The Kimbilio Mentorship Project

The Kimbilio Mentorship Project matches developing and emerging writers with writers who are further along in their careers. Mentors and mentees are provided with resources to support both their work together as well as the mentees professional development goals.

About the Program

The Kimbilio Mentorship Project connects emerging fiction writers with established authors for intensive, personalized guidance. Over six months, mentees receive dedicated support in developing their manuscripts and navigating the publishing landscape.

Our mentors are acclaimed authors who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing writers of the African diaspora. They provide not only craft guidance but also career mentorship and community connection.

Past Fellows

Michealjulius Adani

Sophia Russell

Tochukwu Okafor

Joanne Sills

Kelly Magnus

Denise Laidler

Joy Notoma

Darlene Taylor

Avery Irons

Diana Viega

Gila Berryman

Katherine Agard

Candice Mays

Past Faculty Mentors

Carolyn Ferrell

Asali Solomon

Lauren Frances Sharma

Ravi Howard

Angela Flournoy

Jacinda Townsend

Dana Johnson

Martha Southgate

How It Works

A step-by-step journey through the Mentorship Project.


Application

Manuscripts and writing goals are reviewed by the season’s mentors.

Matching

The season mentors select the writer(s) they wish to work with across the mentorship year.

Planning

Writers with their mentor to create a plan to work plan for their mentorship year, including goals, connection points, and deadlines.

Engagement

After a thorough manuscript analysis, writers work with their mentor over the year, with regular meetings and additional feedback on their book.

Support The Kimbilio Mentorship Project

Help us connect emerging writers with the mentorship they deserve.