About the Program
The Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s Mentorship Program, modeled off similar programs, matches five mentors with five apprentices for a mentorship taking place January-April 2016. The program is designed to meet the needs of emerging Alberta writers for guidance, collaboration and encouragement while senior writers receive short-term employment and an opportunity to sharpen their mentoring/teaching skills. The focus of the mentorship will be on instruction in the craft, and to a lesser extent, the business of writing. There is no cost to the apprentices.
Mentors and apprentices are expected to have an initial meeting in person. Subsequent meetings may take place in person or by telephone or email as distance may require. Mentors are expected to devote 15-20 hours a month to program work while apprentices commit to a minimum of 20-25 hours per month. A public reading takes place after the mentorship is completed.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2016 program are now open (please note the program is contingent on receiving funding).
Apprentices will be emerging writers. “Emerging” is defined as: generally, but not necessarily, having a professionally edited, published body of work (a book of poetry, nonfiction articles, fiction or other narrative prose, or publications in magazines, periodicals and/or anthologies). Apprentices must be Alberta residents, 18 years or older, and current members of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta.
Candidates for mentor positions must have professional publication credits, including published books and/or credits in literary anthologies, journals or magazines. Candidates must have demonstrated ability and/or prior experience in manuscript review, editing and peer consultation. All successful candidates must be active members of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta or become members prior to the start of their contract.
Click here to view the Apprentice criteria
Click here to download the Mentor application form
Applications must be received or postmarked on or before September 4, 2015.