If you are looking for curated, one-on-one guidance for your writing or illustrative work, we are here to help.
Laura Harris Mentoring Package
An extension of an appraisal or a consultation, this mentoring package is an intensive one-on-one editorial program with Laura Harris.
Our package includes four, one-hour sessions. Over the course of three months we will meet regularly.
This package aims to support writers to realise their vision for the manuscript, to stay on track, keep to deadlines, and to finish the work, and realise opportunities for publication: to prepare their work for submission to agents and publishers, and to bring the manuscript to a publishable standard.
For works of up to 10,000 words – and for complete picture books and Junior fiction texts.
Mentorship Program:
We offer a limited number of mentorships for writers and author/illustrators with acclaimed writers and illustrators as Mentors. Only available by application.
We only accept and offer mentorships if we believe the creator and work will genuinely benefit from this program. Only a limited number of applicants will be successful in each round.
The Mentorship Program’s key objectives are to provide professional development and employment opportunities for emerging picture book authors and illustrators, and writers for young people. Our comprehensive editorial mentorship program is designed to support early-career writers in the development of a long-form work of fiction, junior children’s fiction work or picture book.
Our course provides writers with five private meetings (one hour each) over a five-month period with a personal writing or illustrator Mentor, hand-selected and matched to your work and ambitions.
Sessions are led in partnership by you and your Mentor. Receive feedback, set writing and editing goals for your subsequent meetings, create a writing timetable, redraft art and text.
Our Mentors are some of the most loved, respected, and talented award-winning writers and illustrators for young people in the country.
Participants will be teamed with our expert Mentors and under their supervision, they shall help hone your work and guide you to develop and strengthen your work.
4 x sessions with Mentor plus 1 x session with Laura Harris Publishing to discuss next steps in the publishing industry for your work at the end of the Mentor sessions.
Mentorships will be available for the following areas of children’s books:
- Picture Books
- Junior Fiction
- YA /older readers.
A mentorship consists of close reading and reporting on your work in progress along with five consultations, over the phone or via video link over the five-month period.
- 10–12,000 words at a time, totalling up to 60,000 words for YA and Older readers.
- 4-6000 words at a time for junior fiction, totalling 30,000 words.
- A complete text and storyboard for a picture book work.
Our Mentors are experienced, award-winning writers, editors, and teachers, with valuable insights into both the creative process and the publishing industry.
In 2025 Mentors will include Melina Marchetta, Anna Fienberg and Gus Gordon. Please check back for more details.
Applications for the Mentorships Program will open 1st September 2024.
CONSULTANCY
We offer personalised guidance tailored to support the specific needs and goals and style of the creator or publisher, through a one-on-one consultation.
MANUSCRIPT APPRAISAL
Written and provided in electronic form, our appraisals offer honest and informed editorial, market, and publishing feedback.
WORKSHOPS
We are excited to offer intimate and inspiring Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating workshops with a wide variety of talented and esteemed creators.