SmoochPit 2026 Mentorship Program
About the Event
SmoochPit’s mentorship program pairs unagented romance writers with experienced, agented authors for individualized feedback and support.
Applicants must submit a complete, unpublished manuscript in which romance is a major component. Selected mentees work with their mentor on their query letter, synopsis, and full manuscript, with each mentor-mentee pair establishing its own revision timeline.
Applicants may select up to three mentors based on the mentors’ manuscript wish lists. The program ultimately concludes with a private agent showcase in mid-March, where participating agents can request mentees’ manuscripts.
The application package includes a query letter, a synopsis of no more than two pages, and the first 10 pages of the manuscript.
QueryTo's Take
A strong opportunity for unagented romance writers with a finished manuscript who want hands-on help with both the book and the materials they’ll use to query it. The real value here is the revision support: selected writers receive feedback on their query, synopsis, and full manuscript before the program’s agent showcase. Read the mentor wish lists closely, choose for fit rather than name recognition, and proof everything before submitting—SmoochPit does not allow application changes after submission.
Insider Tip
Only apply with a complete, polished, unpublished manuscript where romance is a major part of the story. Choose your three mentors carefully based on their wish lists—applications cannot be edited after submission.
Participation Rules
- Romance must be a major component of the manuscript.
- The manuscript must be complete and unpublished.
- Self-published manuscripts are not eligible.
- Applicants must be unagented.
- Only one manuscript may be submitted.
- Applicants may select up to three mentors.
- Only submit to mentors whose wish lists include your manuscript’s genre/category.
- Applications cannot be changed after submission.
- Do not submit a second application to correct an error; duplicate submissions may result in disqualification.
- Applicants under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- If you receive an offer of representation while under consideration, notify SmoochPit immediately.
How to Participate
Finish and polish your manuscript
Your manuscript must be complete before applying.
Prepare your submission materials
Prepare one document containing your query letter, a synopsis of no more than two pages, and the first 10 pages of your manuscript.
Review the mentor wish lists
Read the participating mentors’ profiles and identify the three who are the strongest match for your manuscript.
Complete the application
Fill out SmoochPit’s application form and upload the required materials. Double-check everything before submitting because applications cannot be edited afterward.
Watch for results
Follow SmoochPit’s official channels for mentorship selection updates. Mentors may request additional material while considering applications.
Event Schedule & Admission
Who Should Attend
- Networking
- Marketing & Platform
- Query Strategy
- Pitching Agents
Format & Venue
Official Website
Visit the official organizers' website to check for schedules, registrations, and updates.
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