Book Links is offering a mentorship open only to Book Links members. Applicants are invited to submit a synopsis and the first two chapters or first 6000 words, of a work of fiction for either junior or YA readers, or 2 picture book manuscripts.

The mentorship will provide the winner with the opportunity to develop their early draft manuscript to a publishable standard with a professional mentor. Applications will be assessed on literary and artistic merit and developmental potential.

The mentorship is valued at $1000.

The mentor is Dr. Robyn Sheahan-Bright. 
 

Eligibility

• You must have a completed manuscript which is not under consideration by any publishers.
• Open to current financial members of Book Links Qld Inc.  If you are not a member and would like to join, click here.
• Applications from emerging writers who have not yet published in book form, or who have published no more than two manuscripts via traditional publication, will be accepted.

How to apply

Pay the $15 application fee +.50 cents Trybooking booking fee

Submit your work via email

How to submit

Please submit the following in a single pdf or Word document, via email to mentorship@booklinks.org.au with the Subject line MENTORSHIP2022

A synopsis and the first two chapters or first 6000 words, of a work of fiction for either junior or YA readers, or 2 picture book manuscripts.

Include a cover page with Full name, address, phone number, email address, Trybooking ID (Found on the booking confirmation page)

Applications must be received by 10pm, 17 August 2022

A shortlist will be published prior to the winner being announced at Book Links StoryArts Brisbane Conference on Saturday 22 October. The mentor, Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright will then read the entire work(s) written by the successful applicant, and write an appraisal. She will engage with the applicant by phone, email or face-to-face for approximately 12 hours in order to offer advice regarding the development of the manuscript. She will offer advice not only on the manuscript but also on publishing prospects and avenues.

The Mentor

Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright AM has operated justified text writing and publishing consultancy services since 1997, and is widely published in children’s literature, Australian fiction and publishing history. She has judged literary awards, mentored and offered editorial advice to writers, lectured in writing and publishing courses, and assessed post-graduate creative writing theses for several universities. She writes both teachers’ notes and reading group notes for major publishers. She was inaugural director of and is a Life Member of the Queensland Writers’ Centre, and was co-founder of Jam Roll Press. Her publications include Paper Empires: A History of the Book in Australia (1946–2005) (2006) co-edited with Craig Munro. She is President of IBBY Australia Inc, and Deputy-Chair of the Board of the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation. She was recipient of the CBCA (Qld)’s Dame Annabelle Rankin Award in 2011, CBCA’s Nan Chauncy Award in 2012, and of the QWC’s Johnno Award in 2014. In 2021, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Jenny Stubbs info@booklinks.org.au 0409 266 786

Contact Event Organiser