If you are new to WriteMentor, our summer mentoring programme is an application-based mentorship scheme for children’s writers that takes place over 4 months of summer, accumulating in an agent showcase. Our mentors are authors who volunteer their time to give back to the writing community.

Improve writing craft via mentoring

Applications are open in April to writers who have a completed a Picture Book, Chapter Book, Middle Grade or Young Adult (may include crossover) manuscript that you’d like to develop with the intention of improving craft. 

See below for a full outline of the dates and timescale.

Please note, that if your goal is simply to ‘get into the programme’, so you can take part in our agent showcase, we very politely suggest that this is not the programme for you. 

The aim is to develop the mentee’s work so they can reach the next step of their writing career. The hope is that this wonderful opportunity on offer from our brilliant volunteer mentors is fully embraced.

We want to help writers who have worked hard and developed their craft to the very best of their abilities, and feel like they are on the cusp, and just need that extra bit of help to get them onto the next step.

If that sounds like you, then please do apply. Full FAQs at the bottom of the page.

The key dates:

Mentors announced: 24th March

Applications open: 7-11th April

Mentoring begins: 1st May to 30th August

Submission Package Draw: 1st May

Agent Showcase: 1st September

A reminder that the programme is for unagented authors who have completed at least 1 novel or picture book and are looking for experienced help in that next step to signing with an agent. We are open worldwide and mentoring will take place online from 1st May to 30th August.

We will put a link to the application form at the bottom of this page on 7th April – it’s a straightforward form, with the main question being ‘why are you applying for mentoring?’

We will be looking for a 1 page synopsis and completed novel or picture book as part of your application (this will enable the mentor to read more if they wish to rather than requesting additional materials – and it also stops applications from partly complete works).

What do I need to apply to the summer mentoring programme?

Novelists (CB, MG, YA)

You will need to have a completed manuscript. You will need to send us a query letter, manuscript (double-spaced, 12′ TNR), and 1-page synopsis (single-spaced) along with your application, so ensure these are as good as they can be. Please put those into one document to be uploaded with your application form.

Picture Book writers

For Picture Books, please send 3 texts. Illustrations are not needed, but illustrator notes are fine (double-spaced, 12′ TNR). Include a query letter (you can include a pitch for each of your 3 texts) and 3 texts in one document.

All applicants

• You can apply to 3 mentors. So be sure to research them thoroughly.
• It is 1 application per person.
• The single document you upload can be in Word or PDF format.

It’s worth saying there’s no exact routine for the mentoring and each mentor will approach things slightly differently but you should expect a monthly check-in/chat and some feedback on your work as well as answers to your burning publishing questions. As always, we do ask that all applicants respect the mentors time and space. We reserve the right to end a mentorship if there is any inappropriate behaviour/communication. Basically be an excellent human.

We will also have a couple of live chats with mentors before the applications open, on the 2nd and 3rd of April in the evening time (UK GMT) TBC. Look out for posts on our newsletter/social media for this.

We also have a lovely group of authors who are willing to read and give feedback on a submission package and we will draw the winners of those randomly from the list of applicants who do not get picked for mentoring. The list of authors is at the bottom of the page.

*Please note that some mentors will accept more than one age category (it will say in brackets after their name if so)

Picture Book

Sue Lancaster

Sue Lancaster is the author of two rhyming picture books: Supermoon was released by Tielmour Press in November 2024 and Outside the Box will be released in May ’25 by HB Publishing House. Sue has written a number of interactive rhyming board books and has had children’s poetry published in lots of kidlit magazines including The Caterpillar. She is also the founder and editor of The Toy Press. Sue was a mentor for WriteMentor in Summer 2022 and is really looking forward to doing it again!

I mentored Judy Wise back in 2022 and found it to be a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. Since then I’ve had a bit more success in my picture book writing career, with a couple of picture books under contract (one released last year and one out this May). WriteMentor is such a well known and trusted part of the writing community and I’d love to be a part of this amazing initiative again.

I’d love to find an enthusiastic mentee who is committed to becoming a published picture book author. A rhymer would be good, although I’m happy to work on prose manuscripts too. My strengths as a mentor lie in fiction rather than non-fiction.

Genres: Fantasy, Contemporary, Mystery, Humour/Funny, Magical Realism, Action/Adventure

X/Blue Sky: @WritesSue | Insta/Threads: @SueLancaster_Author

Holly Ryan

I’m a children’s picture book author living in Devon and love to write loud funny texts with a strong rhyme and sometimes refrain. I’ve been writing for over ten years and have a new book out in June and two more next year. #nevergiveup

I know how hard it is to get a break in this industry and have a head FULL of advice. 

You need a thick skin in this industry so I’m looking to work with a writer who is able to take on board critical advice with a view to making their text as commercially appealing as possible. I’d also probably be best suited to a rhymer.

