promise in that first one, so send your best.
A PB synopsis does not need to be a page, but a short summary.
Where will the form be?
On the same page at the top of this thread - we will also post it directly onto Twitter to save you visiting the website, however we suggest you research and look at the mentors over there, as well as the dates etc before applying.
On the same page at the top of this thread - we will also post it directly onto Twitter to save you visiting the website, however we suggest you research and look at the mentors over there, as well as the dates etc before applying.
Does my manuscript have to be complete?
Yes. This is non-negotiable - we want to spend the time mentoring you rather than waiting for you to finish a first draft.
If it's not perfect, that's okay, but it must be complete.
Yes. This is non-negotiable - we want to spend the time mentoring you rather than waiting for you to finish a first draft.
If it's not perfect, that's okay, but it must be complete.
What if I don't get on with my mentor?
This would be very rare, but if it does happen, you can always email Stuart to discuss any issues, in confidence if you wish.
We understand personalities and styles can clash. We will be as amicable about solving that as possible.
This would be very rare, but if it does happen, you can always email Stuart to discuss any issues, in confidence if you wish.
We understand personalities and styles can clash. We will be as amicable about solving that as possible.
Do I have to take part in the agent showcase?
No, this is your choice at the end of the summer. Every year a couple of writers don't feel ready and opt out.
No pressure. This is about more than just the showcase, it's about your long term development as a writer.
No, this is your choice at the end of the summer. Every year a couple of writers don't feel ready and opt out.
No pressure. This is about more than just the showcase, it's about your long term development as a writer.
What happens if I have queried agents and have queries out?
If you get an offer of rep, email or DM us to let us know and we'll remove your application. Otherwise, don't worry.
We do suggest putting a hold on querying if successful, but would never dictate.
If you get an offer of rep, email or DM us to let us know and we'll remove your application. Otherwise, don't worry.
We do suggest putting a hold on querying if successful, but would never dictate.
I have already been rejected by most of the agents in the showcase - should I apply?
Our programme is about more than just signing with an agent and improving 1 ms. It's about improving craft, developing a close writing relationship with someone who can trust going forward
1/2
Our programme is about more than just signing with an agent and improving 1 ms. It's about improving craft, developing a close writing relationship with someone who can trust going forward
1/2
and being part of a wider community of like-minded people and writers.
I hope that everyone who's been in the programme feels like WM will always be there for them, whatever the result.
We are looking at the long-term as well as the short-term for the writers we work with.
2/2
I hope that everyone who's been in the programme feels like WM will always be there for them, whatever the result.
We are looking at the long-term as well as the short-term for the writers we work with.
2/2
Can I enter other contests/awards?
Of course - however, we do ask if you are accepted that you focus on the programme over the summer and if you enter other awards please check their rules, which might be stricter than ours.
Of course - however, we do ask if you are accepted that you focus on the programme over the summer and if you enter other awards please check their rules, which might be stricter than ours.
When will I find out if I am successful?
30th April, 5pm (BST) we will announce all the pairings on our website.
We will post a link via this account.
30th April, 5pm (BST) we will announce all the pairings on our website.
We will post a link via this account.
What should I do after I apply, while I'm waiting?
Ideally not watch your inbox, if possible. Work on your ms, work on your next novel, work on something not writing-related. Whatever you can to switch off.
Send and forget (until 30th).
Ideally not watch your inbox, if possible. Work on your ms, work on your next novel, work on something not writing-related. Whatever you can to switch off.
Send and forget (until 30th).
Will mentors be in touch to request more material?
Possibly - especially those who are mentoring a full manuscript - they are likely to need more to decide.
They may also ask you some further questions to determine compatability and if they can actually help.
Possibly - especially those who are mentoring a full manuscript - they are likely to need more to decide.
They may also ask you some further questions to determine compatability and if they can actually help.
What if I am unsuccessful?
Unfortunately, applicant numbers will exceed the numbers of writers we can mentor (about 50), so we can't help everyone.
But we are running a new event on 1st May to help with the disappointment/hangover.
#WMPitch
Unfortunately, applicant numbers will exceed the numbers of writers we can mentor (about 50), so we can't help everyone.
But we are running a new event on 1st May to help with the disappointment/hangover.
#WMPitch
What is #WMPitch?
It is a 1 day, Twitter pitch event (similar to the many out there) but focussed on children's fiction, from PB to YA.
Many of our showcase agents will come online and like pitches they'd like to read more from.
They will pin a tweet with their instructions.
It is a 1 day, Twitter pitch event (similar to the many out there) but focussed on children's fiction, from PB to YA.
Many of our showcase agents will come online and like pitches they'd like to read more from.
They will pin a tweet with their instructions.
We will post more information about this event, after the application window closes on the 17th.
Hopefully this will give you a distraction during the 2 week wait and you can focus on your pitch (as well as other things).
Hopefully this will give you a distraction during the 2 week wait and you can focus on your pitch (as well as other things).
