Mentorship Program

As we set out to be a resource for Black writers and writers of color, we quickly realized that one of the things that seemed to be missing was mentorship. The writing and publishing industries tend to be shrouded in a lot of mystery and the only way to begin to break down those barriers is by connecting those on the inside to those aspiring to get in. So many talented writers are simply looking for guidance and we have decided to serve as a connecting point for those looking to give back and those in search of wisdom and insight.

In July of 2019, we launched our first pilot Mentorship Program for Black writers and writers of color. Currently, the duration of the program is 3-months long and new mentees will be able to sign up one month prior to the start of a new term. You must be at least 18-years-old to participate.

AS A MEMBER OF THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO:

Two (2) meetups with your mentor within a term (90 days) via phone, video call, or email.
Access to one (1) group mentoring session per month of a term. Totaling three (3) for a term.

AS A MENTOR, YOU WILL:

Asked to host (1) group mentoring session online via Zoom. Only three (3) mentors will be selected for Group Sessions depending on the relevancy of the topic to the group.
Asked to connect with your mentee two (2) times within a 90 day period either via phone, video call, or email for work critiques.

Completion of this application does not guarantee mentorship or the ability to serve as a mentor. Our team will take a look at the pool of candidates and make matches based on location, discipline, and writing career goals.

Although our mentees are limited to Black writers and writers of color, we welcome mentors of all backgrounds. We believe in allies and would like to welcome all to participate as mentors to our target audience.

If interested in taking part, please complete the respective forms below. Are you a mentor that can’t commit to two meetings? We’d love to host you for a one-off roundtable instead. Email us here.

Our next session will take place in the Fall of 2023. Enter your information below to stay updated when the new application opens.

What Mentee’s are Saying:

Mentorship Program Reviews

“The Permission to Write mentorship program did an amazing job at helping me to recognize what was available to me as a writer as well as pairing me with a mentor that was helpful as someone in the writing industry as well as gave helpful feedback. Also, being able to engage with other mentors through workshops that they've put together and joining PTW Masterclasses to learn outside of whichever area of writing I plan to get into in the present. It stretches you and is a great reference for when you feel stuck in the future. I am excited to see this mentorship program grow and help many more Black writers and writers of color elevate their personal platforms and their writing career.”

— Fall 2020 Participant

“Permission to Write was amazing. My mentor remained in contact with me and gave actionable steps towards achieving my writing goals. I recommend PTW to any writer at any stage.”

— Fall 2020 Participant

“PTW’s Mentorship Program helped expand my view of writing in terms of a career. Being a writer goes far beyond writing a book or article but editing, publishing and so many other skills used while writing. It reminded that there are options and using my skill set as a writer can lead me in so many directions. It is possible to create a career for myself that I enjoy and that includes my joy for creating stories and the skills it takes to do so. My mentor has been so helpful and exposed me to the world of nonfiction and pitching, something outside my expertise. Now it is not so daunting.”

— Fall 2020 Participant

“I’m really grateful for the Permission to Write program. I got connected to an awesome mentor, Nikki, who’s put me on game for online certificates I can receive, how to make the most of my portfolio and publications I should keep up with. I also really admire how Nikki recognizes the work ethic I’m doing, and she’s just as celebratory as she is supportive. It’s really nice having an established writer let you know that you’re on the right track; sometimes you just need reassurance that you’re doing the best you can! Nikki is great, and the mentors in the Permission to Write program are really holding this new generation of writers accountable.”

—@URMAOLIVIA

If interested in being on the mailing list about the program? Enter details below.