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, Historical, Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Dystopian, Humour/Funny, Horror, Paranormal, Crime, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure, Other

@holly_ryan_chipdrensauthor

Sarah Atherton

Sarah’s debut picture book, Bella’s Butterflies, was published by Sage’s Tower Publishing in June 2021. She has had stories published in the Little Thoughts Press Magazine and The Toy Press. She has been featured in her local newspaper and on the Reading with your Kids podcast. Sarah was a winner in the #KidlitChuckleChallenge contest 2024 and she won the #springflingkidlit contest 2023. Sarah was a picture book mentor for the WriteMentor Summer Mentoring Programme 2023. When she isn’t writing, Sarah can be found cuddling her two cats, watching ice hockey and trying to dance!

I was a mentor for the summer mentoring programme in 2023 and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I know how hard it is to be a writer – luckily there are many generous writers out there who are willing to give their support. I have benefited from these lovely people and I want to give something back to the writing community.

I’m looking for an enthusiastic picture book writer and I’m open to a wide range of themes. The only area I wouldn’t be a good fit for is non-fiction. I would love to work with someone who writes funny stories or stories which help children to understand their social, emotional and mental health. I’m passionate about seeing children from all backgrounds represented in picture books. I’m happy to work with someone who writes in rhyme as well as in prose. I can offer advice and support on the craft of writing and the dreaded querying trenches!

Genres: Humour/Funny

X @Sarah_A_Author

Frances Tosdevin 

Frances is a traditionally published author of seven picture books, with two more in the production pipeline. She writes in both prose and rhyme, and is published by Andersen Press, UCLan Publishing, Rocket Bird Books and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. Her work has been translated into eleven languages, and she has been short-listed for various school and regional picture book awards. In 2022 she won the British Isles SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for her debut picture book, The Bear and her Book (illustrated by Sophia O’Connor). She is represented by Lucy Irvine at Peters, Fraser and Dunlop.

I’m keen to share what I’ve learned so far, from my many years of trying and failing— plus more recently of trying and occasionally succeeding! I’m confident writing in rhyme and prose, and because I’m published in both, feel I could offer support to writers of either. Developing an objective eye for appraising our own texts is one of the hardest things we can do. But it’s essential if we are to identify what is and isn’t working. This is where a mentor can be really helpful. Plus, of course, a mentor can help to demystify the whole publishing process, which frankly, can be a rather baffling place to inhabit! My mentoring style is friendly, thorough and flexible. I’ve previously been a WriteMentor Summer mentee with Skylaar Amann (2019) and subsequently a Summer mentor to Claire Lewis (2021) and Shireen Lalji (2023). Both Claire and Shireen are now agented and with publishing deals. 

My ideal mentee would be someone who is already making a bit of an impression, perhaps with an occasional long- or short-listing in picture book competitions. They are likely to be submitting to agents — and might even have had some personal feedback. They will be hugely enthusiastic about picture books and probably write prolifically. They have a resilient attitude and are prepared to work hard to achieve their goals. 

Genres: Fantasy, Contemporary, Humour/Funny, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure

IG: @frances_tosdevin X: @FrancesTosdevin Bluesky: @francestosdevin.bsky.social 

Eva Wong Nava

Eva Wong Nava is an award-winning and best-selling children’s author. She is the author of DANCING DUMPLINGS FOR MY ONE AND ONLY (Walker Books) and BUSY LITTLE FINGERS ART and MUSIC (Big Picture Books). Her forthcoming books are WEDNESDAY IS FOR WIGGLING and THE MOON RABBIT (Walker, 2025) and THE MONSTER THAT ALMOST STOLE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR (Walker 2027). Eva is published in the UK, USA and internationally. She is the co-founder of Picture Book Matters, a mentoring platform for picture book creators just starting out. With nearly twenty books under her belt, she wants to help other picture book writers to find the tools to write stories with heart and to turn their ideas into enthralling stories. 

With nearly twenty books under her belt, she wants to help other picture book writers to find the tools to write stories with heart and to turn their ideas into enthralling stories. Eva’s strengths lie in line edits, identifying story premises that make good stories, and manuscript analysis. 

I am looking for an open-minded and open-hearted mentee who is ready to receive constructive feedback and to work on their manuscripts while also finding joy and fun in revising their work. I would love to form a long-term friendship with my mentees, champion them on their journey and celebrate their successes, while giving them as a shoulder to lean on when the journey gets tough. I am open to creators from all walks of life who is at any stage of their picture book creating journeys. 

Genres: Historical, Humour/Funny, Magical Realism

@evawongnava (Instagram only)

Chapter Book

Emma Finlayson-Palmer (will also accept MG)

Emma Finlayson-Palmer is a working class, autistic author and artist who lives in the West Midlands with her partner and a multitude of children and cats! She runs #ukteenchat, a writing themed chat on Twitter; has been a mentor for #WriteMentor since its inauguration, and is one half of Word Witches, an editing and mentoring business. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found painting, watching birds or wandering around graveyards, often all three simultaneously. Emma is primarily a writer of fiction for children, including her series for 5-8 year olds, Autumn Moonbeam, reading scheme books for OUP, and an upcoming young fiction story coming out in September 2025, which will be her first book illustrated as well as written by herself. My current MG placed in competitions last year and won third place in the Wells Lit Fest. You can find some of Emma’s YA and adult short stories and flash fiction online.

