Each year the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) runs a selective mentorship program for unpublished writers and picture book illustrators. Authors writing in a new genre may also be eligible to apply. Applications are accepted for works of fiction, literary non-fiction, young adult literature, poetry, graphic novels, children’s literature and picture book illustration.
The 2015-2016 program will support 12 mentorships funded by Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund, plus one additional mentorship – The Edel Wignell Mentorship – for a children’s writer. The Edel Wignell Mentorship is funded by the income from the collected works of acclaimed children’s author, Edel Wignell.
The mentorship program provides successful applicants with the chance to develop their manuscripts to a publishable standard, by working with a mentor of their choice. Mentorees will have the opportunity to work with their mentor for 25 hours over one year, with additional follow-up support available. Up to five highly commended applicants will receive a two-hour phone consultation as well as admission to up to two ASA Professional Development programs (some exclusions apply). Successful applicants are selected based on the literary merit of their submissions, as assessed by a panel of judges. With the exception of the Edel Wignall Mentorship, successful applicants may be selected from any genre.
Applications open Friday 16 October and close Monday 16 November 2015.
E
ntry is free for ASA members, or $55 per entry for non-members. Results announced December 2015. The Emerging Writers’ and Illustrators’ Mentorship Program is supported by Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.
Enquiries: call the ASA on (02) 9211 1004 or email [email protected].
