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The Editor-Writer Mentorship: promoting voices from the margins

What is the mentorship program?

The Editor-Writer Mentorship pairs upcoming writers from underrepresented groups* with experienced book publishing editors!

 

Our Editor Mentors 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. 

Mentors

Meet our 2023 Mentees! 

Announcing our new cohort of Editor-Writer Mentees! Congratulations to this wonderful group (click images for full bios!):

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TAUNYA ENGLISH

Editor-Mentor: Andrea Spooner

2023 Picture Book Mentee

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SHUCHI MEHTA

Editor-Mentor: Erum Khan

2023 Picture Book Mentee

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DENEEN REYNOLDS-KNOTT

Editor-Mentor: Lee Wade

2023 Picture Book Mentee

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CYNTHIA HARMONY

Editor-Mentor: Tiara Kittrell

2023 Chapter Book Mentee

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SASHA THOMAS

Editor-Mentor: Leslie Calhoun

2023 Middle Grade Book Mentee

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ANGELA M. SÁNCHEZ

Editor-Mentor: Samantha Gentry

2023 Young Adult Mentee

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BELEN MEDINA

Editor-Mentor: Want Chyi

2023 Young Adult Mentee

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EDWINA JOE-KAMARA

Editor-Mentor: Eileen Rothschild

2023 Adult Romance Mentee

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EBONIE LEDBETTER

Editor-Mentor: Caitlin McKenna

2023 Adult Fiction Mentee

Meet our 2023 Editor Mentors 

For our 2023 program, The Word proudly partners with nine Editor-Mentors from a variety of publishing houses (click images for full bios!):

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ERUM KHAN

EDITOR

Abrams Books

2023 Picture Book Mentor

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LEE WADE

VP & PUBLISHER

Random House Studio

 

2023 Picture Book Mentor

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ANDREA SPOONER

VP, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF PICTURE BOOKS

Little, Brown Books

for Young Readers

2023 Picture Book Mentor

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SIMONE ROBERTS-PAYNE

ASSISTANT EDITOR

G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

2023 Children's Chapter Book Mentor

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LESLIE CALHOUN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ink & Willow (WaterBrook)

2023 Middle Grade Mentor

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SAMANTHA GENTRY

EDITOR

Little, Brown Books

for Young Readers

2023 Young Adult Fiction/Nonfiction Mentor 

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WANT CHYI

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Penguin Publishing Group

2023 Young Adult Fiction/Nonfiction Mentor 

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EILEEN ROTHSCHILD
VP & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Wednesday Books
St. Martin's Press

2023 Romance Mentor

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CAITLIN MCKENNA
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
of FICTION

Random House
2023
 Adult Fiction Mentor

Details

Our 2023 program has closed. Dates for our next application period will be announced in early to mid 2024.

We encourage all applicants to review the FAQs before applying.

Application deadline

Applications for our 2023 program have closed, but keep an eye out for information about 2024's program! 

Eligibility

Aspiring or upcoming writers from underrepresented groups (see explanation below) with a completed, unpublished manuscript in the above outlined categories may apply. Applicants may apply in only one category.

How to apply

Step 1: Download the full application instructions.

Remember to follow all formatting requirements when you apply! 

Step 2: Take a look at this example submission attachment to double check yourself.

Step 3: Submit your application via this form.

More about underrepresented voices

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 guide the use of our resources, we focus on experiences that lack representation in literature, based on our best knowledge and research. 

Additional program information

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.

Mentors and mentees will have a minimum of two meetings over a 6-9 month mentorship relationship. Feedback may be written or oral, as is determined by each volunteer editor. Additional meetings and feedback will be determined by each mentor/mentee pair, based on the volunteer editor's availability and the needs of the mentee. 

FAQs

Is this opportunity only for #ownvoices submissions?

 

We recognize that the perspectives of individuals from marginalized backgrounds will influence their works in a variety of ways. We further recognize that identity is a complex question. We, therefore, do not have any subject-matter limitations for this opportunity.

 

I’ve read the explanation of “underrepresented voices” but I’m still not sure if my background fits within the underrepresented category. Should I submit?

 

Our mentorship is focused on providing support for individuals whose background has proved a challenge to their writing path and entry into the publishing space, as well as focused on stories that are underrepresented among published books. We ask that you consider whether your identity and background have offered challenges on your writing path, and whether you think that your work will contribute to our mission to achieve greater inclusivity among those groups that have been regularly marginalized. If based on those considerations you believe that your work is the right fit for this program, we welcome your submission. 

 

Is this opportunity open to agented writers or writers who have been previously published?

