The 2024 Compass Mentoring Scheme will open for submissions 1 October - 15 November.

Are you a writer living in Dumfries & Galloway looking to develop your work with the help of professional advice and support? The Compass Mentoring Scheme connects emerging writers with authors for professional and creative advice.

To ensure a fair selection process, we have separated out our mentoring programme into two categories: one for young writers aged 14-25 and one for writers aged 26 and above.

How the programme works

If your application is successful, you will be matched with a mentor according to your particular writing goals for a constructive dialogue about your work and advice on future development opportunities. Our mentors are all professional writers.

Mentorships can be flexible and adapted to the needs of the individual but typically take the form of 2-3 meetings alongside a written evaluation of your work carried out within a 3-month time frame.

Mentees can choose to have their mentoring delivered online or in person.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be resident in Dumfries & Galloway and able to demonstrate a commitment to writing with examples of your work, published or unpublished, ready to submit to your mentor. For example, three to four chapters of a novel or several short stories/poems; or a strong synopsis, character outlines and first chapter.

Applications will be considered from writers aged 14+, working in all forms of writing.

How to apply

You can submit your application online through the forms linked below. If you have any difficulty submitting your application, please send it in via email instead to andy@wigtownbookfestival.com.

The application forms require the following:

• A writing sample of up to 1500 words (or equivalent for poets)
• A 500-word statement, specifying why you would benefit from free mentoring and detailing experience to date
• Full contact details and any other supporting, relevant information
  

Download our Frequently Asked Questions here.

Please contact us on 01988 403222 or mail@wigtownbookfestival.com if you have any questions.

Supported by Creative Scotland and the Holywood Trust.