Virtual Mentor Sessions

New this year is Virtual Mentor Sessions for the low price of $50. All conference attendees are eligible, and both new and experienced writers are encouraged to participate.

It's simple!

• Must be enrolled for the full Conference or Master Class
• Choose a faculty member in your genre or an agent
• The week of the conference, you will get a private Zoom link for you and the Mentor.
• Submit the work that you would like looked at to the Mentor via email to centralcoastwritersconference@gmail.com.
• Enjoy a rare opportunity to meet one on one with a professional for 15 minutes to discuss your work.

Why a Mentor Session may be the most important thing you do for your writing:

"A Mentor is designed to help you. Our staff Mentors are hired in a thoughtful and meaningful way. They are there to lift your spirits by pointing out strengths in your work. They also will raise some red flags by pointing out areas that need improvement. Mentors are here to help writers, not to offend them or make them feel incapable. As a writer, you have to decide whether you genuinely want to excel at your craft. First step is finding a Mentor." Teri Bayus, Conference Director

How to choose your faculty member:

• Know your genre.
• See presenter biographies here.
• Pick a Mentor that fits your work and style.

Genre Guidelines:

• Fiction and nonfiction prose – NO MORE THAN 2 to 3 pages typed, double spaced, 12-pt font                              
• Screenplays - 5 to 10 pages in screenplay format
• Poetry - 40 lines

How to make the most of your 15 minutes:

• Sign on to the Zoom link at your specified time (you only get 15 minutes, so do not be late!)
• If you haven't gotten on to Zoom yet, practice so there are no technical delays.
• Here is a simple video to show you how to use Zoom

The Mentor will start the session.

• If you have background noise (i.e., kids, dogs, TV, spouses, traffic, etc.), please keep your microphone muted until you have a question.
• Listen.
• Take notes.
• Be prepared with a few questions you'd like to ask if time permits.