In 2023, I was honored to be a mentee in the WNDB mentorship program. It was a critical juncture in my writing career. I’d “finished” a high-concept, young adult speculative fiction novel and despite a high request rate, it being shortlisted by the Speculative Fiction Foundation, I could not land an agent.

I considered myself a ‘serious’ writer (bollocks, I know), and segued from poetry to fiction without much thought for craft. The concept was (is) strong and unique, and my voice seasoned and lyrical. So, why couldn’t I sell it?

Being mentored by an established writer (Aminah Mae Safi) not only taught me to manage expectations, but deepen my craft. She was an excellent mentor and guide through the first level of traditional publishing. And whilst that MS, THOSE WHO CHOSE THE SEA, is no longer being shopped, I think of it lovingly.

I also learned that ‘rejection’ isn’t personal. In fact, rejection is the wrong term. I came to understand rejection as a pass. Publishing is a business, and a conflux of factors contribute to a book being selected. I’ll likely revise TWCTS at some point, but as I’ve transitioned to writing spicy romance, it won’t be any time soon.

As we grow and stretch our skill sets, it’s helpful to look for opportunities to learn from more experienced writers and publishing professionals. There are plenty of free opportunities. Yes they require applications and often times a finished product, whether that be a proposal or a manuscript. Yes, you’ll likely hear no more than yes. But the NO isn’t personal. The YES always is.

It only takes one YES. Definitely give WNDB a follow, and check out Aminah Mae’s work.