CWC Mentorship Program

Share Your Expertise. Inspire the Next Generation.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back to the Canadian writing community, we invite you to apply to become a CWC Mentor.

While mentorship is a commitment of time and energy, the rewards of lifting up a fellow writer and becoming a pivotal part of their success story are invaluable. As a mentor, you help shape the future of Canadian crime writing by sharing the hard-earned insights of your own professional journey.

Key Dates & Eligibility

• Application Period: February 1 – February 14, 2026.

• Eligibility: Open to CWC Professional Author Members in good standing.

• Selection: Mentor applications will be reviewed and selected by the CWC Mentorship Committee to ensure the best possible matches for our applicants.

Mentor Benefits

In recognition of your time and dedication to the craft, each mentor will receive:

• A Featured Spotlight: Inclusion on the CWC Website’s Mentor Page.

• Honorarium: A $150 CAD honorarium upon completion of the program and paid via e-transfer.

• Recognition: A formal Certificate of Appreciation from the Crime Writers of Canada.

The Mentorship Process

To ensure a focused and productive eight-week experience, mentees will provide their mentors with the following materials at the start of the program:

• A project summary of their crime or mystery manuscript.

• A 5,000-word writing sample from their completed manuscript.

• Three specific areas of focus or questions they wish to address.

Expectations & Commitment

The program is designed to be impactful yet manageable for busy professional authors. Mentors are expected to:

• Provide Personalized Feedback: Offer a critique of the 5,000-word writing sample based on the mentee’s three specific questions.

• Offer Career Guidance: Share insights on writing goals, career development, and navigating the publishing industry (Indie, Traditional, or Hybrid).

• Facilitate Three Core Meetings:
  • Meeting 1: Initial goal-setting session.
  • Meeting 2: Progress review and discussion.
  • Meeting 3: Concluding review and next steps.

Note: Additional meetings may be scheduled by mutual agreement.

Code of Conduct for Mentors and Mentees [INSERT LINK]

MENTOR FAQs LINK

The CWC Mentorship Program is a curated opportunity for emerging writers to receive professional eyes on their work. This eight-week program is designed to help you bridge the gap between a finished draft and a submission-ready manuscript.

Whether you are aiming for traditional publication or preparing to launch as an indie author, our mentors provide the craft and industry guidance to help you reach your goals.

Key Dates & Eligibility

Applications Open: March 1, 2026.

Eligibility: Open to CWC Associate Members in good standing.

Manuscript Status: Applicants must have a completed crime or mystery manuscript (revision-ready).

Program Fee

Application: There is no fee to submit an application.

Selection: If you are selected for the program, a one-time administrative fee of $25 is required to confirm your placement.

Application Requirements

To ensure we find the right mentor for your project, all applicants must submit the following:

• Project Summary: A brief synopsis of your work (maximum 500 words).

• Writing Sample: The first 5,000 words of your completed manuscript.

• Targeted Questions: Three specific areas or questions you would like your mentor to address (e.g., "Is my protagonist's motivation clear?", "How is the pacing in the opening chapters?", or "Advice on query letters for this sub-genre").

• Statement of Purpose: A brief outline of your goals for the mentorship and what you hope to achieve by the end of the eight weeks.

What to Expect

If selected, you will be paired with a professional author for an eight-week term. Your mentorship includes:

Direct Feedback: A personalized review of your 5,000-word sample.

One-on-One Meetings: Three scheduled consultations (an initial goal-setting session, progress review/discussion and a concluding review).

Industry Insight: Professional guidance on the "business of writing," tailored to your specific publishing path.