MENTORING and CRITIQUE SERVICES
Why a Writing Mentorship?
I have had the privilege of seeing the reality of my dreams come true in writing! It was a difficult road – but God paved the way for me to become a successful writer and editor. Perhaps it’s my educational background that stirs a desire deep within to share what I have learned with others. Maybe it is God's leading. But I am very motivated to share what I know with writers to help them on their writing journey!
I began traveling the country several years ago, helping new writers develop their skills. I discovered that the “writer’s conference” was quite likely one of the best ways for new writers to learn and grow their craft, while potentially advance their career as well. Unfortunately, many writers have difficulty finding the time to attend those conferences on a regular basis. In addition, many of my conference students left with questions that still needed answering, manuscripts they desperately wanted feedback on, and a need for follow up to the stories they had learned to develop, edit and grow!
What is a Writing Mentorship?
The writing mentorship that I offer involves a one-on-one relationship between myself and a writer who wants to improve or develop his or her skills in addition to developing one or more manuscripts. This mentorship allows the writer to learn from the comfort of home. Most communications and dialogues will take place through e-mail to allow the student a written reference from which to refer.
What Does a Mentorship Offer?
Every writer is at a different stage of his or her writing development. I have worked with beginning writers who only dream of putting something onto paper; and I have worked with long-time professionals who are trying to refine a manuscript, overcome writer’s block, or simply need some fresh inspiration!
The mentorships that I offer are personalized to best fit the needs of the writer looking for help. I have put together three different mentoring options – yet, each one of will be molded to the appropriate experience level and cultivate the “workshop” opportunity being sought.
The mentorship will help the writer achieve specific goals, allowing the writer to feel confident about the road ahead. I do not guarantee that any writer will be published. Although I will certainly do what I can to help a dedicated writer put together a polished manuscript, a strong query letter, and some potential leads to help him or her toward a road of success!
Why Cindy Kenney?
I love writing – editing – and teaching, and I have a deep desire to serve the Lord! Put all of that together, and it simply means that I want to help new writers on a road to success. I worked very hard to get where I am, so I’ve been that “struggling writer,” without a dime to my name, wondering how in the world I was going to realize my dreams and break through the market! So many times along the way I wished that I had someone – anyone – to help guide me, even just a little!
I studied to be a high school English teacher in college. I went on to work as a Christian Education Director for ten years where I began writing novels, stories, and my own curriculum, because I wanted to help kids learn about God in FUN, new ways! After trying to break through the market for years, I was finally “discovered” completely by accident! I’ll dare to use an old cliché, because it is one of my favorites and say that God truly does work in mysterious ways! I also trusted in God's timing.
Since I was published, I have professionally written and edited: curriculum, fiction, poetry, children’s books, greeting cards, novels, non-fiction books, magazine articles, training manuals, resource and gift books, scripts, and other materials!
After working as a freelance writer and editor for numerous publishers, I became the Senior Managing Editor/Writer for Big Idea Productions (VeggieTales) in 1998 through early 2006 after they moved from Illinois to Nashville, TN.
Following my work at Big Idea, I went on to work as the Publishing Director for Exclaim Entertainment. The creators are best known for their creation of the acclaimed series, Barney, and their newly released show, BOZ the Bear.
It has been a wonderful journey, and one that I don’t think is close to being over! I have had the privilege to work with over twenty-two publishers and editors, and I have made some wonderful contacts in the field. Now it’s my hope to help, inspire, encourage, and educate you on a fabulous journey of your own!
ONE YEAR MENTORING PROGRAM
This is a full year course that will allow the writer an opportunity to experience creative growth, develop a manuscript, refine editorial skills, and create an effective presentation for publication (if that is the desire of the writer taking this course). Writers will have the opportunity to select a track toward fiction, non-fiction, children’s products, curriculum, or gift products.
This course will be personalized to meet the needs of the writer at his or her stage in writing and manuscript development. The course will also be designed around the amount of time the writer wishes to commit to this program.
How does all this happen? At the start of the program, the writer begins by filling out an extensive Questionnaire that helps me to get to know the writer and review the writer's goals, desires, and needs within the context of the program. Then, every month the writer will receive various assignments, based upon his or her personalized plan. In addition to those assignments, the writer will work toward effectively completing a polished manuscript(s) of his or her choosing. Each month the writer is asked to submit and/or edit all or parts of the manuscript(s). After the writer is pleased with the finished manuscript, the writer will work on a professional query and/or book proposal for presentation to publishers.
Not all writers will want to work through exercises, and not all writers will want to submit a manuscript. That's all part of the personalization process that goes into the program. Writers don't need to make all those decisions up front, either - as many don't always know what they want at the start! That's okay, too! I will be happy to refine and modify the program as we go along. It's much more than writers receive with any given "canned" program.
If I feel a writer's manuscript meets the need of one of the publishers and/or editors I have worked with in the past, I will present the manuscript to that publisher. I will not work as an agent for the writer in this endeavor, however. After I present the manuscript, the writer is on his or her own.
SIX MONTH MENTORING PROGRAM
This mentorship is the same as the full-year program, with a less aggressive schedule and shorter time-frame.
MANUSCRIPT PRODUCTION
This mentorship allows the writer to work on and/or develop a single manuscript until finished. This mentorship does not involve creative exercises, brainstorming techniques, or inspirational development outside of the specific manuscript. Fees are based on an hourly basis.
CRITIQUE SERVICE
Looking for a professional critique from a published writer and experienced editor who has worked for over 15 years in the industry? Cindy will provide you with expert advise on your fiction or children's book manuscript.
PROCESS:
How does all this happen? Every month, the writer will submit and/or edit all or parts of the manuscript. After the writer is pleased with the finished manuscript, the writer will work on a professional query and/or book proposal for presentation to publishers.
If I feel the manuscript meets the need of one of the publishers and/or editors I have worked with in the past, I will present the manuscript to that publisher. I will not work as an agent of the writer in this endeavor. After I present the manuscript, the writer is on his or her own.
Please contact Cindy via the CONTACT tab on this website if you are interested in a mentoring program or man I will be happy to send you more information! Then, a personalized program will be developed, all costs will be defined and put in writing, and you will be ready to begin!
