Mentoring

Why mentoring?

Lou is an experienced writer working across fiction, poetry, plays and nonfiction. She has supported a wide range of writers through written and verbal feedback and offers flexible mentoring shaped around each writer’s needs and the stage they are at in their creative journey. Her mentoring is designed to provide guidance, encouragement and practical support to help writers make progress and work towards their goals. This might include acting as an accountability partner, helping to structure a book, developing ideas, or offering strategic advice at key points in a project. Lou also offers manuscript assessments through Jericho Writers.

Mentoring packages

3 calls (no reading)

Three 45-minute calls over a minimum of six weeks.

Calls are purchased in blocks of three and must be used within three months.
£146.25, paid in advance.

3 calls + 6,000 words

One 45-minute call per month, plus up to 2,000 words read in advance of each session. Includes email responses to questions up to once per week. Can be booked on a rolling basis. £250, paid in advance.

12 months + manuscript read

Ten 45-minute calls over a year, up to 2,000 words read in advance of each session, plus a report on your full manuscript at the end of the year. Includes email responses to questions up to once per week. £1,500. Payment plan available.

Questions to consider before mentoring

  • What are you hoping to achieve, and what is your ambition for your writing?

  • What kind of support are you looking for? For example: idea development, feedback on work, accountability, pitching to publishers, or help with structure. Focusing on one main priority is often most effective.

  • How often would you like to meet (for example, fortnightly or monthly)?

  • Over what period would you like to work together (six weeks, three months, six months, or twelve months)? Timeframes are agreed in advance, with the option to extend.

  • Which other mentoring services are available? Take a look at the range of services out there and the investment involved.

How mentoring works

  1. Discovery call
    Lou offers a free 15-minute discovery call via Zoom. This is an opportunity to ask questions and explore whether the mentoring relationship is a good fit. There is no obligation on either side. Discovery calls usually take place outside term time, as Lou works as a university lecturer three to four days a week.

  2. Proposal
    Following the call, Lou will send a mentoring proposal by email. Writers can then confirm whether they would like to proceed.

  3. Agreement
    If both parties are happy to go ahead, Lou will send a formal agreement outlining the dates and times of meetings, costs, and any agreed reading.

  4. Mentoring sessions
    Sessions take place on Zoom at pre-agreed times. If Lou is reading work in advance of a session, this should be sent at least three working days before the call.

  5. Follow-up
    After each meeting, writers receive a written summary outlining key points discussed and any agreed actions or recommendations. Lou does not typically annotate or copyedit manuscripts as part of the mentoring service but you can book a separate editorial services by arrangement.

Important notes

  • Reading a full manuscript is not included in the three or six month mentoring service. Exceptions are occasionally made for writers Lou has worked with previously at an extra charge.

  • Word limits are strictly adhered to, as Lou regularly reads student work as part of her academic role.

  • Mentoring sessions must be used within two months of the agreed timeframe.

  • No refunds are offered.

  • Six- and twelve-month packages may be cancelled with one month’s notice.

How to book

To find out more, please click the button below and get in touch with details about what you are writing and what you hope to achieve through mentoring.

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