MENTORSHIPS - Australian Society of Authors Mentorships for Talented Writers and Picture Book Illustrators (Applications close: 2 April 2007)

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is offering 20 mentorships for talented writers and picture book illustrators (PBIs) in 2007­-08.

Applications will be accepted in the genres of fiction, literary non-fiction(autobiography, biography, essays, history, literary criticism or analytical writing), poetry, Young Adult writing, children's writing and picture book illustration.

The ASA mentorship program gives successful applicants the chance to develop their manuscript to the highest professional standard and, through their participation in writers festivals, to bring their work to the attention of publishers, literary agents and future readers.

Applications are judged on literary merit.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work closely with a mentor of their choice for 30 hours over one year. The ASA has over 100 experienced authors and illustrators available as mentors. Applicants are also free to nominate a mentor who is not on the register.

At the completion of the mentorship, selected participants will be invited to read their work, appear in conversation with, or participate in panel discussions at state and/or regional writers festivals. Travel expenses will be paid.

Entry is free for ASA members and $55 per entry for non-members.

Applications close Monday, 2 April 2007.

For more information including full eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, a list of mentors and the entry form, please go to: http://www.asauthors.org

or phone Jill Dimond at the ASA on 02 9318 0877

or email jill@asauthors.org

The ASA mentorship program is supported by Copyright Agency Limited.