Mentorship to me means being a support, and providing resources for writers who have generated the first complete draft of a memoir, an essay collection or a speculative fiction novel (or short story collection). It means helping writers elevate their work and refine their voice. It means being a rallying support when writers have feelings of self-doubt.
My specific approach to mentoring is for it to be a positive, collaborative process. My extensive knowledge in nonfiction and creative nonfiction, coupled with being the CNF editor with The Fiddlehead gives me a unique perspective in guiding writers through their goals. I also have extensive experience in working with writers. I have knowledge of the speculative fiction genre and, most recently, have completed a speculative short story collection,as well as a novel. I have won numerous awards for my writing, including being a Governor General’s finalist in nonfiction (2022)
I want to work with writers who already have work that requires revision and editorial guidance. I want to work with them because it is the area of the writing process that I find most interesting. Helping writers develop themes, setting, personas, structure, voice, and sub-genres is an exciting enterprise to work with writers. I want to work with these types of clients as this is the area that I’m most interested in engaging with writers.
Currently, I’m not a fit for a works in progress. I’d rather help people shape completed drafts; even the messy first drafts.
Full Manuscript Mentorship Collaboration with Rowan McCandless
Dear writers who have a complete book manuscript on their hands and are looking for a mentor to offer support and guidance for a subsequent revision,
Rowan McCandless is taking on a small handful of manuscripts from January through the end of June. There are two slots available for each month for writers of Speculative fiction, Nonfiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Memoir.
Rowan will provide:
- A close reading of up to 95,000 words. Longer works may be considered on a case by case basis.
- A substantive editorial letter with suggestions for revision and concrete strategies for implementing them.
- One-45 minute long Zoom or phone session to ask follow up questions, brainstorm ideas, and plan your next steps—including query letter strategies. (you will receive a recording of this meeting afterward).
- Two- thirty minute Zoom Calls per month to go over editorial suggestions.
- A guarantee to return your manuscript within 16 weeks of the turn-in date.
- $4,500 USD plus GST for up to 45,000 words.
- $9500 USD plus GST for up to 95,000 words
- The price reflects the personalized attention I dedicate to you, and your project. This is a meaningful investment in yourself. As writers, investing in our growth is one of the most powerful steps we can take.
- I require a minimum three-month commitment to assign a spot for working with me.
- We can split this into 2 payments if you need to do so, with the 2nd payment due by 2 weeks prior to your turn-in date. Initial payment is due now to secure your slot. NO refunds or cancellations. Your deposits are non-refundable.
- You must submit a full draft. Meaning it is drafted beginning to end. Messy first drafts of a manuscript will also be considered.
- A PAGE is exactly what it will be the next time you turn in your manuscript—to your agent and then publisher: double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 1” margins.
Book-length manuscript clients will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and whether we ultimately work together will be determined by my interest level in your manuscript and whether I feel like I’m the right fit for the story you’re trying to tell. I know that working with a mentor is a commitment, not only financially but creatively, and it’s important to me to make sure you’re able to get the most out of our time together, which for me means feeling like I’m the right mentor for you!
Our growth is one of the most powerful steps we can take as writers.
