Mentoring Program

About the Program

At the Inclusive Romance Project (IRP), we believe in nurturing the abundant talent within the romance industry by fostering connections between authors at different stages of their careers. Our mentorship program is designed to bring together seasoned romance authors with those eager to learn and grow, creating opportunities for both mentors and mentees to benefit from the exchange of knowledge and experience.

Mentorship is a powerful tool for mutual growth. Whether you've self-published, traditionally published, or taken another publishing path, your journey has equipped you with valuable insights that can guide aspiring authors. Writing doesn't have to be a solitary endeavor—by becoming a mentor, you can offer guidance, support, and camaraderie to a new writer striving for success. As a mentee, you'll gain access to helpful connections, insights, and potentially lasting friendships with authors who have already walked the path you're on.

You don't need to be an expert to be a mentor—just a willingness to share your skills and experiences with someone eager to learn. This program is designed to be uplifting, supportive, and inclusive, fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Applicant Eligibility

Mentor Eligibility: All IRP Mentors must be:  (1) at least 18 years of age at the time of application submission (2) have a published novel or novella that is marketed under the Romance or Romance-adjacent (Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Speculative fiction with strong romantic elements) genre (3) must commit to the participation of the full six months of the program.

Mentee Eligibility:  All IRP Mentees must be: (1) at least 18 years of age at the time of application submission (2) have an interest in writing and publishing a Romance or Romance-adjacent project (literary work). Preference is to have a literary work at least in the drafting stages to get the most out of your mentorship.

All selected participants must attend the orientation to be finally accepted into the mentorship program.

All romance writers are welcomed to apply, especially authors who may identify as LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and/or authors with disability and other members of underrepresented communities within the publishing industry.


Anticipated IRP Mentorship 2025 Timeline

March 1 - 31: Mentor applications open

April 1 - April 15: Mentee applications open

April 16 - 30: IRP review applications & matches mentoring pairs


May 1: Pairs are informed; Suggested pairs are given a grace period to confirm or reject.

May 12: Mentor Orientation (option 1)

May 14: Mentor Orientation (option 2)

May 16: Confirmation grace period ends

May 23: Mentee Orientation (option 2)

May 27: Mentee Orientation (option 2)

June 1: Mentorships start (6 month minimum)

June 30: 30-day Check-in 

July 8: Mentorship Mingle (optional)

Aug 5: Mentorship Mingle

Aug 31: 90-day Check-in

Sept 9: Mentorship Mingle (optional)

Nov 30th: Mentorship commitment is fulfilled. Evaluation survey for all mentors and mentees are sent.

Criteria for IRP Mentors

Mentor’s Criteria/Commitment



Accepting Mentor Applications starting March 1, 2025!

Criteria for Irp Mentees

Mentee/Protégé’s Criteria/Commitment





Application form opens April 1, 2025!

Tips for Effective Mentorships

The Foundation of an effective mentorship is Trust

Surveys and feedback reports will be given to both mentor and mentee after the end of the commitment so both parties get information on how the mentorship worked for them. A 90-day check-in will be sent to each mentorship participant to see how things are going. Please be vocal and open to each other so nothing is lost in miscommunication. 

Mentees: Please take ownership of scheduling time with your Mentor

Mentors: Please commit to your time and be sure to communicate when things change. We all understand that schedules change, and as long as we're all clear, misunderstandings can be at a minimum.

Additional Resources & Mentorships

Missed an opportunity to participate in our mentorship this round? Author Sami Ellis has compiled a list of various mentorship programs for authors!