I learned to trust myself - the inner creative voice. I loved the sense of community at the retreat. It was magic. This is the best thing I have done for myself in recent memory. - Barbara Marquand, 2006

Loved it, loved it, loved it! It broadened my writing world 100 fold - geographically, by networking and meeting amazing writers and illustrators, and by giving me incredible support and feedback on a project very close to my heart.   -  Fran Slayton, 2006

The Nevada Mentor Program is what I wish I could have had when I was beginning. A platform between writing for myself and hoping to get published, and into the world of those who take their writing seriously and expect to be published, as well as training for how to present your work to editors and art agents with love and responsibility and not excuses. - Teri Sloat, Mentor 2006

From the very begining of my decision to write for children I felt that I learned best by experience, not by reading about what to do. The mentorship program afforded me that opportunity for feedback ... This seemed to exactly fit my learning style. The application process was easy enough but it was a big step for me. I really did keep my fingers crossed for several weeks. It was like winning the lottery. - Sheryll Hoeberg, 2006

I am proud to have been part of such a worthwhile and extraordinary experience. - Christina Tugeau, Mentor 2006

I’ve learned to look at my writing and my book(s) in a new way. Thanks for the amazing opportunity, the warm hospitality, and the belly-laughing session. I love Nevada- Lindsay Eland, 2008

The mentor program far exceeded my expectations. This was a life-changing experience for me. Without this program, my manuscript would be mouldering in the drawer. - Andrea Mock, 2008

My mentorship had so many positives it’s hard to pick one out! - Anonymous, 2008

I’ve made new friendships and contacts here. My mentor was very generous in sharing helpful tips. – Jeannie Harris, 2008

This is a rare opportunity. The final weekend was great! -Tracy Clark, 2008

 

Congratulations to these mentees from 2006

Fran Cannon Slayton for her sale of How to Stop a Moving Train, upcoming 2009, Philomel. (Mentor Ellen Hopkins)

Suzanne Morgan Williams for her sale of Bull Rider, upcoming 2009, Margaret K. McElderry Books. (Mentor Terri Farley)

Jennifer Redmond Egan's illustrations were shown in New York City by Mentor Chris Tugeau.

This year's Mentor Program offers a talented slate of mentors ... Here is brief bio of each of the mentors.

Terri Farley: Nevadan, Terri Farley is author of the 24 book middle grade series, the Phantom Stallion. Her work has sold more than a million copies. Her second series The Phantom Stallion: Wild Horse Island, which is set in Hawaii, debuted May, 2007 and continues to enchant her fans. A former teacher, and “a cowgirl at heart”, Terri now spends full time writing. She takes time out of her schedule to mentor two aspiring novelists. (Find out more about Terri, her books, fans, and work with wild horses at www.phantomstallion.com) Middle Grade Novels, Young Adult Novels, and Series.

Esther Hershenhorn: Chicagoan, Esther Hershenhorn spends her days doing what she loves and loving what she does:  writing picture books and middle grade fiction, teaching adult Writing for Children classes and coaching writers of all ages to help them tell their stories.  Esther often likens herself to the quest-driven Hero who returns home with something even better than what he first sought:  her years on task while out and about on her Writer’s Plotline, seeking authorship and publication, dove-tailed perfectly with her previous classroom teaching experience and children’s book creator advocacy. Esther knows, in her head and heart, that story helps both reader and writer uncover, discover, recover their stories.  Reading and writing are all about becoming.  Esther’s picture books include Chicken Soup by Heart (Simon & Schuster), winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award for Younger Readers and Fancy That (Holiday House), a Junior Literary Guild selection and a Bank Street College Special Merit recipient. (www.estherhershenhorn.com) Picture Book writers, Chapter Books.

Ellen Hopkins: Nevada author Ellen Hopkins has written more than 20 nonfiction children’s books and the YA Novels, Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, and Identical. Crank was nominated for a 2005 Quill Award and Burned was nominated for the National Book Award in 2006. All of Ellen's novels have been on the New York Times Best Seller List. Beyond that, Ellen is a strong supporter of SCBWI, and regularly works with aspiring writers offering her support and insight. Ellen is a natural mentor. (Visit Ellen at www.ellenhopkins.com or find her on My Space) Young Adult and Nonfiction

Susan Hart Lindquist: Susan is a detailed and thoughtful author of three middle grade novels; Walking the Rim, Wander and Summer Soldiers and has had poetry published in an anthology by Lee Bennett Hopkins. She has been an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature, is a former Regional Advisor of SCBWI NorCA North/East Bay Region, and is a regular speaker at SCBWI events. Susan’s strength is analyzing manuscripts and teaching craft. Look for her next novel soon. (See www.loc.gov/catdir/bios/random058/98047429.html for a short bio on Susan Hart Lindquist).  Middle Grade Novels.

Laurent Linn: Art Director for Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, began his career as a puppet designer in Jim Henson's Muppet Workshop. With the Muppets for over a decade, he became the Creative Director for Sesame Street, winning an Emmy Award. Currently, Laurent illustrates; reviews over one hundred books a year as a member of the Children's Book Awards Committee at Bank Street College; and collaborates with noted editors, authors, and illustrators on picture books, middle-grade books, and teen novels at Simon & Schuster. Illustrators

Yuyi Morales: Yuyi is a picture book illustrator and author, storyteller, puppeteer and dancer. She is also a delightful and insightful teacher. Yuyi’s books have won numerous awards including the ALA’sPura Belpre Award for works embodying the best of Latino Culture, the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, the Jane Addams Award for work that inspires social justice, the Americas Award, Parents’ Choice Award – the list is long. We are thrilled to have Yuyi join us this year as a mentor. Learn more about Yuyi and her books (Harvesting Hope, Just a Minute, Los Gatos Black on Halloween, Little Night and more) at www.yuyimorales.com. Illustrators, Picture Book writer - illustrators, Picture Book writers.

Lynda Sandoval: Lynda is a former police officer and the author of twenty award-winning books. She writes young adult novels as well as women's fiction, romance, and nonfiction for five different publishers, all while working part-time as a 9-1-1 fire/medical dispatcher. Her work has appeared on the Waldenbooks Romance Bestsellers' list and has won numerous national awards, including a Colorado Book Award nomination for Best Young Adult Literature and a National Reader's Choice Award, also in the YA category. Lynda's teen novels have twice been nominated as ALA Quick Picks for Young Adult Readers. Visit Lynda at www.lyndasandoval.com. Young Adult, Nonfiction.

2009 Guest Editor - to be announced: The guest editor is NOT a mentor but will be available throughout the mentor retreat in October and will sit in on mentor group sessions.

Participants for the program will be chosen by a blind application process. (see The Selection Process tab). The 2009 Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program will accept up to 20 participants.  Each participant will receive entrance to our 2009 All Nevada SCBWI Spring Conference, April 24-26 at Virginia City, Nevada. (Meals and lodging are NOT included in the price of this conference.) and will have time to meet each other and have a short planning session with their mentor. Following the conference, the mentors and mentees will exchange critiques and revisions at least 3 times between April and October, 2009 (a schedule will be provided). Any additional professional contact will be at the discretion of the mentor. The program will culminate with a 2 ½ day retreat/workshop (meals and lodging provided) for the mentors, mentees, and a guest editor at St. Mary’s Art Center, Virginia City, Nevada, October 9-11, 2009. Price of the mentorship program is $795.00 and includes the program as described above. There may be some partial scholarships available, as well as a grant writing workshop (Date TBA) for Nevada applicants who choose to apply for grant assistance from Nevada Arts Council.

As with all SCBWI functions, the application process is open to any SCBWI member. This program is for SCBWI members only. Additionally, because the program is being designed and underwritten by the Nevada Region of SCBWI, some weight will be given to members from our region and the immediate vicinity (see the application process). This is NOT an entry level program. It is designed for writers and illustrators who have been working at their craft and are producing publishable or almost publishable work. It would also be helpful for some “lightly” published members who want to improve their skills and branch into a new genre of children’s books. Eligibility of published members is at Regional Advisors' discretion.

Consider applying if you:

• Have been attending a critique group regularly and are beginning to get very positive feedback on your work.

• Have submitted to publishers and receive “good rejections”.

• Have been invited to send more work to an editor.

• Have published in other fields or other genres of children’s books and want to break into something new.

• Aren’t sure if you fit any of the above categories, but the program seems made for you, and you are willing to work hard and to respond to constructive criticism and comment.

• YOU MUST HAVE A PROJECT UNDERWAY THAT YOU PLAN TO WORK ON THROUGH THE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM.

• Picture Book Writers – you must have completed at least three manuscripts.

• Chapter Book Writers and Novelists – you must have COMPLETED at least the first full draft of your manuscript. You will be REQUIRED to submit a full draft of your manuscript, by e-mail,  within one week of your acceptance. So you MUST have a finished draft by January 1. Applicants who are accepted into the program and do not have a completed draft will be replaced by their mentor’s alternate pick.

• Illustrators – you will apply with good reproductions of 3 finished pieces and should have a portfolio of work suitable for children’s books.

It also helps if you like to have fun.

IF you are accepted into the Nevada Mentorship program, you agree to:
Attend the Nevada 2009, Spring Conference, to revise your work using input from your mentor and return it for review MEETING ALL DEADLINES, and to attend the 2009 Fall Mentor Retreat.

• you further agree to be as cheerful, kind, and personable as your character allows – this is a long process and you want to come out of it with relationships as well as with better skills.

• to address any concerns about the process to your mentor and then to Nevada SCBWI Co-RAs Suzanne Morgan Williams or Ellen Hopkins.

• You acknowledge that acceptance to the mentorship program DOES NOT guarantee publication or introduction to people other than outlined in our program.

Because the program will conclude 11 months from the application deadline, changes may happen in the participants’ lives. We reserve the right to replace a mentor or editor, should it be necessary during the program. There will be no refunds to participants because of inability to follow through or attend the events EXCEPT in cases of death, serious illness, or family emergency (as determined by the Nevada SCBWI Regional Advisors). In those rare cases, pro-rated refunds will be made if funds are available.

Applicants for the mentor program will send a packet of the following:

• Work Samples –

  • Novelists, longer non-fiction works, chapter books: 3 copies, of up to 20 pages (include a one page synopsis for longer works – 3 copies of this too!) of one work you intend to polish during the mentorship program.
  • Series Writers: As for novelists – send 3 copies of up to 20 pages and synopsis of the FIRST book, and also include 3 copies of a page describing your idea for the series.
  • Picture Book authors: 3 copies each of THREE picture book manuscripts that you intend to work on.
  • Picture Book author-illustrators: 3 copies of each of 3 picture book manuscripts, plus for ONE of the manuscripts also send.a dummy (2 copies) and reproductions of two finished art pieces (3 copies each) that go with the manuscript.
  • Other Author- illustrated projects: If you are illustrating a longer work, send three copies of up to 20 pages and a synopsis of that work plus 2 examples of finished art (3 copies of each finished art piece).
  • Illustrators: Send 3 good color copies of each of 3 -4 illustrations (copied to 81/2 X 11 paper) that are representative of your work.
    
• ALL Applicants – please DO NOT bind your work, except for dummies which may be stapled. We may need to unbind work – so save your money and our time.

• A completed application form (see the link above to open and print the application forms)

• Regional/Commitment page (included in the application forms) – if you are chosen for the program, you may be asked to verify information you provide.
  
  
• An artist’s statement (include 3 copies - one page, double spaced.)
  
  
• Deposit check of $75.00 made out to SCBWI. (Deposit will be applied to your fees if you are accepted and returned if you are not. Applicants who are accepted and turn down their placement will forfeit the application fee.)

Send this packet to:

Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program
PO Box 19084
Reno, Nevada 89511

DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON ANYTHING BUT THE 1st page of the APPLICATION FORM. Your work will be assigned a number and be submitted for blind review during the first stage of the application process.

BE SURE THESE WORK SAMPLES ARE FROM THE WORK YOU INTEND TO PURSUE DURING THE PROGRAM! Novelists, you will be asked to e-mail your complete first draft to your mentor on acceptance.

DO NOT SEND SASE. Application materials will NOT be returned. Send COPIES only of illustration samples!
PLEASE – DO NOT SEND MATERIALS BY CERTIFIED MAIL OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF MAIL THAT REQUIRES A SIGNATURE. Mailings that require signatures cause us to stand in – usually long – post office lines to pick up your application. You will receive an e-mail from Nevada SCBWI when your application is received. If you want confirmation that the application is received from the post office, we suggest you buy a delivery confirmation (purchased at the post office at time of mailing – this allows you to track your mailing online) or if you want proof that you mailed your application at a certain time,  you can buy a certificate of mailing  from the post office at time of mailing. These options may give you piece of mind while respecting our volunteers’ time.

Good Luck! We hope to meet you soon.

On the application, applicants will choose TWO mentors whom they would like to review their work. ALL work (up to the noted page limits) that is submitted as part of a completed application will be passed to the mentors you select. NOTE: Our Guest Editor (TBA) will be at the Fall Mentor Retreat but is NOT a mentor. Do not select him or her as a mentor.

Mentors will review the work and choose between five and seven applicants whose work interests them in the first round of application. These will be their finalists. In making their selections from the finalist group, there will be some weight given to any finalist who is from Nevada or contiguous regions, who is active in attending  critique groups or conferences, or who presents a compelling artist’s statement. (See application.)

Mentees who are accepted into the program will be notified of their acceptance and of their mentor by January 15, 2009. Decisions of the mentors and Nevada SCBWI are final. You WILL NOT receive a critique of the work you submit unless you are selected as a mentee.

We believe we are offering an outstanding opportunity at a fair price. If you are accepted to the program, but cost is a concern, we will try to help you:

• Partial Scholarships: One or two partial scholarships may be available, for those with financial need if our Nevada SCBWI budget permits. If you would like to be considered for a partial scholarship, make a note on your application.
  
  
• Grants Workshop: Nevada SCBWI hopes to hold a Grants Preparation Workshop in early 2009 (date TBA),  for Nevada members who want to apply for grant money to help pay for their fees.  If you plan to apply for a Nevada Arts Council Grant to support your participation in the program, please mark your application accordingly.

THE SPRING 2009 CONFERENCE (April 24-26, 2009) AND THE FALL 2009 MENTOR RETREAT (October 9-11, 2009) will be held in Virginia City, Nevada. The Conference will be at venues throughout Virginia City, with rooms available at the Ramada Inn. We will also use the historic St. Mary’s Arts Center for the April 26th  novel and picture book clinic portion of the conference AND it will be the site of the Fall Mentor Retreat.

St. Mary's Art Center

 

The entire town of Virginia City is a Historical Monument. It was the center of the Comstock Silver Strike, and the place where Mark Twain did his first writing for the Territorial Enterprise. Today it is a quirky visitor-friendly “ghost town”, complete with Harley Davidson T-shirts, restored museums, tourist kitsch, and a working steam railroad. The St. Mary’s Arts Center is a restored hospital – with  a local legend of the “white nun”, a benign ghost who is said to visit from time to time. Virginia City is built on the side of Mt. Davidson at an elevation of about 7,500 feet.

Main Street - Virginia City, Nevada