 

We don’t require that a writer be unpublished or unagented. Given the high volume of interest and need, we do ask all writers to consider whether you are truly in need of this opportunity. 

The manuscript for which you are seeking feedback must be unpublished. 

What can I expect from my mentor-editor if selected for the program?

 

This mentorship pairing is for the purpose of providing our Mentee Writers with editorial feedback on one full-length manuscript. Mentees will have at least two touch points for feedback during the mentorship program (approximately 6-9 months in length), and each pair will determine the method of feedback that will be provided (e.g.,: editorial letter, oral feedback, or feedback in multiple rounds).

 

Can I submit to more than one category? 

 

Applicants may only submit one manuscript for consideration per application year. Applicants should not submit multiple manuscripts, even if in different categories, or this will result in disqualification.

 

What category should I apply for?

 

Editor Jessica Anderson generously demystifies the KidLit genres for us. Learn about the differences between Chapter Books, Middle Grade, and Young Adult books. Here is the link to the video and skip to the 24-minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-_120Rj4k4

 

Does my manuscript have to be complete for me to apply? 

 

Yes, your manuscript must be complete. If you are chosen as a finalist, you will be required to submit your complete manuscript for the Editor-Mentors to evaluate and chose their mentee. This mentorship program is meant for authors who are looking to prepare a manuscript for agent or editor submissions, which requires a completed piece of work. 

 

Are you accepting graphic novel submissions?

 

At this time, we are NOT accepting graphic novel submissions.

 

For picture books: What if my manuscript is less than 10 pages? 

 

You should submit your entire manuscript in your initial application materials if it is less than 10 pages.

 

For picture books: Should my manuscript include directions on page breaks and art direction or art notes? 

 

As long as your manuscript does not exceed 10 pages, and meets all other formatting requirements listed in the application instructions, it can be formatted in whatever way you feel best communicates your vision.  

For my pitch, should I include comp titles? 

 

Write your pitch in whatever way you think will best represent your manuscript. What you choose to include is up to you as long as it does not exceed the word limit set in the application instructions. 

 

Can non-US citizens or non-US residents (international applicants) apply?

 

You are welcome to apply for our mentorship program regardless of your location. Keep in mind that all of our editors are located in the US, and so if you are chosen as a mentee, when it comes to scheduling times to chat, meet, and do critiques, you'll have to be a lot more flexible with their schedules. But if that's not a problem, then please apply!

 

Can co-authors submit?

 

We unfortunately can only accept submissions for one writer mentee.

News

Updates on Past Mentees

EXPLORE PUBLICATIONS FROM OUR PAST MENTEES:

Our past mentees books are now on many shelves, and can be on yours too. Explore our Bookshop list to witness the magic of this program in action and to support our incredible writer cohorts.

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READ ABOUT PAST MENTEE EXPERIENCES:

What were the highlights of past mentee experiences in the program. Check out our blog to read insights, tips, and testimonials.

Past Mentors/Mentees

Past Mentors

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MATT

PHIPPS

ASSISTANT

EDITOR

G.P. Putnam's Sons

2022 Non-Fiction

Picture Book Mentor

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MARIA

CAMILA

CORREA

ASSOCIATE

EDITOR

Random House Books for Young Readers

2022 Fiction

Picture Book Mentor

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RŪTA

RIMAS

EXECUTIVE

EDITOR

Razorbill

2022 Children's Fiction Chapter Book Mentor

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GIANNA

LAKENAUTH

ASSISTANT

EDITOR

Knopf Books for

Young Readers

2022 Middle Grade Fiction Mentor

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STACEY

BARNEY

ASSOCIATE

PUBLISHER

Nancy Paulsen Books

2022 Young Adult Fiction/Nonfiction 

Mentor

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LYDIA

GREGOVIC

ASSISTANT

EDITOR

Delacorte Press

2022 MG/YA Genre Fiction Mentor (SFF, Mystery/Thriller, Speculative)

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AMY

LI

ASSOCIATE

EDITOR

Crown

2022 Adult Memoir Mentor

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KHARI

DAWKINS

ASSISTANT

EDITOR

Doubleday

2022 Adult General Fiction Mentor

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DEEBA ZARGARPUR

EDITOR

Books for Young Readers and Salaam Reads

2021 Picture Book Mentor

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CAITLYN DLOUHY

VICE PRESIDENT / PUBLISHER

Caitlyn Dlouhy Books / Atheneum Books for Young Readers

2021 Picture Book Mentor

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ALYSON HELLER

SENIOR EDITOR

Aladdin Books

2021 Middle Grade Fiction Mentor

(Co-mentoring with

Jessi Smith)

