Mentoring
FOR CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITERS AND NOVELISTS.
Mentoring
FOR CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITERS AND NOVELISTS.
Write your book.
Get ready for your yes.
Hey there!
Are you ready to believe your book into being?
Maybe you’re routinely getting rejections, or R&Rs on your books and are unsure of how to incorporate the feedback.
Or you’re tangled up in your latest project and can’t see the forest through the trees.
Or you’re an experienced writer who has been doing the same thing for so long you don’t know how to change the trajectory of your writing life.
Our work together will help you transform these challenges so that your writing can make a difference in young people’s lives.
You’ll learn your strengths as a writer, discover best practices for your creative process, and become more courageous and confident as you build a thriving literary career.
Mentoring with me is like going through an MFA, but without the residency. Plus, you’ll learn about the business part of being a writer, a topic most MFA programs don’t cover. You’ll complete a polished draft of your manuscript, and learn how to find an agent, run your writing business, and get your work-in-progress ready for publication.
But our work together is about more than how to write and publish a book.
It’s about creating and elevating your entire body of work. You’ll learn how to live a literary life that transforms no into yes. And I’ll be by your side cheering you on every step of the way.
Many of my mentees have gone on to sign with agents at Trident Media Group, Upstart Crow Literary, Folio Literary Management, EMLA, Pippin Properties, Inc., Gernert Company, Hen&ink Literary Studio, BookEnds Literary, Rubin Pfeffer Content, Full Circle Literary, Talcott Notch Literary Services, kt literary, New Leaf Literary and Media, Inc., and other agencies.
Published mentees include novelists Nanci Turner Steveson (Swing Sideways), Samantha M. Clark (The Boy, The Boat, and the Beast), and Cathy Carr (coming soon), and picture book authors Cate Berry (Penguin & Tiny Shrimp Don’t Do Bedtime!), Jason Gallaher (Whobert Whover Owl Detective), Christina Soontornvart (The Ramble Shamble Children, coming soon) Gloria Amescua (coming soon!), and Lisa Katzenberger (coming soon!).
Like a low-residency MFA, but better.
Mentoring for Children’s Picture Book Writers: Fiction and Nonfiction
Mentoring for Children’s Picture Book Writers: Fiction and Nonfiction
InThis 3-12 month experience is for intermediate level picture book writers who want to hone their craft, deepen their process and increase their body of work while learning how to create a thriving career as a children’s book author.
Each of your mentoring sessions will have two parts: a lesson and a critique. We’ll meet each month in person, or by Zoom to study the craft of picture book writing and to discuss your manuscripts and writing process.
Your lessons will be customized to whatever you need to learn to move towards your yes, whether that’s how to tackle research, leave room for an illustrator, create a storyboard, increase read-a-loud-ability, or deepen heart and humor to make the ultimate reader connection. Personalized lists of picture books to read and analyze to further your development as a writer will be provided.
Prior to our meetings, I’ll send over a written critique of 2-3 picture book manuscripts. I’ll also provide ongoing support during the revision process. Meetings are held by phone, or Zoom.
One-time Critique
$1,850
for novels up to 250 pages in length.
$1,500
for three picture book manuscripts.
Mentoring for Novelists
Mentoring for Novelists
In future meetings we’ll discuss my critique of your revisions. Between each session you‘ll receive assignments to strengthen your writing such exercises on character development, world-building/setting, chapter flow, and overall novel structure.
Your last mentoring session will include a full read and critique of your work in progress. A personalized list of novels to read and analyze to further your development will be provided.
THE WRITING BARN
My nonfiction picture book idea was just that, an idea. Bethany set a deadline, pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped shape my idea, and supported me through the process. She guides you to shape your work into its best possible version. And the most wonderful part? She celebrates your achievements, big and small.
Under Bethany’s guidance I signed with an agent. She sherpaed me through the process with incredible support. She believed in me and assured me that my yes was coming. Bethany’s use of empathy and humor make the rattling road of working and waiting tolerable.
Get the support you need to receive your yes.
Complete your (short) mentoring application today.
