Getting Yourself a Mentor

The best advice I can give to an aspiring writer is to get a mentor.

Mentors are a shortcut to building the skills and experience you need to start your career. You can fumble through on your own, learning slowly through trial and error, but that just takes too long.

A good mentor will be able to identify what you need to learn and practice, give you tips and advice, and help you build a portfolio and find work.

Keep in mind that a bad mentor is worse than no mentor at all, so look for someone who's not only in a professional role but also well respected by their peers. (Warning: there are a lot of trash writers out there working for employers who don't know what good writing is, so a job alone isn't an indicator of competence.)

How do I find a mentor?

Just ask nicely.

If you're an aspiring writer you probably like to read and you probably know of some good professional writers already.

If you ask enough of them you'll eventually find someone willing to help.

You can also sign up to groups or programs for aspiring writers.

What makes a good mentor?

Obviously you want your mentor to be an experienced pro, but that doesn't automatically make them a good teacher.

You need someone who is:

• Insightful

• Brutally honest

• Patient

• Good at explaining things

You don't have to like your mentor. In fact, you may grow to despise them. But a harsh mentor can be better for your growth than one who babies you. Find yourself a Fletcher from Whiplash if your skin is thick enough. You'll be a pro in no time.

What next?

Read Using the Right Tools.