Hello dear blog followers and friends! I’m catching my breath after a super successful #50PreciousWords…thank you to all who entered, all who left comments, all who donated prizes, and of course, to my judges, who are hard at work reading. Today, I’m sharing my platform with Ebony Mudd and RISING STARS! This is a fabulous opportunity for writers…here is all the information you need to move forward if you want to participate.

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Hey, 50 Precious Words Participants!

First, we want to say congratulations to you for betting on yourself and entering this beloved kidlit contest! Practicing concise yet evocative writing is such an important skill to hone as a picture book writer, and we are excited for each of you who participated!

Now – are you ready to bet on yourself again and take the next step in leveling up your craft? Then we are THRILLED to tell you that the PB Rising Stars mentorship is officially OPEN for applications for this summer’s program!

⭐If you’re an UNAGENTED or AGENTED picture book author, illustrator, or author-illustrator without an agent-repped book deal, then this program is for YOU. 

PB Rising Stars pairs published picture book creators with the next generation of children’s book creators for an immersive, one-on-one mentorship experience that is more than just a critique. Mentees will not only work directly with a mentor for three months during the summer, but also have access to FREE craft workshops taught by industry professionals, an additional, one-month publishing business intensive, and built-in community for life!

Check out the website to read more about our mission, eligibility requirements, testimonials, and FAQs.

If this sounds like the program for you–guess what?! 

PB Rising Stars Mentee applications are open NOW through March 21!

So, how do you apply? 

• Check out each mentor’s profile and wish list to see who would be a good fit for you. Consider their strengths, what they are looking for, and then compare it to what you’d like to work on. Remember, a mentor’s wish list is just that—a wish list! They don’t expect your work to check every box. If a mentor seeks humor with heart, lyrical, nonfiction, cultural, and rhyme, but your work is only lyrical and rhyme, that’s okay! A perfect match isn’t necessary.
• Next, choose which manuscript, art, or dummy to submit that best represents your strengths AND weaknesses. Make sure it’s a project that you want to work on during the mentorship and work that best represents the type of career you want! Polish your work, but don’t worry about PERFECTION! This is a mentorship program – the mentors want to see how they can help you grow!
• This is optional, but you can prepare a sample application ahead of time. You can find sample application links at the bottom of each mentor’s profile or under the “Mentorship Information” tap on our website.
• Apply TODAY through March 21st! Applications close on March 21st at 11:59pm EASTERN TIME. Please double check your time zone! You can apply to mentors directly through their individual pages, and if you apply to multiple (which we encourage!), you’ll need to fill out a different application for each one. Scroll to the bottom of each mentor page and click on the application button, which will take you to a Google form. Remember that Google limits your word count (though they unfortunately don’t publicize what that limit is). So flex those picture book skills and be thorough yet concise with your answers!

And if you are still having a hard time deciding to apply to? You’re in luck! We hosted a “Meet the Mentors” event where each mentor goes more in depth into what they’re hoping to find in a mentee. 

So polish those pieces, get those applications in, and connect with the PBRS leadership team and other applicants! 

You can connect with us by following our Instagram and Bluesky. We also invite you to join our applicants Discord, and to save the “I’M APPLYING” badge below and post it using the hashtag #PBRisingStars.

We can’t wait to see your applications pour in! Because, WHY NOT YOU?!

Trenise and Layla