What mistakes should you avoid when working with a writing mentor?

1 Choose the right mentor

The first step to a successful mentorship is finding a mentor who suits your needs, interests, and expectations. You should look for someone who has relevant experience, expertise, and credentials in the type of writing you want to pursue, whether it's fiction, non-fiction, academic, or business. You should also consider their personality, communication style, and availability. You want a mentor who is supportive, honest, and respectful, but also challenging, constructive, and responsive. Don't settle for a mentor who doesn't match your criteria, or who makes you feel uncomfortable, frustrated, or discouraged.

2 Set clear goals and expectations

Once you have chosen a mentor, you need to establish a clear and realistic plan for your mentorship. You should discuss your goals, expectations, and preferences with your mentor, and agree on the scope, duration, and frequency of your sessions. You should also define the roles and responsibilities of each party, and how you will measure your progress and feedback. Having a clear and mutual understanding of what you want to achieve and how you will work together will help you avoid confusion, disappointment, or conflict later on.

3 Be prepared and proactive

Another mistake to avoid when working with a writing mentor is being unprepared or passive. You should treat your mentorship as a professional and valuable opportunity, and show up to your sessions ready to learn, improve, and grow. You should prepare your questions, assignments, drafts, or samples in advance, and follow the guidelines and deadlines set by your mentor. You should also be proactive in seeking feedback, asking for help, or suggesting ideas. Don't expect your mentor to do all the work for you, or to know what you need without telling them. Be an active and engaged participant in your mentorship.

4 Be open and respectful

Working with a writing mentor also requires you to be open and respectful. You should be open to new perspectives, suggestions, and critiques from your mentor, and willing to try new things, experiment, and learn from your mistakes. You should also be respectful of your mentor's time, expertise, and opinions, and appreciate their efforts and insights. Don't be defensive, stubborn, or arrogant when receiving feedback, or dismissive, rude, or ungrateful when giving feedback. Be humble, curious, and grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone who has more experience and knowledge than you.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?