I have been writing and sending my words out into the world for a long, long time, and have learnt a lot over the years. I’ve been very fortunate to get advice and encouragement along the way from some fantastic writers and other writing industry people, and being part of the fantastic writing community both #WriteMentor and beyond, and I would love to share my experience and knowledge with other writers, and help get them get going in the right direction. I’m incredibly positive and optimistic, a silver lining in every cloud sort of writer, and would like to bring that to my mentoring.

I’m looking for a mentee who is keen to learn tips and tricks to help with their writing journey, both the writing side and navigating the rollercoaster ride that is the publishing industry. Someone who is open to edits, and wants to make their words sparkle. Happy to work with pantsers or plotters, but I can definitely help with some tips for the pantsers out there. But mostly, I just would like to work with a writer who is passionate about their story and wants to work together to make it shine!

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, Historical, Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Dystopian, Humour/Funny, Horror, Paranormal, Crime, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure

Blog: Emma Finlayson-Palmer Twitter: @FinlaysonPalmer Instagram: @finlayson_palmer TikTok: @EmFinlaysonPalmer Bluesky: Emma Finlayson-Palmer (@finlaysonpalmer.bsky.social) — Bluesky

Middle Grade

Clare Harlow

Once upon a time, Clare was an actor. A few years ago, she turned her love of storytelling from stage to page and became a writer too. Her debut MG fantasy, ‘Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit’ was published in 2024 and has been longlisted for the Spark School Book Awards and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award. The Tidemagic sequel will be out this May, and she’s currently hard at work on a top secret Book 3.

I was a Write Mentor mentee a few years ago and learnt so much, both about my writing and about the industry. It was a crucial step on my journey to publication, and I’m keen to give someone else the same opportunity. I’ve since returned twice as a mentor, and have found it a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience, so I’m very excited that the programme is running again in 2025.

I’m looking for a mentee who is genuinely open to feedback and keen to make the most of the experience. Other than that, I’m totally open-minded! Not everyone works in the same way, so we’ll figure out how to make the programme best suit you. I’d urge anyone feeling nervous to be brave and apply anyway. I’m looking for potential, not perfection.

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Mystery, Dystopian, Horror, Paranormal, Crime, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure, Other

@clareharlowthewriter on Instagram, @clareharlow on Twitter, @clareharlow.bsky.social on Bluesky 

Alex Atkinson 

Alex Atkinson loves scary books filled with oddball characters. She blames her idyllic North Yorkshire childhood spent playing murder-in-the-dark and listening to her dad’s blood-curdling bedtime stories. 
After studying English and Politics at Newcastle University, she worked as a website content editor. She is represented by Lina Langlee at The North Literary Agency and her debut novel, Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman was published in October 2024 with Usborne. The second book in the Spooksmiths series is coming out in October 2025. 

I really want to give someone the opportunity that I had in 2022 when Clare Harlow and Emily Randall Jones took me on as a mentee for the Write Mentor Summer Mentoring programme. 

I’d done various writing courses with Curtis Brown, WriteMentor and SCBWI and I knew I was improving my craft because the book I wrote prior to Spooksmiths Investigate was shortlisted for the Write Mentor Children’s Novel Award in 2021 and selected for the SCBWI Undiscovered Voices anthology 2022. But it still didn’t hook an agent. I really feel that the Summer Mentorship tipped the balance for me. Clare and Em read my manuscript and gave me thoughtful notes and suggestions. I went away and rewrote the whole thing. They were kind enough to keep giving feedback on any sticky sections and helped me to hone a really strong submission package. 

I’m here for the spooky and the scary. I also adore a good mystery and if you can work humour in too then I’m sold! It’s really hard to narrow it down by genre though as I can’t say no to good twisty fantasy or historical adventure. I think the best way to put it is that if it’s fast-paced and action-packed I’m probably going to love it. 

I’m looking for someone with a completed manuscript who isn’t afraid to take on board advice, bounce ideas around and to make big changes. Having someone in your corner who has been there, done that and can offer advice is so important when you are starting out. I want to be that person for someone. 

Genres: Fantasy, Contemporary, Historical, Thriller, Mystery, Humour/Funny, Horror, Paranormal, Action/Adventure

Insta: @alexatkinsonstories Twitter/X: @alatkinson Bluesky: @alatkinson.bsky.social

Jonathan Eyers

I am the author or co-author of five books of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. My first children’s novel, “The Thieves of Pudding Lane”, was published in 2014, and my first adult novel (the first in a five-book series) will be published later this year or early next. I am also an editor at Bloomsbury Publishing (though I will be participating in the mentoring programme purely in a personal capacity). In a freelance capacity I have also worked (usually through the Cornerstones Literary Consultancy) with writers for kids and adults who have gone on to be published by the likes of HarperCollins, Bonnier, Boldwood and more, including the bestselling thriller writer Alex Stone.

I have been a mentor with the summer programme several times in the past. One of my previous mentees, Laura Noakes, went on to get a literary agent and sell her book, “Cosima Unfortunate”, after we worked on it together. WriteMentor offers a wonderful opportunity for someone a few steps further along this road to help guide another writer. It is a chance to give back. I would dearly have wished for a programme like this to have been around before I was published.

