You must be 18 years or older to participate in the Austin Avant-Garde Mentoring Program. This program is a service of the Austin Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators, but you do not need to be a member to participate.

Participants select a mentor from the available list of genre-specific professionals. Mentors set their own fee scale beginning at $50.00 per session payable prior to initial meeting. A session structure is determined by the mentor and the mentee. Multiple sessions can be arranged between mentor and mentee.

In our Mentor Directory, you will find mentors who can provide:

• Professional and Career Services
  • Marketing
  • Getting an agent
  • Website creation and online marketing/social media methods
  • Other services (see individual mentor listings)
• Manuscript and Illustration Portfolio Services
  • Illustration Portfolio reviews
  • Genre specific partial manuscript reviews
  • Writing a synopsis, query or cover letters, etc.
  • Other services (see individual mentor listings)

If you desire to work with an accomplished, professional AAMP Mentor:

• Access the Mentor Directory on this site.
• Peruse through the list of available mentors using the AAMP website Search function. Choose the mentor that best suits your needs.
• Request a mentoring session/sessions by contacting the mentor through their website or the Gmail address listed.
• Wait for a response from the mentor with the understanding that this individual is a professional with a multitude of demands for their time and attention.
• Upon acceptance, you and your mentor will establish a fee schedule working time frame.
• When submitting a piece of writing or art for criticism, it is important to make sure the piece is as free from errors as possible. Do not use the mentoring session as an editorial service. This is a waste of resources by distracting from focusing on more subtle refinements that can be the difference between good writing/artwork and excellence.
• Written submissions should follow a standard format. Standard submission guidelines include the author’s name, title and page number within the header. Chapters begin one-third down the page. All side margins should be one inch wide. Double-space your manuscript using a standard, easy-to-read font, and only print on one side of the paper.

Keep in mind that the AAMP is a professional program. Respect of the mentor’s time and commitment is the responsibility of the ‘mentee’ and no stalking or rude behavior will be tolerated. The mentor has the right to terminate the relationship with the mentee should they experience unprofessional conduct.

Remember that the primary intent of working with an AAMP Mentor is to focus on craft rather than an assurance of publication. While becoming published is the ultimate goal of any writer/artist, the intention of the mentoring relationship is to hone solid artistic and professional skills.