First I'd just like to say that I'm not a hundred percent sure about how mentor programs operate. However, I came across the idea one day whilst looking for writing courses and it just occured to me that a similar thing could be operating in the publshing industry and, of course, I then thought about here.
Basically a mentor program, as I understand it, is where published professionals put their names on a list and are essentially offering their time, skills and knowledge in order to help newbies into the industry. From what I gathered from the mentor program I saw, the time required of the mentor is minimal but neither is it a small commitment. Mostly it's the offering of advice and guidance and the establishment of contacts.
In the example I saw, there was actually a competition held where writers submitted a very small piece (I think it was only 250 words) as an example and the entries were judged. Out of all the entries I think, IIRC, there were 12 picked and out of five choices, they were placed with one mentor for a year.
I'm sure such things as the above go on in the industry through regular means like befriending someone or meeting someone at a con or whatever, but I was more wondering if such a program could be set up for the benefit of newbies so as to, perhaps, fast track them into the industry.
Just a thought.
Basically a mentor program, as I understand it, is where published professionals put their names on a list and are essentially offering their time, skills and knowledge in order to help newbies into the industry. From what I gathered from the mentor program I saw, the time required of the mentor is minimal but neither is it a small commitment. Mostly it's the offering of advice and guidance and the establishment of contacts.
In the example I saw, there was actually a competition held where writers submitted a very small piece (I think it was only 250 words) as an example and the entries were judged. Out of all the entries I think, IIRC, there were 12 picked and out of five choices, they were placed with one mentor for a year.
I'm sure such things as the above go on in the industry through regular means like befriending someone or meeting someone at a con or whatever, but I was more wondering if such a program could be set up for the benefit of newbies so as to, perhaps, fast track them into the industry.
Just a thought.