I am looking for someone who is ready to take the next step with their novel. You will ideally have finished at least one draft, or be close to doing so by the time we start working together. You will need to be open-minded and see your manuscript as something flexible with scope for improvement, even if you aren’t sure where or how to do that. I am very open to many different genres, and am also very open to being surprised by something unexpected, so don’t necessarily count me out even if I haven’t selected the genre you are writing in. If you want to work with me, be prepared to work hard, but I promise to make it a fun, creative experience.

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, Historical, Thriller, Mystery, Humour/Funny, Horror, Paranormal, Crime, Action/Adventure

@jonathaneyers.bsky.social

Natasha Holmes

Natasha is a northern writer agented by Megan Carroll at Watson, Little, Ltd. She has published 2 x YA plays for educational publisher, Pearson, and is currently out on sub to publishers with a LMG magical realism adventure, The Rock Trolls of Padley Gorge. She is currently working on a historical fiction adult novel. Recently, she has also been commissioned to write children’s fiction inspired by historical sites for Wakefield Council & Marco the Bear, an audio monologue for Clifton Park Museum.

Her background is in children’s theatre: writing, directing and performing both at home and abroad, out on the street as well as in theatres. She also works as an associate artist at the award winning, Grimm & Co (the apothecary to the magical). Her 30 years in theatre has given her a great understanding of character, dialogue, comedy and most importantly dramaturgical structure or narrative arc in book terms.

She is passionate about nurturing talent in others, regardless of background or disability.

Writing is a long game, if you’re serious about getting published or self-publishing then you need some grit and humour to face the challenges. I’ve experienced plenty of rejection in this business and developed my own strategies for coping which I hope may help others. I’ve mentored twice before and both years my mentees were a delight to work with: responsive to feedback, hardworking and blooming talented.

I know it can be life-changing for some because it was for me when I was mentored by Emma Finlayson-Palmer in 2019. It’s fantastic to give back and keep the virtuous wheel turning and I like to think kindness goes hand in hand with mentoring:

‘I couldn’t have hoped for a better mentor. You’ve been so insightful, focused, enthusiastic and kind! Just brilliant.’ – Catherine Prescott, Mentee 2021

I’m looking for someone who wants to put in some graft and really make their story shine.
I want to root for your mc, I want to scream at them not do it… and ache for them when they do. If that’s what you’re aiming for in your ms then I might be the mentor for you.

I enjoy being taken to unexpected places whether that be to whole new fantasy realms or parts of the world I’ve not been to. I love settings that have as much soul and character as your protagonist. I appreciate humour, especially when it’s used well in emotional scenes but I’m not necessarily looking for a laugh on every page. However, comic timing is part of my theatre craft and I can certainly help in that department, along with voice.
I’m also passionate about dystopian fiction, especially for MG and even more so if it mixes different genres.

Genres: Fantasy, Contemporary, Historical, Mystery, Dystopian, Humour/Funny, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure

Insta/Threads: @Telltaleheartstheatre Twitter: @telltaleheart 

Laura Caputo

I’m originally from Rome, but have been living in Kent with my family for over 16 years. By day, I’m a part-time school librarian, where I get to talk books (and secretly research what kids love to read!).
I’m represented by Gyamfia Osei at Andrew Nurnberg Associates. In addition to a series of non-fiction picture books, I’m also the author of a contemporary Middle Grade series debuting in 2027.

Throughout my writing journey, I’ve been fortunate to have the support of incredible mentors, editors, and, most of all, my critique partners. Now, I’d love to give back by helping other writers hone their manuscripts and find their voice.
I’ll be working alongside the incredibly talented Lucille Abendanon—so it’s a BOGOF deal!

For me, it’s all about voice. If a manuscript has a strong voice, everything else can be fixed. That’s what I’ll be looking for when selecting a mentee.
I’m passionate about all kinds of MG, especially contemporary, funny, and historical. I enjoy fantasy, though high fantasy sometimes loses me—so if that’s your thing, I may not be the best fit!

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, Historical, Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Dystopian, Humour/Funny, Horror, Paranormal, Crime, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure, Other

Insta: Laura_c.w

Philip Kavvadias (will also accept YA)

I am an author, playwright, poet, illustrator and screenwriter. In my day job I work on Sustainability, helping decarbonise world-wide supply chains.
I have been working with children as a Scout Cubs Leader for quite a few years. My mission is to get more kids reading, especially boys, whose reading stats are consistently lower than girls. My Microraptor series is the first step to that!

I have been helped greatly by the programme and have helped other people, and it remains one of the best mentoring programmes in the land!

I’m looking for books that are written with the goal to bring children back to reading. Books with humour, great adventure, epicness, hero progression, powerful villains beyond imagination.

