How to Find a Writing Mentor for Creative Nonfiction

In the world of writing, mentorship can make all the difference. A good mentor not only helps sharpen your craft but also supports you in navigating the long, often solitary journey of transforming personal experience, research, and reflection into compelling, publishable work. The process is akin to propping up a vibrant plant with a strong support structure so it may thrive.

Many of my students and mentees come to me because they’ve plateaued. They’re talented, motivated writers who’ve taken workshops or started projects, but they’re unsure how to go deeper—to finish what they’ve started, revise meaningfully, or elevate their voice and structure to the level of publication. That’s where mentorship can be transformative.

Over the years, I’ve mentored dozens of writers from around the world. Every year, two to three of those writers go on to secure book deals, win writing awards, gain admission into competitive MFA programs, or simply complete a long-dormant project they care deeply about. Whether your goal is publication, personal fulfilment, or both, the right mentor can offer guidance, accountability, and insight that moves your writing from intention to realization.

Whether or not I’m the right fit for you, here are some thoughts on what to look for in a creative nonfiction mentor—and how to grow as a mentee.

1. Know What You’re Looking For

Before reaching out to a mentor, take a moment to reflect on your goals. Do you want help refining your narrative structure or voice? Are you looking for editorial support on a specific project—perhaps a memoir-in-progress, a longform essay, or a nonfiction book proposal? Do you need guidance on publishing and pitching, or help navigating the literary world?

The clearer you are about what you need, the easier it becomes to find someone who aligns with your vision—and who can meet you where you are.

2. Look for Compatibility in Values and Vision

Researching how to find a writing mentor is more than finding for someone with credentials; they’re someone whose values and sensibility resonate with you. Ideally, they are active in the genres and forms you aspire to write. In creative nonfiction, that might mean personal essay, narrative journalism, memoir, lyric essay, or hybrid work that blends research and story.

It’s important to work with someone who understands the ethical responsibilities of nonfiction—especially when it comes to consent, memory, voice, and representation. Mentors should challenge you to go deeper and push your work forward, but also hold space for your personal growth and authenticity as a writer.

3. Be a Strong Mentee

Mentorship is a two-way relationship. You don’t need to be polished or published to benefit—but you do need to be open, engaged, and receptive. The best mentees I’ve worked with are the ones who are curious, brave, and willing to revise with intention. They show up prepared, they ask thoughtful questions, and they’re eager to learn—not just how to write better sentences, but how to shape more meaningful stories.

Mentorship works best when you’re invested not only in producing better work—but in becoming a better writer, over time.

4. How I Work With Writers

As a writing mentor, I draw from over 30 years of experience as a teacher, author, and editorial coach. I work with writers across many areas of creative nonfiction, including:

• Memoir and Personal Essay

• Nature and Environmental Writing

• Travel Writing and Sense of Place

• Food Writing and Culinary Memoir

• Cultural Criticism and Commentary

• Biography and Profile Writing

• Lyric and Hybrid Nonfiction

• Narrative Nonfiction for General Audiences

Whether you’re mapping out a book, crafting a proposal, building a portfolio of essays, or simply wanting to push your writing to a more intentional level, I can help you gain the narrative clarity, structure, and voice to get there.

What I love most is helping people move from a collection of ideas or scenes to a fully realized story or essay. I specialize in helping writers develop voice-driven, structurally sound work that honors both the personal and the universal. Many of my mentees come from previous courses I’ve taught, while others find me through word of mouth or my published work.

I offer mentoring through one-on-one manuscript consultations, private coaching, editorial feedback, and long-term developmental editing—tailored to your goals and timeline. Whether your aim is publication or personal growth, I meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and artistic integrity.

5. Where Else to Find a Mentor

If you’re looking beyond my offerings, I encourage you to explore:

• Writing organizations (e.g., NAWE, AWP, Society of Authors)

• MFA or continuing education programs

• Author newsletters and Substack communities

• Literary journals and magazines that offer mentorship schemes

Look for writers whose work you admire—and whose teaching philosophies align with your needs. A great mentor is someone who not only gives feedback, but helps you discover your own voice more fully.

How to Find a Writing Mentor – Let’s Stay in Touch

If you’re ready to take the next step in your writing life, I’d love to hear from you. You can explore my mentorship offerings, courses, and manuscript consultations via my website, or sign up for my newsletter to learn about upcoming opportunities.

Your writing deserves thoughtful attention and the space to grow. Whether or not we work together, I hope you find the mentorship you need to make meaningful progress and stay connected to your creative self.