Representation Matters Mentor Program
Why this program is being created: Representation matters. According to Lee and Low’s 2015 Diversity Baseline Survey, only 21% of publishing staff describe themselves as African-American, Native American/Alaskan Native, Asian, Hispanic, Latino, Middle Eastern, or Multiracial.
Guiding Principles: An industry that contributes to the cultural conversation, and often creates it, should reflect the culture. An industry that is in service to artists and cultural consumers should strive to offer opportunities for all. It’s not just about being fair; it’s about keeping the publishing industry relevant, viable, and the source of the best possible books.
Mission Statement: To connect self-identified people of color who are interested in publishing and literature with publishing professionals who can help their mentees learn about, and get a foothold in, the industry.
What this program is: Two-person teams of editors (one senior and one junior) volunteer to be mentors to self-identified people of color who are considering a career in publishing. The program is currently focused on editorial only. We hope to expand to other areas of publishing in the future.
Who runs this program: We are a small, all-volunteer group of editors at Big Five and independent publishing houses who feel strongly about making a difference in this aspect of the publishing industry.
What the mentor-mentee relationship looks like: Mentees meet, either in person or by phone, with senior and junior mentor separately a minimum of once every two months for six months (six total meetings for mentee—three with junior mentor, three with senior mentor). These conversations can be informational interviews, q&a sessions, or whatever is most useful to the mentee, who sets the tone of the conversation. This is the required minimum, but the relationship can grow from there and mentors may help mentees with any of the following: crafting resume and cover letters, making connections with other industry professionals, job recommendations, advice about breaking into the industry, etc. If and when mentees get hired, the relationship can continue informally.
Why two mentors: The program aims to address dual needs of the mentee. The senior mentor can help the mentee by recommending them for open positions and share information based on years of experience, while the junior mentor can give more current insight about what it’s like to be an assistant and practical, on-the-ground advice. This can also be an opportunity for senior and junior staff who don’t work directly together to get to know one another.
Eligibility: The program is open to applicants who self-identify as people of color. Applicants can be students and/or interns but are not required to be. Ideal applicants are readers, writers, and book lovers with a genuine interest in pursuing a career in publishing. Applicants need not live in New York City. Mentorship can be done remotely.
Materials: Applicants should submit a one-page essay to RMMProgram@gmail.com explaining why they are interested in becoming an editor at a book publishing company and what holes they see in the marketplace that relate to their personal experiences. Please specify area of interest (i.e. a preference for either children’s books or adult, fiction or nonfiction, and any particular genres of interest). Applicants should also include a resume that reflects any editorial experience they may have (paid or volunteer).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.