Are you an LGBTQ+ writer or illustrator of children’s/young adult books who has not yet been published by a traditional publisher? Apply to a new, free mentorship program that will pair you with an expert for advice and guidance!
The #QueerKidlit Mentorships were created by author and illustrator Jeanette Bradley and illustrator Dani Duck, who also host a very fun and informative weekly #QueerKidlit Twitter chat. The mentorships are aimed at queer writers and/or illustrators who have not yet been published in traditional publishing and who would like guidance on a specific project for three months. Each mentor will connect with the mentee at least once a month over that time (by email, phone, or video chat, as each pair agrees). Mentors may help with submission materials, offer advice on the publishing industry, or work with you on the craft of writing or illustrating.Â
Writers may be working on a picture book, chapter book, or a middle grade or young adult novel. Illustrators may be working on a picture book, graphic novel, or kidlit illustration portfolio. I’ll also note that while my interest at Mombian is on LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books, book projects for these mentorships can include any topic or characters, as long as the creator is queer.
The application period is June 1 – 15, 2021. A few requirements from the mentorship website—please check that site for full details:
The #QueerKidlit mentorship is for traditionally unpublished LGBTQ+ kidlit writers and illustrators. Having up to two self-published projects is allowed. Priority will be given to those who can demonstrate advanced progress on their projects. People with intersectional queer identities that have been historically marginalized in children’s publishing are encouraged to apply There is no application fee or charge for for the mentorship. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Most of the mentors have at least two (if not many more) traditionally published books, Bradley told me, although Connie B. Dowell is an expert on self publishing and can mentor those interested in that route. The full list of amazing mentors who are volunteering their time (you may have heard of some of them) is:
- Skylaar Amann
- S. Bear Bergman
- Monica Clark-Robinson
- Abi Cushman
- Connie B. Dowell
- Teresa Robeson
- AJ Irving
- Maxine Kaplan
- Kyle Lukoff
- Jenn Reese
- Rob Sanders
- Chris Tebbetts
- Rosiee Thor
- Rebecca Kim Wells
- Katie Wheeler
- Kaz Windness
- Alison Wilgus
Go read more about the mentors here. Bradley also told me that some of the authors and illustrators they reached out to did not have time for mentoring right now, but expressed interest in doing so in the future. While the program is still just getting off the ground, Bradley and Duck hope it could become annual.
Regardless of whether you apply for a mentorship, join Jeanette, Dani, and other authors, illustrators, and folks in the orbit of #QueerKidlit (like myself) every Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. ET for the #QueerKidlit Twitter chat.