SCBWI-MI Picture Book Text Mentorship

In just two weeks, submissions open for the 2016-2017 Picture Book Text Mentorship.

Really? Who’s the mentor?

Deborah Diesen. Did you miss the Mitten interview with Debbie last week? Go here to read it, and check out her website, too.

Has SCBWI-MI done this before?

SCBWI-MI has been offering mentorships since 2000. Here’s what some previous winners have to say.

Shanda Trent (2004, picture book text with Rhonda Gowler Greene) “I strongly encourage any picture book writing Mich-kidders to write, edit, rewrite, share with your peers, edit, rewrite and polish your best work and submit it for this amazing mentorship opportunity. I did, several years ago. My manuscript was selected; I was very lucky to work with Rhonda Gowler-Greene, another magnificent Mich-kidder. I learned so much in the mentorship. My writing improved, and (cue happy ending) I am now a published author.”

Tracy Bilen (2009, novel with Shutta Crum) “My mentorship with the amazing Shutta Crum helped me to really slow down and dig deep into the revisions of my YA novel. Shutta’s perfect blend of editorial notes, articles to study, and in-person craft/pep-talk sessions led to a much stronger book…and a sale to Simon Pulse!”

Jeff Morrissey (2015, illustration with E.B. Lewis) “Working with EB Lewis helped me realize that a children's book illustration isn't just a depiction of action--it's storytelling!” 

Daniel Burns (2015, diverse books with Patricia Hruby Powell) “I've greatly appreciated the time Patricia Hruby Powell has already invested. Her comments are always well constructed and push me to step back and look anew at what I've written. She clearly has an amazing ability to teach, and I'm honored to have the chance to learn from her.”

Leslie Helakoski (2003, illustration with Lori McElrath-Eslick) “Working with a local illustrator, who treated me as a peer, gave me much needed confidence about my artwork…and gave me a dear friend."

Cool. But what about this mentorship? Where can I find out the details?

Everything is on the website.

Okay. So, what’s Event Brite?

It’s an easy way for applicants to register and for SCBWI-MI to electronically count submissions and collect the registration fee. Before you ask, the fee is $15 and nonrefundable.

Right. How do I find this event on Event Brite?

Click or tap here.

I’m on it. This bit about uploading a manuscript sounds difficult.

No special computer skills are required. The link leads you to an email address. All you need to do is send an email with your manuscript attached as a word document. Please check the instructions before you send.

What should I title the attachment?

Use the title of your manuscript. Don’t put your name anywhere on the manuscript.

Remind me when I can submit.

The submission window is June 24-July15, 2016.

There’s no need to shout.

I’m really excited about this mentorship.

Whatever. Do you have any other advice?

We expect the mentorship to fill up quickly. Pop on over to the website now and review the application instructions. Then you’ll be ready to submit your manuscript on June 24 or soon after.

What if I think of another question?

Contact SCBWI-MI Mentorship Coordinator, Ann Finkelstein.

Thanks for your hard work coordinating the mentorship competition, Ann! The mentorship winner will be announced during the fall retreat:

http://michigan.scbwi.org/2016/04/19/the-days-and-nights-of-the-roundtable-fall-retreat-october-7-9-2016/

Coming up on the Mitten blog: Ask Frida Pennabook, the Making of a Book Cover, an Indie Bookseller Interview, MFA Q&As, and more!

Nina Goebel is preparing to announce our new Featured Illustrator on July 1st, and Patti Richards is gathering your good news for another round of Hugs and Hurrahs. To be included, email Patti by June 19th.

Have a great weekend!
Kristin Lenz