gold dust - writers' mentoring programme

FAQs

Q I have published a novel already but want to have a go at literary fiction/crime fiction/ writing for children. Is this something you could help me with?

A Yes. Gold Dust Mentors have a lot of experience and publications between them. They will be able to work with you if you would like to change genres and whether you have a lot of writing experience or a little, if you feel you need help from one of our mentors, you are welcome to apply.

Q I have no writing experience and have never been published. Am I suitable for the scheme?

A If your work is of the right standard (decided by our judges) and you can commit to the ten sessions – yes.

Q I live in Birmingham but notice your Mentors only work in London, Manchester,Cambridge or Oxford. Can we arrange to meet in Birmingham?

A No, if you are accepted and want to take part you must travel to one of those four places to meet your Mentor. You must also cover your own travel costs.

Q Two thousand pounds seems like a lot of money. Can I apply for a grant?

A We think two thousand pounds is value for money when compared with studying for an MA in Writing, or compared with other mentoring schemes. Most script reading services charge several hundred pounds yet offer only a written report and no further feedback. Gold Dust is unique as a face to face opportunity to work with a highly respected, successful author, who will work with you over ten months to a year to improve your work or talk about your writing.

In the past, some writers have received funding from the Arts Council, via their Grants for the Arts scheme (click here for details). This might be worth exploring.

Q I would like to have a gold dust writing mentor but can’t spare the time. Can I do just a taster session and see if I like it?

A Sorry but as places are at a premium, only the full ten sessions are available.

Q I write screenplays (or poetry) or plays – can I apply?

A Gold Dust does offer help with screenwriting, for film and TV and have two hightly experienced mentors in these fields. At this stage, the scheme does not mentor poets.

Q Can you recommend an agent or publisher to me?

A If your work is of a suitable standard, your Mentor may well recommend an agent, but we cannot offer guarantees of publication. Gold Dust is for writers wishing to explore and experiment and improve their writing. Publishing might come as a result of that improvement but we do not offer any promises.

Q I know the writer I’d like to work with and see that she/he is on your site. Can I ask for that writer as my Mentor?

A Please mention the name of the Mentor you’d like to work with and we’ll do our best to pair you up with him or her, although if they are very busy you may be disappointed and offered an alternative. At this point, if you decline, your place on the scheme will go to another applicant.

Q Can I talk to someone about why my application was rejected?

A Gold Dust regrets but judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence can be entered into.

Q Where will I meet my Mentor? I’m worried about going to a stranger’s home.

A Mentors always meet writers in public places such as galleries, cafes or anywhere else where talking together quietly is possible. This is agreed between you, via email. Mentors never invite writers to their home and no home contact details are given for the Mentor, although you will have an email address for him or her.

Q I really want to ask my Mentor about doing research, is this something they are going to be able to help me with?

A This will be at the individual Mentor’s discretion.

Q I have fallen ill/ lost interest in my novel/ got a new job. Can I have my money back?

A No refunds will be offered to those writers who are accepted onto the scheme. As there are limited places per year, and competition is high, please make sure you are committed and available, should you win a place on the Gold Dust mentoring scheme.

Q Can I read the testimonies of others who have been mentored?

A Yes, click here.