Round Table Mentor
About the Event
Round Table Mentor is a year-long mentorship program that pairs writers with mentors based on manuscript fit and mentor preferences. Matches are decided through a roundtable selection process.
Throughout the program, mentors and mentees work together to revise manuscripts, with the goal of preparing them for querying or self-publishing. Mentors commit to meeting with their mentees at least once per quarter, while quarterly genre-cohort meetings give participants opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and build relationships with fellow writers.
Writers who aren't matched with a mentor will still have access to peer Discord communities.
While there's no agent showcase at the end of the program, there is a “no strings attached,” no industry professional pitch party that will take place on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky, showcasing mentee work at the end of the one year program.
Beyond manuscript revisions, Round Table Mentor aims to help writers find critique partners, beta readers, and a writing community that lasts well beyond the mentorship year.
Shout out to Amanda for recommending this event in QueryTo!
Who Can Apply?
- Any unagented writers who have not been:
- Previously agented or
- Traditionally published (self-published is fine)
- Open to writers, author-illustrators and illustrators of graphic novels, picture books, etc.
- Those who applied in previous years but were not accepted. If reapply with the same manuscript, RM recommends you revise to your best ability before resubmitting.
- Anyone with a MS that has been widely queried. However, mentors are more in projects that have not been queried.
Timeline
- October 12th, 2026: RTM Year 3 pitch party/showcase on Twitter
- November 6th, 2026: Mentee applications open
- November 20th, 2026: Mentee applications close
- Early January 2027: Mentees notified of decision
- Late January to Early February 2027: First revision meetings held
- October 2027: RTM Year 4 pitch party/showcase on Twitter
Insider Tip
This program is focused on diversity and accessibility, ensuring that marginalized writers are uplifted and mentored in ways that may not otherwise be accessible.
Participation Rules
- Applicants must have a finished manuscript.
- You can keep sending queries UNTIL you're selected.
- If seelcted as a mentee, you're expected to put querying on hold while you work on revisions.
- Fiction and nonfiction authors should apply with only one manuscript and age category.
- Picture book authors can submit three to four works in one document.
- Illustrators and author-illustrators should submit their portfolios.Share your portfolio website if you have one in the website section and 1 image of a spread from your book or samples images of your portfolio in the attachment section.
- Sample pages must follow the industry standard: double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman preferred.
How to Participate
Gather your application materials
The application requires a query letter (350-450 words), a 1-2 page synopsis (not more than 1000 words), and the first thirty pages of a manuscript.
Apply during the opening window
Apply to the mentorship program during the application window.
Event Schedule & Admission
Who Should Attend
- Pitching Agents
- Networking
- Industry Education
- Marketing & Platform
Format & Venue
Official Website
Visit the official organizers' website to check for schedules, registrations, and updates.
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