We invite aspiring writers from diverse backgrounds to apply to be matched with an experienced fiction editor. Editor Mentors will provide feedback on a manuscript being prepared for submission to agents and editors for publication.

Two aspiring writers from underrepresented groups (see explanation below) will each be paired with an experienced editor who will provide substantive feedback to help raise a strong manuscript to its best position for submission to potential agents and editors. This is an opportunity to learn from the knowledge of experienced acquiring editors. This program is free of cost due to the generosity of our volunteer editors. 

Andrea Davis Pinkney – Vice President, Executive Editor at Scholastic

• Mentoring in Middle Grade Fiction

Nan Gatewood Satter – Independent Book Editor, Co-Director of the Editorial Workshop of the Denver Publishing Institute, formerly Editor at Doubleday

• Mentoring in Adult Fiction

Applications for our Spring 2018 program will be accepted from December 18, 2017 – January 21, 2018.

Aspiring or upcoming writers from underrepresented groups (see explanation below) with a completed, unpublished manuscript in either the middle grade or adult fiction category may apply. Applicants may apply in only one category.

Download the full application instructions here.

Problems downloading? Contact us at mentorship@thewordfordiversity.org.

How do we focus our search for underrepresented voices? We promote the inclusive representation of experiences in literature, including a diversity of experiences based on: racial, cultural, ethnic, or religious identity; gender identity; sexual orientation; physical, cognitive, or emotional disability; socioeconomic adversity; and personal experiences of adversity or injustice. 

*We recognize that personal experiences of adversity occur in many forms and we believe that the impact of each must be respected. To best guide the use of our resources, we focus on experiences that lack representation in literature, based on our best knowledge and research. 

Mentors and mentees will determine their contact schedules and frequency based on the needs of both parties. All mentors and mentees will be provided guidelines and resources to help promote productive working relationships. The mentorship relationship does not guarantee publication of any completed work and mentors are not expected to provide any referrals to acquiring agents, editors or others. The program’s goal is to support the development of the mentee writer’s work.

Questions? Contact mentorship@thewordfordiversity.org

We look forward to reading your submissions and good luck to all!