Applying for mentoring
How do I apply for mentoring?
We ask you to apply for mentoring so that we can check that the service is a good fit for you and match you up with the perfect mentor.
To apply for our mentoring service, you will need the following information ready:
- Your Writing Background and Ambitions: Briefly share your writing experience and goals.
- Project Summary: Describe your project, including title, genre, and progress.
- Writing Sample: Submit up to 1,500 words
- Desired Mentoring Hours: Choose between 10, 20, 30, or a shorter block of 1-9 hours.
- Mentoring Objectives: Explain what you aim to achieve.
- Preferred Mentor: Select a mentor based on their expertise.
How do I choose a mentor?
In your
application, you’ll be able to select a preferred mentor. We recommend looking at the genres that our mentors specialise in, and seeing if any of their profiles especially resonate with you.
If you’re not sure, that’s no problem! You can select ‘No preferred mentor’, and our team will match you with our top choice for your project.
How many hours of mentoring will I need?
The number of hours you'll need depends on the type of support you're looking for. If you'd like guidance on larger sections of your draft manuscript, and/or regular feedback and check-ins, you may want to consider a larger block of 10 or more hours. If you have something more specific you'd like advice on - such as working through a plot snag - you may like to start with a smaller number of hours.
If you’re unsure of how many hours you’ll need, you could begin with a
Mentoring Taster Session, to discuss your needs with your mentor and hear their view on how many hours you'll require. You can find out more about these sessions here:
Mentoring Taster Sessions.
Otherwise, our team can also help with this. Select 'Not sure' next to this question in the application form, and we'll reach out with further information before progressing your application.
How does applying for one or two hours of mentoring work?
If you have a specific concern that you’d like a mentor’s advice on – such as your opening chapter, or a synopsis – then you may be interested in applying for one or two hours of mentoring.
On the application form, you can choose from two options to structure this time:
- Review and feedback. This is where you’ll upload a document for your mentor to review, and then receive their feedback in a video call (or over email, if you’d prefer). As a guideline, our mentors can read 2,000 words in 30 minutes. This means that, for example, with one hour of mentoring, you could structure your time as 30 minutes for your mentor to review your document, followed by a 30-minute call for feedback.
- Coaching sessions. This option allows you to spend the full amount of time in video calls with your mentor, rather than asking them to review a document. This is perfect for brainstorming your ideas, going through questions, or simply chatting through your current writing stage and concerns with an expert in your genre.
The application form will also ask for further details about what you hope to achieve in your session, so that we can structure the time in the way that works best for you.
What happens after I send in a mentoring application?
Our team will first review your application details and let you know if we need to clarify any details. Otherwise, we will move forward with sending your application to one of your mentors. Unless you have stated a preferred mentor, we will match you with the mentor that we believe to be the best-suited.
Once a mentor has agreed to work with you, we will invite you to either purchase your hours using a payment link, or book a 20-minute
Mentoring Taster Session. If your mentor has any clarifying questions beforehand, we will let you know.
Once you have purchased your mentoring hours, we will put you in touch with your mentor so that you can make arrangements directly.
Does applying commit me to purchasing mentoring hours?
No pressure - filling out the form doesn’t commit you to anything. We’re just here to make sure our mentoring service is the right fit for you.
If you're really unsure about setting the wheels in motion with an application, you may prefer to begin with a
Mentoring Taster Session, to discuss your needs with your mentor and hear their view on how many hours you'll require. You can find out more about these sessions here:
Mentoring Taster Sessions.