Mentorship Program: Code of Conduct
The goal of this program is to foster a safe, inclusive, and professional environment that encourages the craft of crime writing. All participants are expected to act with integrity, empathy, and mutual respect.
Professional Guidance: Act as a guide, not a ghostwriter or agent. Provide honest, constructive feedback while encouraging the mentee’s unique voice.
Transparency: Disclose any potential conflicts of interest (e.g., if you are mentoring two people with very similar plot lines or have a professional connection that might bias your advice).
Reliability: Honor scheduled meetings. If a conflict arises, provide as much notice as possible.
Empowerment: Focus on the mentee's goals. Avoid imposing your personal style or "market trends" if they conflict with the mentee's vision.
Proactive Ownership: You are the driver of your writing career. Come prepared with specific questions, goals for each session, and any agreed-upon pages for review.
Receptivity: Receive feedback with an open mind. You do not have to take every suggestion, but you must consider them respectfully.
Respect for Time: Understand that mentors are volunteers. Adhere to agreed-upon deadlines and communication methods.
Originality: Ensure all work shared is your own and maintain the highest standards of literary honesty.
Confidentiality: Both parties must treat all unpublished manuscripts, plot outlines, and personal/professional struggles discussed as strictly confidential.
IP Protection: Mentors claim no ownership over the mentee’s work. Conversely, mentees must respect the mentor’s proprietary advice and industry insights.
Permission: No part of the mentorship discussions or the mentee’s writing may be shared outside the pair without express written consent.
Scope: The relationship is professional and focused on writing. Mentors are not expected to provide counseling, financial aid, or professional services (like legal or tax advice).
Inclusivity: The CWC has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.
Harassment: Any form of verbal, written, or physical harassment is grounds for immediate removal from the program and potentially the CWC.
In the event of a disagreement or a breach of this code:
- Direct Communication: If safe to do so, parties should first attempt to resolve the issue privately.
- Mediation: If the issue persists, either party should contact the CWC Mentorship Coordinator to request mediation.
- Termination: The CWC reserves the right to terminate a mentorship pairing at any time if these guidelines are not met.
