What is a Creative Writing Mentor?
‘Mentoring isn’t editing. It isn’t manuscript appraisal. It isn’t one writer passing judgement on another. It isn’t networking. It isn’t a ticket to commercial success. It isn’t trying to write like someone else. It isn’t befriending. These elements, and others, may shade the process, but are not the aim of the process.’ (Mentoring, a Guide for Creative Writers, Sara Maitland and Martin Goodman, 2007)
​Perhaps you are starting a project and looking for ways to develop your craft? Already working on a manuscript but needing advice on a particular issue? Or seeking feedback on a finished piece of work and wondering about next steps?
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Mentoring consists of an hour-long, one-to-one session, focused on how best to help you.
Unlike a creative-writing class, mentoring takes place one-on-one and is an opportunity to receive in-depth advice on taking your work forward. Mentoring also goes beyond a one-off manuscript assessment: rather than receiving a verdict on a finished product, you can share your writing as well as explore and develop new ways of working over a period of time. Mentoring works best as a sustained relationship so that your mentor can support you through the writing and rewriting process and offer feedback and advice as you progress.