Image by Taylor Barron
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "traditionally published" mean?
The Queer Kidlit Mentorship program is for kidlit authors and illustrators who are not yet agented and haven't been traditionally published (i.e., published by one of these publishers). If you have self-published a book (or two) and are seeking traditional publication, you may apply.
What does LGBTQIA+ mean?
The Queer Kidlit Mentorship is for creators who fit under the broad umbrella of "queer." This is inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, trans, intersex, nonbinary, genderqueer, ace and aro spectrum, two-spirit, and other queer identities. If you are not out publicly, you are welcome to use a pen name on on your application. The program does promote mentor/mentee matches online,
What does “historically marginalized groups" mean?
The Queer Kidlit Mentorship program was created to support early career LGBTQIA+ kidlit creators because they face historical and social barriers including discrimination and are less well represented in traditional publishing. Currently, Queer and BIPOC kidlit creators' books and books with main characters from those communities are subject to organized book banning campaigns across the US. The Queer Kidlit Mentorship program recognizes that there is no queer community without the Black community or the disabled community, as well as other communities and groups who have been historically excluded. We support creators from communities of color and creators from diverse ethic, cultural, and linguistic groups. We also recognize the diversity of identities and experiences within these communities is always greater than what defines the larger group. To support the queer community is to support all of these communities.
What are the deadlines?
Queer Kidlit Mentorships will happen, but they will be in the new year. Stay tuned. If you have signed up for the newsletter, you should receive an email letting you know when mentors are posted and applications are available. Thank you! - Meghan
Where is the application?
Instead of one application link, each mentor has a link. You are welcome to apply to up to three mentors. The applications are on their Mentor Profile pages, which you find by clicking their name on the MEET THE MENTORS page. That MEET THE MENTORS page for 2025 will be posted closer to the application date.
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. The program anticipates many more mentee applicants than mentors. 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. You are encouraged to apply again.
Is there a charge for the mentorship?
No. This is a free mentorship program, created and run by volunteers and community support.
Do I need to be LGBTQIA+ to be a mentor?
Nope. Mentor are people who have traditionally published in kidlit and are committed to supporting early career LGBTQIA+ kidlit creators.
Interested in other KidLit Mentorships?
Here are some links to other mentorship programs. Note that some are not kidlit specific and others support specific communities or author and/illustrators on specific projects (like picture books only.)
Las Hermanas Mentorship Program
We Need Diverse Books Mentorship Program
PB Rising Stars
AWP Writer to Writer
WTMP Mentorships
Roundtable Mentorship
Inked Voices
Latinx In Publishing
Editor Writer Mentorship
Various SCBWI regional chapters have mentorship programs for their members