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, Historical, Thriller, Mystery, Dystopian, Humour/Funny, Horror, Paranormal, Crime, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure

@philipkavvadias

Alex Falase-Koya (will also accept YA)

Children’s author Alex has been reading and writing since he was a teenager. His debut novel ‘Marv and the Mega Robot’ was inspired after Alex struggled to find superheroes in fiction who looked like him. By creating Marv, a superhero whose strengths are kindness and imagination, Alex hopes to have created a character to whom all children can relate. He is also the co-writer of Marcus Rashford’s first fictional book, The Breakfast Club Adventures: The Beast Beyond the Fence. A previous winner of Spread the Word’s 2019 London’s Writers Awards for YA and Children’s, Alex lives in Honor Oak with his two cats.

One of the things I’ve found the most difficult about this industry is the fact that good feedback is very difficult to come by. I remember many a time working on a novel for over a year and then pushing it out in the world and getting nothing back. That’s why I’m so interested in helping out and hopefully being the source of feedback that I didn’t really have in my past. Programmes like this and the avenues for growth it offers people are invaluable, and so I’d really like to get the opportunity to be a part of that.

Looking for someone who wants to really try and improve their work, and improve themselves as an author. 

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror

Fiona Longmuir (will also accept YA)

Fiona is the author of seaside middle grade adventures Looking for Emily and Freya’s Gold, both published by Nosy Crow. Looking for Emily was selected by Waterstones as one of their best children’s books of 2022 and Freya’s Gold was selected as an Eason’s Summer Read in 2024. In a previous WriteMentor round, Fiona mentored Kathryn Foxfield as she developed the draft that would become her debut, Good Girls Die First. More recently, Fiona worked closely with Becki Jayne Crossley on early drafts of her upcoming YA romance, Tart. Fiona has delivered over one hundred writing classes in her local community with both children and adults. 

I love supporting writers in creating the best possible version of their stories. Working as an editor and mentor has let me look more closely at the things that make a story tick and it’s extremely satisfying to find new and interesting ways for writers to use those techniques. Mentoring is an extremely collaborative, deeply creative process and it’s helped me so much in my own writing, as well as (I hope!) helping the writers I have mentored. Often in writing, you end up too close to your own story and as a mentor, one of my key strengths is in providing that fresh pair of eyes – identifying the clean throughline of the plot, lifting up the elements that support that throughline and snipping away anything that obscures or confuses it. I also love to brainstorm and bounce ideas around, if writers are feeling stuck!

I’m looking for someone who has a completed draft, even a very rough, messy one, or at least a good idea of the bones of their story. I’m happy to work either by answering specific questions/focusing on specific problem areas or by reading through and giving my thoughts as a whole – or a mixture of both! I’m looking for a mentee who is open to receiving and actioning feedback, which is likely to be a mixture of exuberant praise and areas for development. I’m happy to mentor writers writing in any genre or style – my own work is predominantly middle grade adventure and my previous mentees have been in YA horror and YA queer romance. I like stories with compelling hooks, moving character journeys and a good dose of humour but my tastes are fairly broad, so I’m definitely open to giving anything a go!

Genres: Fantasy, Contemporary, Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Dystopian, Humour/Funny, Horror, Paranormal, Crime, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure

@fiona_clicks (instagram) @fionalongmuir (tiktok, twitter)

Celeste Dador (will also accept YA and crossover)

Celeste Dador is the author of forthcoming YA romance STARS, STRIPES, AND SUMMER NIGHTS (Delacorte Romance, summer 2026) and a WriteMentor alumna! 

She writes and loves to read stories that make your blood race from either love or fear (or both!) Celeste has been selected for multiple competitive writing mentorship programs, is an active member of SCBWI, and was a finalist on an episode of reality TV show America’s Next Great Author. 

Celeste lives in Virginia, U.S.A., with her family where they like to explore historic (sometimes haunted) sites. Her favorite words of advice: “Find something only you can say” and “If you have to choose between a werewolf or a vampire – always choose the vampire.”

Hello, writer friends! I’m Celeste, and I’m beyond thrilled to serve as a WriteMentor mentor this year. As a former mentee, I have so many fond memories of my summer mentorship. I’m incredibly grateful to my talented and brilliant mentor, Marisa Noelle, as well as to the supportive WriteMentor community. 

Volunteering as a mentor is my way of paying it forward. Beyond my eternal gratitude for this program, I truly believe in lifting up other writers, and I absolutely love discussing all things craft and publishing. As a mentor, my goals for my mentee include: 

(1) producing a query-ready manuscript, (2) sharing advice on querying and publishing best practices (I’m on my second agent and remember the query trenches quite well), and (3) offering tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time as a mentee (trust me, those four months fly by fast).

Thanks a ton for your consideration and best of luck! May your manuscript shine!

Here are the biggies:
1. Someone who wants to work collaboratively with me on their book.
2. Someone focused on improving their writing craft.
3. Someone looking for a long-term writing community.
4. Someone ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.
5. Someone who likes pineapple on their pizza (Totally joking! But if you’ve read this far, your attention to detail doesn’t hurt — especially as a writer!).

If you’re good with the 5 points above (well, maybe not the pineapple part), here’s who I think could benefit from working with me:
1. You’re writing a commercial MG or YA novel and interested in traditional publishing. 
2. You’ve had experience working with critique partners.
3. You take your writing seriously, but not yourself too seriously — meaning you’ve got a good sense of humor and humility, which are helpful traits in this industry.

