Mentorship FAQ
What does “yet to be published in traditional publishing” mean?
Please do not apply if you are already traditionally published (i.e., published by one of these publishers). If you are agented but have not yet signed a publishing contract, you may apply. If you have self-published a book or books and are seeking traditional publication, you may apply.
What does “historically marginalized in publishing” mean?
Queer applicants with intersectional identities that are one or more of the following are encouraged to apply: person of color, indigenous or Native American, Latinx, person with a disability, person who is neurodiverse, and/or a member of a marginalized religious group
What does LGBTQ+ mean?
The #QueerKidlit mentorship is for creators who fit under the broad umbrella of "queer." This is inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, trans, intersex, nobinary, genderqueer, asexual, two-spirit, and other queer identities. If you are not out publicly, you may use a pen name on on your application.
What is the deadline?
Submissions to the #QueerKidlit mentorship program will be open May 15 - June 15, 2022. Submissions close at 11:59pm PT on June 15.
Can I submit an unfinished manuscript?
Always submit your best, most polished work. We can't answer for you if your work is complete enough but if your is near enough to completion that you feel a mentorship would help you get to the point of querying with confidence, then please submit it even if there are some rough spots.
What is a good goal for my three month mentorship?
The most effective goal-setting involves setting goals that are specific, achievable, and within your control. Every person's writing or art creation process is different, so you need to consider the time you will have available to work toward your goal in the three-month mentorship period, and your own process while setting a goal. We are looking for a concrete goal that is achievable for you in this short window of time. For example, “Polish my first 10 pages and write a great query letter” is a specific goal within your control. “Get an agent” is not within your control. “Work on my portfolio” isn’t specific enough.
Will everyone who submits match with a mentor?
Unfortunately, no. We have fourteen wonderful kidlit creators who are volunteering their time and expertise as mentors, but we anticipate getting many times that number of applicants. Art and writing is subjective and personal, and mentors tend to choose mentees they feel they have the best chance of helping, because of genre, content, or style, or because of the point someone is at in their journey to publication. If you are not chosen, that does not mean your work is not excellent.
Is there a charge for the mentorship?
No. This is a free mentorship program, created and run by volunteers.
Please do not apply if you are already traditionally published (i.e., published by one of these publishers). If you are agented but have not yet signed a publishing contract, you may apply. If you have self-published a book or books and are seeking traditional publication, you may apply.
What does “historically marginalized in publishing” mean?
Queer applicants with intersectional identities that are one or more of the following are encouraged to apply: person of color, indigenous or Native American, Latinx, person with a disability, person who is neurodiverse, and/or a member of a marginalized religious group
What does LGBTQ+ mean?
The #QueerKidlit mentorship is for creators who fit under the broad umbrella of "queer." This is inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, trans, intersex, nobinary, genderqueer, asexual, two-spirit, and other queer identities. If you are not out publicly, you may use a pen name on on your application.
What is the deadline?
Submissions to the #QueerKidlit mentorship program will be open May 15 - June 15, 2022. Submissions close at 11:59pm PT on June 15.
Can I submit an unfinished manuscript?
Always submit your best, most polished work. We can't answer for you if your work is complete enough but if your is near enough to completion that you feel a mentorship would help you get to the point of querying with confidence, then please submit it even if there are some rough spots.
What is a good goal for my three month mentorship?
The most effective goal-setting involves setting goals that are specific, achievable, and within your control. Every person's writing or art creation process is different, so you need to consider the time you will have available to work toward your goal in the three-month mentorship period, and your own process while setting a goal. We are looking for a concrete goal that is achievable for you in this short window of time. For example, “Polish my first 10 pages and write a great query letter” is a specific goal within your control. “Get an agent” is not within your control. “Work on my portfolio” isn’t specific enough.
Will everyone who submits match with a mentor?
Unfortunately, no. We have fourteen wonderful kidlit creators who are volunteering their time and expertise as mentors, but we anticipate getting many times that number of applicants. Art and writing is subjective and personal, and mentors tend to choose mentees they feel they have the best chance of helping, because of genre, content, or style, or because of the point someone is at in their journey to publication. If you are not chosen, that does not mean your work is not excellent.
Is there a charge for the mentorship?
No. This is a free mentorship program, created and run by volunteers.