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JESSI 

SMITH

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Aladdin Books

2021 Middle Grade Mentor

(Co-mentoring with Alyson Heller)

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KATE PROSSWIMMER

EDITOR

Margaret K. McElderry Books 

2021 Young Adult Fiction Mentor

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LASHANDA ANAKWAH

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Simon & Schuster

2021 Adult Fiction Mentor

(Mentoring in Commercial upmarket/Literary fiction)

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SALLY HOWE

EDITOR

Scribner

2021 Adult Nonfiction Mentor

(Mentoring in

Memoir, Narrative nonfiction, and General nonfiction

**read full bio for specific interests)

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SAREER
KHADER

ASSISTANT
EDITOR

Berkley
2022 Romance Mentor

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ESTEE
ZANDEE

EDITOR
WaterBrook & Multnomah
2022 Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy Mentor

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MIA

COUNCIL

ASSOCIATE

EDITOR
Penguin Press
2022 Adult Poetry Mentor

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JESSICA ANDERSON

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (Macmillan Children's)

2020 Picture Book Mentor

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KATE MELTZER

EDITOR

Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan Children's)

2020 Picture Book Mentor

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TIFFANY LIAO

SENIOR EDITOR

Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (Macmillan Children's)

2020 Middle Grade Fiction Mentor

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BRIAN GEFFEN

EDITOR

Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (Macmillan Children's)

2020 Young Adult Fiction Mentor

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SYLVAN CREEKMORE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

St. Martin's Press (Macmillan)

2020 Adult Fiction 

Mentor

(commercial/romcom/

literary/fantasy/

historical)

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MERIAM

BEN HAMZA

2022 Non-Fiction

Picture Book Mentee

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ADRIANA LEBRÓN WHITE

2022 Fiction

Picture Book Mentee

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SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI

2022 Children's Fiction Chapter Book Mentee

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SOPHIE

LI

2022 Middle Grade Fiction Mentee

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ANDREA SPOONER

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

2019 Picture Book Mentor

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ALVINA LING

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

2019 Middle Grade Fiction Mentor

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NIKKI GARCIA

Little Brown Books for Young Readers

2019 Young Adult Fiction Mentor

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AMBER OLIVER

Harper/Harper Perennial

2019 Adult Fiction Mentor

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ANDREA DAVIS PINKNEY

Scholastic

2018 Middle Grade Fiction Mentor

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TAYLOR NORMAN

Chronicle Books

2018 Young Adult Fiction Mentor

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NAN GATEWOOD SATTER

Independent Book Editor

2018 Adult Fiction Mentor

Past Mentees

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J.H. AHN

2022 Young Adult Fiction/Nonfiction 

Mentee

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KIM

FEARS

2022 MG/YA Genre Fiction Mentee 

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RAKSHA VASUDEVAN

2022 Adult Memoir Mentee

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PATRICIA

MARTIN

2022 Adult General Fiction Mentee

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NURIN CHATUR

2022 Romance Mentee

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KARI M.
JOHNSON


2022 Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy Mentee

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CHARLOTTE YEUNG


2022 Adult Poetry Mentee

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YVETTE YUN
2021 Young Adult Fiction Mentee

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MIMI WONG
2021 Adult Fiction Mentee

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H'RINA DeTROY
2021 Adult Nonfiction Mentee

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STEFANIE
FOSTER  BROWN

2021 Picture Book Mentee

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SOPE
MARTINS

2021 Picture Book Mentee

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REHANNAH AZEEYAH KHAN
2021 Middle Grade Fiction Mentee

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ALYSSA

REYNOSO-MORRIS

2020 Picture Book Mentee

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CELIA 

VIRAMONTES

2020 Picture Book Mentee

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SARA 

KAPADIA

2020 Middle Grade Fiction Mentee

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SWETHA S.

2020 Young Adult Fiction Mentee

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JEANNE PAULINO

2020 Adult Fiction 

Mentee

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DENISE ADUSEI

2019 Picture Book Mentee

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DIONNA L. MANN

2019 Middle Grade Fiction Mentee

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ROSARIO

MARTINEZ

2019 Young Adult Fiction Mentee

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SAMUEL KÓLÁWOLÉ

2019 Adult Fiction Mentee

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NADINE JOHNSON

2018 Middle Grade Fiction Mentee

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MALEEHA SIDDIQUI

2018 Young Adult Fiction Mentee

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MARIA RAMOS CHERTOK

2019 Adult Fiction Mentee

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