Previous Mentorship Winners Reflect on the Experience

The SCBWI-MI mentorship program began in 2000. The application period for the 2026 novel mentorship with author Sheela Chari opens January 2, 2026 (with the winner announced in April). Today we hear from two previous novel mentorship winners about the experience. Joan Donaldson won the 2022-2023 mentorship and Kristin Bartley Lenz won a mentorship in 2018-2019.

1. How was the experience applying (were you nervous? had you applied before?)?

Joan Donaldson

Joan Donaldson: I had never applied before and didn't expect to win, so I was surprised and thrilled.

Kristin Bartley Lenz: The application process was easy because I already had a finished/revised manuscript that was ready to go, and it was my third time applying for the mentorship with various manuscripts over the years. I was probably quite nervous the first time I applied when I was new to SCBWI, but with each entry, I received encouraging, helpful feedback. I knew that even if I didn’t win the competition, my writing would benefit.

2. How was the mentorship experience itself?

JD: Because I had earned a MFA in creative writing, I had experience working with a mentor. Kelly [J. Baptist] was a terrific critique partner and could also act as a sensitivity reader for my manuscript. She had insightful comments, suggested books I should read, and asked several times if I wanted her to provide even more information.

Kristin Bartley Lenz

KBL: What a wonderful experience! Leslie Connor was my mentor, and she was so friendly and encouraging. The mentorship program has some guidelines, but it’s very flexible, and we set up a routine for critiquing/revising that worked for our schedules. This mentorship came at a difficult time in my writing career. I already had one published novel, but I had recently lost my agent who’d been unable to sell my next novel. Not only did Leslie help with revising my manuscript, but we also talked about school visits and speaking/teaching opportunities, and she was there to cheer me on when I began querying for a new agent. She was open about her own challenges too and gave me a glimpse into the life of a multi-published author, including the ups and downs.

3. How did the mentorship impact/affect your writing/career?

JD: Working with Kelly gave me more faith in my story involving a friendship between a white boy and an African American boy living on a cotton farm. Their families are share cropping. My agent loves my story, but so far no editor has snatched it up.

KBL: My writing career has been bumpy, and I’m still in touch with Leslie who’s been so supportive. I’ll fast-forward to today. I have a new agent and a new publishing contract! The Door Swings Open, my YA novel that won the mentorship competition way back in 2018-19 will finally be published in March 2026.

4. Is there any advice or encouragement you would offer to people applying?

JD: Put your work out there and see what happens. Even if you do not win the mentorship, you can always try again. Plus each time you polish a piece before submitting it, the manuscript sparkles even more.

KBL: Submit your best work that you love and be patient. If you don’t win, you’ll still receive valuable feedback and encouragement from the judges. If you do win, you’ll be spending many months working on your manuscript with no promise of publication, but you’ll grow as a writer and expand your community.

Looking for more information about the mentorship program to help you decide whether to apply? Here's some recent posts on the Mitten that may help: 

Mentorship coordinator Jessica Zimmerman explains the program and what you will receive (even if you don't win) 

Learn more about 2026 mentor Sheela Chari 

2018-2019 mentee Danielle DeFauw gives more reasons to apply

Remember, spots are limited and registration opens January 2. Good luck!

Questions? Email Jessica at scbwi.mi.mentorship@gmail.com