BOOK MOTHER MENTORSHIP
After years of mentoring writers through word-of-mouth referrals, I've decided to offer my mentoring program to all writers who are ready to dig deep. The BOOK MOTHER MENTORSHIP is an exclusive yearlong author mentoring program for no more than ten writers. Depending on the manuscripts, I may only take on half this number. This program is not designed for authors who have not formed an idea. Through this program, I take an author's manuscript from first draft to ready-to-submit-to-a-publisher (or agent). This is an intensive year for the author and me. During the year, I’m the mother of all mentors: I nourish you, guide you, discipline you, and care for you. I'll tell you when you're not being your best self and help you find your way back to being the best writer possible.
The year starts with a thorough and complete evaluation of the manuscript. I provide detailed feedback about what I think is succeeding and where we need to hone in and make better. During this month, we will connect once a week regarding the manuscript and build a detailed schedule for the rest of the year. Think of this month like a really long first date: we're going to get to know one another to ensure that the rest of the year is productive.
After the manuscript evaluation, we will divide our time throughout the year to the following:
The schedule for connecting each week is flexible and based on the our respective schedules, but a general plan would look like this:
The year starts with a thorough and complete evaluation of the manuscript. I provide detailed feedback about what I think is succeeding and where we need to hone in and make better. During this month, we will connect once a week regarding the manuscript and build a detailed schedule for the rest of the year. Think of this month like a really long first date: we're going to get to know one another to ensure that the rest of the year is productive.
After the manuscript evaluation, we will divide our time throughout the year to the following:
- crafting the perfect query letter
- identifying the manuscript's audience
- developing a PR and marketing plan
- education on the publishing process
- networking events
- revising/editing/revising/editing
- book formatting
- developing an author platform: website, social media, etc.
- deciding where to send the mss. when we are done
- For self-publishing authors, we would also set up the infrastructure to publish the book (imprint, ISBN, cover design, and publication)
The schedule for connecting each week is flexible and based on the our respective schedules, but a general plan would look like this:
- two weekly—60-minute phone/zoom sessions to discuss writing progress, marketing, author platform, etc.
- about ten hours of manuscript reading & assessment, development editing, line editing, copy editing, PR strategizing, building an author platform, and email exchanges per month
- on-call texting, within reason
Rates
The cost for the mentorship program is $1,200 per month. The fees are due at the beginning of each month and can be automatically charged or manually invoiced. Arrangements can be made for authors who need to space the fees out over the monthly (weekly payments).
What Types of Projects Do I Like
I am a lover of all genres, but prefer shaping nonfiction (memoir/essays), poetry, short story collections, experimental genres, and literary fiction. I am not super into boilerplate genre fiction, but if you had a literary novel that had elements of speculative or scifi, I would consider taking it under my wings.
How to Apply
Writers apply by sending in up to 15 pages of poetry, or 25 pages of prose (nonfiction or fiction). Additionally, a one-page cover letter detailing the scope of the manuscript along with the author's publishing goals is required.
When Does the Application Period Open and Close?
I will accept submissions for this program from August 1-August 31. Authors will be notified in September if they've been accepted. If you try to submit before August 1st, your submission will not be considered.