Mentoring

Writing can feel like a lonely process full of self-doubt, and the publishing industry is only known by a few. If you’d like someone there guiding you, one-to-one, in the early stages of developing your book, then the mentoring programme is designed for you.

‘After completing the mentorship program, I can wholeheartedly say that it exceeded all my expectations and more. Every session was packed with practical advice, leaving me brimming with confidence and fresh insights. I can’t believe how much my manuscript has improved.’

— Liselotte Doorduijn, mentee, long-listed for The Bath Novel Award 2026

The programme

Collaborative sessions to help develop ideas

Who is this for:

  • You are a writer and want nothing more than to write (adult fiction or non-fiction)

  • You have the spark of an idea but are struggling to get your project off the ground

  • You have many ideas, but find it hard to complete an entire book

  • You feel creatively blocked but know your story’s in there somewhere and would like specific guidance as to bringing it out

  • Very likely you are an avid reader and/or an expert in your field, but want to make sure you are approaching your project in an engaging and relevant way

  • You want to write the best book you possibly can

What the mentorship looks like:

  • We’ll work together over the course of 4 months to develop roughly half (40,000 words) or all (80,000 words) of a conventional manuscript

  • Each month, I’ll read an agreed amount of prose and/or overviews and ideas, which you’ll send me ahead of our session

  • We’ll get together shortly after this to discuss these excerpts and any questions arising from them for 90 minutes over Zoom; this includes bigger-picture consideration as well as editorial comments on the prose

  • Throughout the mentorship time we’ll look at your goals and intentions, the themes you are exploring and the project’s place in the market today

What’s included:

  • One-to-one sessions with an individual focus on you and your work

  • Worksheets to help you develop your pitch

  • Practical, honest advice on your writing, with a hands-on and creative approach

  • Insights into the publishing industry, to equip you with industry know-how and confidence when it comes to navigating the process – be it approaching literary agents or getting ready to self-publish your work

Investment:

  • All mentoring packages are bespoke; tell me a little about your project and where you are in the process and I’ll send some suggestions, in line with the options below

Mentoring (40k)

10,000 words looked at once a month, over the course of 4 months, getting you roughly halfway through a conventional manuscript. Perfect for those just starting, for people deciding between projects, and for anyone struggling more with the opening of their book.

One-off sessions

Build your own mentorship with one-off sessions, looking at either 10,000 or 20,000 words at a time. Can include sessions dedicated to getting submission materials ready for agents. Add-ons available within mentorships and for new clients.

Mentoring (80k)

20,000 words looked at once a month, over the course of 4 months, getting you roughly all the way through a conventional draft. Ideal for those who have already written their manuscript but are looking to work on it substantially to help bring the project to life.

Accountability sessions

Complement the programme with 60-minute check-ins, to look at questions that are coming up and help you along the way. Only for projects I already know.

‘After several sessions with Anna and a subsequent revision to the manuscript, my book went on to be long-listed in two international competitions, something which would never have happened without her advice and guidance.’

— Nicola Whyte, mentee