MSWL: In general, I’d love to work on a manuscript that:
1. Has a strong hook. (Think easy to describe e.g. “Bridgerton x Highlander” or a “MG Hellraiser”)
2. Is character-driven. (The protagonist’s choices primarily propel the plot. Say that 5x’s fast!)
3. Offers fresh takes on tropes (retellings count!).
4. Features a diverse cast.
5. Includes a romance that is central to the plot or as a subplot.
6. Is escapist and fun – yes, this includes horror (versus heavy and serious).
7. Is under 100K word count.
8. For specific comps and favs, check out my Instagram profile @celestedador 
Or visit: https://linktr.ee/celestedador

Thanks so much for viewing! You’ve got this my friend. I’m cheering you on!

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, Historical, Romance, Thriller, Horror, Paranormal

IG/Bsky: celestedador

Young Adult

Cynthia Murphy

Cynthia Murphy is the bestselling author of a number of YA thrillers, including the BookTok sensation Win Lose Kill Die.

She has a long-standing love affair with all things scary, reading Point Horrors before graduating to Stephen King in her misguided teens. Studying for a degree in Art History and Archaeology meant that she developed a thirst for anything old, beautiful and very often dead. She tries to combine this with contemporary settings in her writing to make unique and chilling modern stories.

Cynthia lives in her hometown of Manchester with her husband and their rescue dog, Loli, who you will see a lot of on TikTok and Instagram @CynthiaMurphyYA

I spent eight long years writing and querying with little to no guidance – there was certainly no Write Mentor to help point me in the right direction! WM is a really special initiative and I would love to help an aspiring author who is in the position I was in once in. 

Aside from writing and editing a number of my own novels, I was also a teacher in my previous life. This means that I can work with you to find the best way to edit your work and turn it into a collaborative rather than prescriptive experience. I have a good success rate with WM as all three of my mentees – Tess James Mackey, Claire Harlow and Rosie Talbot – went on to gain agents and traditional publishing contracts (obviously based more on their talent than my mentoring, but it’s not a bad record). 

I have worked on six books with some of the best editors in the business and am published in the US and UK, which means I have an insight into how publishing works on both sides of the pond. I have also turned books around in tight time frames, so I’m confident that we can polish your manuscript in the four months we have together.

I want to work with someone who is ready to tackle their manuscript with fervour. It doesn’t have to be perfect to apply to me – in fact I’d rather see a draft with a brilliant idea that needs work than something already so polished it should already be on a shelf somewhere. Send me something you are willing to massacre in the name of editing! 

For thrillers, mystery or crime I’m looking for a twist I don’t see coming – or at least one I only guess seconds before the reveal because you’ve laid the clues so well. For horror or paranormal I want something that makes me run up the stairs after I’ve turned the lights out or makes me tuck my feet back under the covers in the dark. 

Though I am not a specialist in all areas of diversity, if you think we’re a good fit I will do my best to educate myself on the issues in your manuscript before we work together. One thing I’m not the right person for is spice or smut, though a little romance is always welcome. I have recently read and loved the Truly Devious series (characters and mysteries to fall in love with), Bat Eater (adult but give me a YA version!) and The Reappearance of Rachel Price (plotting excellence).

I’m happy to accept mentees from anywhere in the world – Zoom means that we can have a face-to-face catch up every month regardless of where you are. As someone who worked full time while writing I’m also happy to work around work/life commitments and time differences as needed. If you’re in the UK, we can try to meet face to face at least once (though there’s a much better chance of this if you have access to London or the North-West of England, where I’m based), otherwise we can communicate however you like, from Zoom or phone calls to feedback emails once a month, or a combination of the three. I will also appreciate your flexibility in scheduling, as I will have my own deadlines and work commitments during this time. 

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Paranormal, Crime

@cynthiamurphyya

Jan Dunning and AJ Clack

Jan Dunning is a former model turned author, artist and teacher who writes supernatural YA thrillers from her garden shed! Her debut novel ‘Mirror Me’ (Scholastic) is a contemporary take on Snow White set in the London fashion world, and won the Oxfordshire Children’s Book Award 2024. Her latest book, ‘The Last Thing You’ll Hear’ (Scholastic) is a Pied Piper/Sleeping Beauty mash-up about music, obsession and influence. It was shortlisted for the Abingdon YA Book Award 2025.

A. J. Clack (Ali) moved from a small village in Wales to London to pursue a career in television. She worked on a huge range of shows from Teletubbies to Friends while also writing plays for the Edinburgh fringe and development scripts/pilots for children’s television. She now lives in Essex where she writes dark and twisty YA thrillers. Her debut, ‘Lie or Die’ (Firefly) was Waterstones Welsh Book of the Month, and the sequel, ‘Lie or Die: Blood Moon’ will be published in October 2025.

