© Jami Gigot .

Writing with the Stars 2018 is now closed. You can see a list of winners on our blog. Check back Dec 1, 2018 for next year’s lineup. 

What is Writing with the Stars?

Writing with the Stars is a mentorship opportunity for aspiring picture book writers and illustrators to win a free, three-month mentorship with a published author or author/illustrator. Mentors will help mentees further develop their craft and share invaluable advice and insight into the publishing world.

WWTS Official Rules: please click here

Why Writing with the Stars?

In 2014, I jumped into the world of kidlit and started writing picture books with my sister Becky. I educated myself on the industry, joined SCBWI, found critique partners, and attended conferences. I was starting to get positive feedback from critiques and contests, but I needed something more. I knew the answer was a mentor. I looked at the few options out there, but could not find a mentor that was the right match for my weird, quirky humor. Then fate intervened and I saw that author Stacy McAnulty was running a contest to find a mentee. She wrote funny books … just like me. I won and we worked together for six months. Soon after, I signed with an agent and sold my first books. Stacy’s only requirement was that I pay it forward and take on my own mentee when I was able.

But I wanted to do something more than that. I know personally the immense value of a mentorship and the difference it can make. I firmly believe that no one makes it in this business without help from others. The generosity and kindness of the kidlit community  blows me away. So instead of mentoring one writer, I created this contest so I can pay it forward in a bigger way. After a successful inaugural 2017 year, we are back for 2018.

Behind these dressing room doors are the industry superstars willing to donate their time and knowledge to some very lucky mentees. Additional interviews with some of the mentors can be found on our blog. 

Good luck,

Tara Luebbe

Ready to apply? After reading the WWTS Official Rules, click here for the Application Cover Page.

You can see a list of previous mentors here.

 Meet The Stars