WRITERSNL OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR MENTORS IN 2026 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR EMERGING WRITERS
(April 24, 2026)
WritersNL is now accepting applications from individuals interested in acting as mentors in its 2026 Mentorship Program for Emerging Writers. (Applications for potential apprentices will be announced later.)
The WritersNL Mentorship Program is designed to serve the needs of emerging Newfoundland and Labrador writers who are committed to the development of their writing, while also supporting experienced writing mentors. The program seeks to help develop writers who are on the cusp of professional publication and who have a substantial work-in-progress, and is made available through funding provided by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
WritersNL is now accepting applications for the six available mentor positions. Mentor positions are for writers with a history of publication and a commitment to the craft of writing.
The deadline for submission of mentor applications is 5pm, NST, June 1, 2026.
More details below.
Responsibilities & Remuneration
- Mentors are expected to contribute 25 hours of one-on-one conferencing, either in person or online as appropriate. Depending on geographical location, some mentorships may be conducted virtually
- Mentors will also contribute 25 hours to reading or prep work over the course of the 5-month mentorship (Please note: The ratio of reading to prep work is flexible and should be adapted to accommodate the needs of individual pairings.)
- Mentors will be paid a total of $3000, spread over two equal installments—one at the beginning and one at the end of the mentorship.
Who should apply as a Mentor?
The position of mentor is ideal for established writers living in Newfoundland and Labrador who have a clear and proven track record of publication, editing, teaching, etc.
Eligibility:
This position may be applied for by any WritersNL member in good standing who:
- did not participate in the program in the past two iterations;
- has previous mentorship or teaching experience, in either an official or unofficial capacity; and
- qualifies as a “professional artist” according to the criteria laid out in the provincial Status of the Artist Act:
The definition of “professional artist” can be found at this link.
How to Apply as a Mentor
To apply for a mentor position, please submit the following:
- Your C.V., including publication credits;
- A cover letter stating your mentoring or teaching philosophy and any previous mentorship experience;
- Genre(s) you are interested in mentoring.
Send your submission in a .doc or .pdf file to director@writersnl.ca by 5:00 p.m. NLT June 1, 2026.
Late submissions will not be accepted. Ineligible and/or incomplete submissions will not be returned.
Selections Process
A paid jury will select six mentors and their pairings for the 2026 Mentorship Program.
WritersNL is committed to greater inclusion of traditionally marginalized communities. In an effort to encourage the development of a more diverse writing community, we strongly encourage applications to the Mentorship Program from all members of Indigenous communities, members of culturally diverse groups, members of disabled communities, and members of official language minorities, whether or not they are current members of WritersNL.
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Media Contact:
George Murray, Executive Director
director@writersnl.ca
Previous Mentorship Pairings
The WritersNL Emerging Writers Mentorship program is designed to serve the needs of emerging Newfoundland and Labrador writers who are committed to the development of their writing. It is aimed at writers on the cusp of professional publication and who have a substantial work-in-progress. Emphasis is on producing a work ready for the marketplace.
2024-25 Mentorship Participants
Melanie Ozon mentored by Eva Crocker
Delores V. Mullings mentored by George Murray
2022-23 Mentorship Participants
Mado Christie mentored by Bridget Canning
Paul Moorehead mentored by Douglas Walbourne-Gough
Kira Sheppard mentored by Tracey Waddleton
Monique Tobin mentored by Agnes Walsh
2020-21 Mentorship Participants
Vanessa Cardoso-Whelan mentored by Sharon King-Campbell
Tia McLennan mentored by Mark Callanan
Joe Mitchell mentored by Heather Nolan
Hannah Jenkins mentored by Michelle Porter
2019-20 Mentorship Participants
Emily Hepditch mentored by Alexis Koetting
Marie Pike mentored by Sara Tilley
Rob McDonald mentored by Helen Escott
Robert Badcock mentored by Paul Butler
2018-19 Mentorship Participants
Angela Antle mentored by Trudy Morgan-Cole
Penelope Hansen mentored by Jamie Fitzpatrick
Shelly Kawaja mentored by Charis Cotter
Jennifer McVeigh mentored by Larry Mathews
Monica Walsh mentored by Andy Jones
2017-18 Mentorship Participants
Diane Carley mentored by Megan Gail Coles
Terry Doyle mentored by Ed Kavanagh
Allie Duff mentored by Agnes Walsh
Sarah Bennett mentored by Marjorie Doyle
2016-17 Mentorship Participants
Sasha Boczkowski mentored by Leslie Vryenhoek
Lee Burton mentored by Paul Butler
Chloe Edbrooke mentored by Claire Wilkshire
David Benson mentored by Frank Holden
2015-16 Mentorship Participants
Bridget Canning mentored by Ed Kavanagh
Matthew Hollett mentored by Mark Callanan
2014-15 Mentorship Participants
Glenn Deir mentored by Ed Riche
Matthew Lewis mentored by Paul Bowdring
Heather Paul mentored by Annamarie Beckel
Niquae McIntosh mentored by Shoshanna Wingate
This program was formerly supported by funding by the Canada Council for the Arts in the past and is now generously funded by the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s TCAR department.