We wanted to be joint mentors this year because we’ve had such positive experiences of being mentored ourselves! Jan took part in the WM Summer Programme 2020 while Ali was mentored through SCBWI’s UV competition in 2022. Having a mentor is an invaluable support when you’re at an early stage of your writing journey. Both of us developed a huge toolkit of skills that eventually led to the publication of our debut novels, while the community and connections we made are still going strong! Becoming mentors now is our way of giving something back. We’ve learned so much that we’re ready to pass on, especially in the UK teen and YA space. In addition, we’ve also been each other’s trusted critique partners for years. Our approach is to be honest, direct and constructive while (hopefully) still being encouraging and fun. We love analysing stories, dissecting plot and character and generally bouncing ideas off each other. Our mentoring style will include all the above!

We are looking for someone who is open minded and ready to do some hard work! We’re interested in ‘big picture’ or developmental edits, rather than line editing – so if you have a kernel of a brilliant idea in the form of a first or second draft and you’re open to exploring and reworking it, then we are the mentors for you. We’re not looking for anything too polished that doesn’t need our input – we want to get stuck in! In that respect, you may or may not be ‘agent ready’ at the end of the programme, but we’d encourage you to see this as the long game it is. Our greatest strengths lie in plotting, dialogue and character development (for teen and YA) so if these are areas where you need fresh eyes or a bit of help, please consider applying to us!

Genres: Contemporary, Historical, Thriller, Mystery, Humour/Funny, Horror, Paranormal, Magical Realism

@jandunningbooks @alison.clack (Instagram) @JanDunning1 @alisonclack1 (X) @jandunning@bsky.social @ajclack.bsky.social (Bluesky)

Sue H Cunningham

Sue H. Cunningham writes young adult fiction with humour and a hint of magic. She won the Write Mentor Children’s Novel Award 2020 and was an SCBWI Undiscovered Voices winner in 2022. She has also been shortlisted/longlisted for other awards including Northern Writers’ 2022, Bath Children’s Novel Award 2020, Sussex Amazing Book Awards 2024 and Buckinghamshire Book Awards 2024. Her debut murder mystery, Totally Deceased, published in October 2023 and supernatural romcom Cloud Nine followed in February 2025.
Sue lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons and a female cockapoo (a last-ditch attempt to even up the sexes). When she’s not writing, or tripping over electric guitar cables and decapitated squeaky toys, she works for the NHS.

The writing community is a wonderful thing. I’ve been so fortunate to have received help from more experienced authors and amazing support from writing organisations (including the lovely WriteMentor team!) during my journey to publication. I’m so grateful and I feel very lucky to be in a position to now pay it forward to another writer.

If you’re a nice person who enjoys writing YA, be it contemporary, historical, adventure or thriller, please send it my way! I love humour and magical realism but I’m not a good fit for sci-fi or high fantasy. I’ve been exactly where you are now and, as a veteran of the slushpile, I’d love to support and cheerlead another writer as they navigate their way through the submissions process. As a northerner, I’d like to see more regional voices in kids’ books (but this isn’t a dealbreaker). I enjoy editing so I’m happy to help shine up your sub package – if your synopsis is in a muddle, I’m your woman! With the world the way it is right now, I’m veering towards uplifting fiction and I’m a right wuss so please don’t send me any horror, gore or tearjerkers about dead pets!

Genres: Contemporary, Historical, Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Humour/Funny, Paranormal, Magical Realism, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure

@suehcunningham : insta/bluesky/tiktok @susywrites : twitter

Sarah Daniels (will also accept YA/Adult crossover)

Sarah Daniels writes stories about dark and hopeful futures. Her YA books are published by Penguin Random House and Sourcebooks Fire (US)

My mentee this year will be number 6 in the WriteMentor summer programme. I love collaborating with writers to get their work over the finish line (and I’ll admit I like reading people’s work before the rest of the world gets to!)

I give detailed, constructive feedback, and I’m looking for someone eager to revise. I’m a sparse writer and I enjoy a fast-moving, action-packed story so I work best with mentees not afraid to cut if things aren’t working. I enjoy great writing, but I’m not keen on verbose or overly florid language, and high fantasy and epic sci-fi probably aren’t a good match. If you’re dedicated, open-minded, and determined to get your next draft finished, I’d love to be part of your journey. 

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Contemporary, Thriller, Mystery, Dystopian, Horror, Paranormal, Crime, Time-Travel, Action/Adventure

@sarahdanbooks

Melissa Welliver (will also accept YA/Adult crossover)

Melissa Welliver is the author of three YA speculative books: My Love Life and the Apocalypse (2023, Chicken House); Soulmates and Other Ways to Die (2024, Chicken House); and The Undying Tower (2024, UCLan Publishing), with more on the way in 2026. She is known as a plotting obsessive and loves worldbuilding in her writing. Her books have been shortlisted for the Berkshire Book Prize, the Abingdon Schools Book Prize, the Dudley Schools Book Prize, the WCAT Book Prize, and one won the WriteBlend Book Awards 2022. Melissa’s books have been translated into many languages including German, French, and Turkish. Melissa is also a mentor and has coached over 100 writers, with many seeing success in traditional publishing through agent representation and publication. She lives in the North of England with her pet doodles, Maude and Zelda.

