I’m so excited to announce the return of Author Mentor Match!

Author Mentor Match is a program designed for unagented YA and MG writers. You can submit an application to be paired with mentor, who will help you edit your manuscript and guide you through the complicated, tricky publishing process.

Those are the bare bones about the program. The reality is so, so much more.

I was blessed enough to be accepted into the program last spring, and my mentor was so much more than just an editor and a helper. She was a breath of fresh air. She was the one yes in a sea of no’s. She was the first person (outside family and friends) to make me feel like I had talent and that my manuscript wasn’t a complete waste of time. She was someone I could talk to about writing, about books, and about the pain and joy of the publishing process because she KNEW. She understood. She had been there: in the query trenches, in editing hell, in the first draft doubts. Did she help me make my manuscript and query better? Absolutely. But her true role was–and continues to be–a cheerleader, a champion, and a trusted friend. We’ve finished my edits, and I’m currently in the querying process for THE FORGOTTEN ONES. But she is still there, giving guidance, offering advice, and piping in with a pep talk when I start to get down. Not only that, she has given me an opportunity to read some her works and shown me what life is like further down the publishing road. Our relationship has changed from a place of purely mentor/mentee to more of a partnership, and one of my greatest joys is being able to support her and cheer for her. Because, when it comes down to it, no matter what step of the publishing process you’re on, we’re all on a journey, and we can all use a little help.

Writing is a solitary profession, but publishing is not. It’s hard. It will destroy your confidence and make you want to quit. It will make you question your passion, your talent, and your ability. It’s an uphill battle all the way, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it win.

That’s why programs like Author Mentor Match are so important. Because you are not alone. There are so many writers out there who want to help and who want to connect. You need only apply.

I encourage you to check out Author Mentor Match There are so many amazing writers just waiting to help YOU (including my own amazing mentor, Samantha McClanahan, who is mentoring again this year). The submission window opens on October 9, so you still have plenty of time to research the right mentor and make your manuscript shine! And, even if you don’t get selected by a mentor (like I didn’t in Round One), the AMM community is still an amazingly supportive group who can connect you with critique partners, beta readers, and so much more. You owe it to yourself to give it a try.

Your writing family awaits! Go out and meet them!