General questions:

Q: Is Round Table Mentor free?

A: Yes! There are no fees to apply or be mentored.

Q: Who is Round Table Mentor open to?

A: Any unagented writers who have not been previously agented or traditionally published (self-published is fine). We also accept unagented author-illustrators and illustrators of graphic novels, picture books, etc.

Q: Are you open to international MENTEES?

A: Yes! The mentor base is also international.

Q: What if my query/synopsis/comp titles/etc. isn’t perfect?

A: That’s fine! We understand that mentees may be new to writing queries and synopses. Just do your best. 

Q: How many manuscripts can I apply with? Can I apply to more than one age category?

A: Fiction and nonfiction authors should apply with only one manuscript and age category. However, if you’re a picture book author, you should submit three to four works in one document. Illustrators and author-illustrators should submit their portfolios. Short story and TV drama pilot authors should submit 30 pages of work.

Q: What genres are the mentors accepting?

A: You can find the genres and age categories each mentor is open to mentoring at roundtablementor.com/mentors. Some mentors have a more detailed MSWL (manuscript wish list), while others are open to most genres within their age categories.

Q: Is THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO PARTICIPATE?

A: Yes! We require all applicants be at least 18 years of age by the time they apply.  

for Writers:

Q: How should my sample pages be formatted?

A: Industry standard is double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman preferred.

Q: How Many pages should my sample BE?

A: If you are a writer, we are asking for 30 pages. A full may be requested, but not necessarily, even if a mentor really loves your work.

Q: What if I write Picture Books or write short stories? how many pages should i submit?

A: In one document, please submit 3-4 picture book manuscripts, leading with your strongest work. If you’re a short story writer, please submit either one longer work or several smaller pieces totaling 30 pages.

Q: How polished does my manuscript need to be to apply?

A: In general, mentorship programs are most helpful when you’ve already polished your manuscript as much as you can on your own. However, many of the mentors are open to seeing earlier drafts, so the level of polish depends on the mentor. There is no specific level required to apply, but you must have, at minimum, a completed first draft. This is a change from previous years when RTM was selectively open to unfinished manuscripts.

Q: Will I receive feedback on my work if I’m not selected?

A: Probably not. As much as we wish we could send personalized feedback to everyone, it is simply not possible due to mentor bandwidth. Some mentors may send a few notes to applicants they did not select, but this is not an expectation.

for Author-illustrators and Illustrators:

Q: What if I'm an illustrator or author-illustrator? What should I submit?

A: If you’re an author-illustrator or illustrator of graphic novels, hybrids, or picture books, please share your portfolio website if you have one in the website section and 1 image of a spread from your book or samples images of your portfolio in the attachment section.

Other questions:

Q: What if I’m working on a revision now? Can I still apply?

A: Yes. If you’ve received feedback from beta readers or critique partners, we suggest incorporating that into the first 30 pages before you apply. However, please note that you MUST have a complete draft ready to send upon request when the application window closes. If you are only partway through a revision, we suggest waiting for the next application window instead.

Q: Can I query while my application is under consideration by the mentors?

A: Yes, you can keep sending queries until you’re selected. 

Q: Can I query during the program if I’m selected as a mentee?

A: It’s expected that mentees will put querying on hold while you work on revisions. If you have a full manuscript out with an agent, you can inform them that you’ve been selected as a mentee and ask if they would like to see the revised manuscript. Most agents will say yes!

Q: What if my manuscript has been widely queried?

A: You can still apply, but most mentors will be more interested in a project that has not been queried yet.

Q: What if I need an accommodation for my disability?

A: Please reach out to the mentors. We are happy to work with you.

Q: Is there an agent showcase?

A: No. At the end of the year, a “no strings attached,” no industry professional pitch party will take place on Twitter and Instagram, showcasing mentee work across the program. 

Q: What if I’m accepted to another mentorship?

A: If you have completed a previous mentorship, please note that on your application. If you are accepted to a different mentorship while your application is under consideration by RTM, please notify us immediately. Applicants must choose between RTM and other programs if accepted to both concurrently—we do not take applicants who are currently completing a separate mentorship.

Q: What if I’m friends with one of the mentors? May I still apply?

A: Yes! Per our internal conflict of interest policy, individual mentors may not consider work from someone they have previously exchanged work with for critique or would exchange work with outside the mentorship (being a mutual on social media without being a close friend is fine). Applicants in this situation can still apply for consideration by other mentors.

Q: Do you accept manuscripts written with generative AI?

A: No.

Q: I applied as a mentee in a previous year and was not accepted. May I reapply?

A: Yes! If you are reapplying with the same manuscript, we suggest that you revise to your best ability before submitting.