I have been a mentor since the inception of the Writementor Summer Programme and I’m keen to keep giving back. I have mentored over 100 clients in their journeys to publication and I want to help as many as I can to make their manuscript sing. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a manuscript change and grow and watching that author excel in their writing – and hopefully we become writing pals, too!

I am looking for a mentee that is committed to finding their own voice and developing their own ideas – I’m here to be a development cheerleader, and would never dream of rewriting someone’s manuscript (if our ideas don’t align, I’m not the right mentor for you!). I’m also looking for someone who writes speculative books with a dash of the unexpected, and my absolute favourite is anything in a dystopian setting. I also love horror elements, a splash of romance, and science-fiction elements. Bring me the next Hunger Games!

Genres: Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Magical Realism, Time-Travel

@Melliver

Submission Package Draw authors

FAQs

I live in the US and I see you are based in the UK. Can I apply?

Yes, we are open internationally to any writer, who writes in English. Many of our mentors are from the US and around the world. Fortunately, I’m the only Scot involved! 

How much does it cost to apply?

This is a voluntary programme, so there is no fee to apply or participate.

Can I apply to the summer mentoring programme if I am published or agented?

I’m afraid not. This is for unpublished and unagented writers only. Self-published authors may apply, but not with the self-published manuscript. You are still eligible if you contribute to an anthology, or have authored non-fiction/educational books (but you must still be unagented).

Which mentors can I apply to? 

A full list of our mentors will be posted once they are selected, with tabs below expanding upon what they are offering and looking for. 

Can I apply to a mentor if I know them?

No, we have clear rules that the mentor should not be in a critique group, or edited for, or know the applicant and their work well, as this would be a continuation of a previous writing relationship. We want to form new ones. If you do apply to a mentor with whom you’ve worked before, or know well (Twitter following is fine, for example), then we’d expect the mentor to not consider your application. This is all done on a trust basis and we know that no-one in our community would take advantage.

How many mentors can I apply to? 

3 – this is fixed, spreads the applications, and ensures that no single mentor is overwhelmed with the number of applications.

I am a former mentee – can I apply again? 

You can, but not to the same mentor with the same manuscript that you were chosen for previously.

What do I need when I apply if I am a novelist? 

– a query letter (no need for salutations, Dear Mentor will suffice)

– complete manuscript (double-spaced, plain font, 12?)

– synopsis (single-spaced, 1 page) in one document, 12?, plain font.

Plus the answer to this question: Why have you applied to WriteMentor? There is no word limit to the answer, but be sensible – if this answer exceeds the length of your manuscript, it’s probably too long! ????

If I am to apply for PB, should I send more than 1 text? 

Yes, please send 3 texts as you will be working on 3 this summer with your mentor. A PB synopsis does not need to be a page, but a short summary.

Where will the form be? 

On this page – we will also post it directly onto Twitter to save you visiting the website, however we suggest you research and look at the mentors over there, as well as the dates etc before applying.

Does my manuscript have to be complete? 

Yes. This is non-negotiable – we want to spend the time mentoring you rather than waiting for you to finish a first draft. If it’s not perfect, that’s okay, but it must be complete.

What if I don’t get on with my mentor? 

This would be very rare, but if it does happen, you can always email Stuart or the Mentee Care reps to discuss any issues, in confidence if you wish. We understand personalities and styles can clash. We will be as amicable about solving that as possible.

Do I have to take part in the agent showcase? 

No, this is your choice at the end of the summer. Every year a couple of writers don’t feel ready and opt out. No pressure. This is about more than just the showcase, it’s about your long term development as a writer.

What happens if I have queried agents and have queries out? 

If you get an offer of rep, email or DM us to let us know and we’ll remove your application. Otherwise, don’t worry. We do suggest putting a hold on querying if successful, but would never dictate.

I have already been rejected by most of the agents in the showcase – should I apply? 

Our programme is about more than just signing with an agent and improving 1 ms. It’s about improving craft, developing a close writing relationship with someone who can trust going forward and being part of a wider community of like-minded people and writers. I hope that everyone who’s been in the programme feels like WM will always be there for them, whatever the result. We are looking at the long-term as well as the short-term for the writers we work with.

Can I enter other contests/awards? 

Of course – however, we do ask if you are accepted that you focus on the programme over the summer and if you enter other awards please check their rules, which might be stricter than ours.

When will I find out if I am successful? 

On the 1st May we will announce all the pairings on our website. We will post a link via social media and our newsletter, too. Your mentor will also email you on the 1st.

What should I do after I apply, while I’m waiting? 

Assume you have been unsuccessful and behave as though you need to take the next step, whatever that is for you. Work on your ms, work on your next novel, work on something not writing-related. Whatever you can to switch off. Send and forget.

Will mentors be in touch to request more material? 

We are asking for the full manuscript up front this year. This will mean there is no need to wait for an email to request more. We know this will help reduce anxiety for everyone involved as you can simply forget about the application until the announcement.

What if I am unsuccessful? 

Unfortunately, applicant numbers will exceed the numbers of writers we can mentor (about 50), so we can’t help everyone. But be sure to follow along for all the other opportunities that WM offers via our newsletter: