Ellen Dolan Memorial Mentorship Program
Ellen Dolan was an unofficial mentor to many Missouri SCBWI members. A generous and thoughtful person, she never hesitated to offer her help and experience to others. In honor of Ellen, the Missouri SCBWI created this program, designed to give two lucky members a year the chance to work with a caring professional in the field of writing or illustration. Unlike many SCBWI programs that are open to SCBWI members and nonmembers, these mentorship's are available only to current SCBWI members listed on the Missouri roster. The winner works with the mentor for one year to produce either a marketable manuscript or portfolio. The mentor is not responsible for helping the winner to market their manuscript, either with an editor or an agent.
Listed below are the submission requirements. To receive complete mentorship guidelines, contact Lynnea Brumbaugh .
WRITERS MENTORSHIP
The submission packet for the writer's mentorship must consist of the following items in this order:
*An anonymous, one page (single-spaced) personal statement including your background in children's writing; the body of work you have produced; your career goals; and how this mentorship will help you achieve these goals. To keep your identity as anonymous as possible, include only titles of magazines and names of publishers but not the titles of your published work.
*A writing sample of no more than 10 double-spaced pages. This sample should represent no more than one manuscript and, if it is a chapter book, the first chapter(s) would probably be best. DO NOT include your name/address/or phone number on the sample.
ILLUSTRATORS MENTORSHIP
Submissions for illustrators must consist of the following items:
• One framed children's illustration ready for hanging. This must include the name tag label to be found on the web site.
• One set of color copies representing five additional illustrations. If the work is in black and white, standard photocopies are acceptable. No slides. Please include the title of each illustration on the appropriate copy.
• A one page (single-spaced) mission statement including your background in children's illustration, your career goals, and how this mentorship will help you achieve these goals. Please Note: Only the framed artwork will be returned.
The due date for submissions will be included on the flier mailed to all Missouri SCBWI members.
Winners are notified by telephone or e-mail and an official announcement will appear in Mo. Scribbles.
Submission Tips:
Don't try too hard to butter up the mentor in your personal statement--too much flattery might backfire! In your personal statement be sure to reveal the scope of your work.
ie: Is this your first young adult manuscript or your 7th? Have any of the pieces you are discussing been published? What are your career goals? etc.
Let your unique perspectives and abilities shine through! If you have questions, please contact Lynnea Brumbaugh before mailing your submission.