by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

After leaving educational administration to pursue a career in writing, I went through a similar process I’d been through as a principal. I found and worked with a mentor. Although mentors are essential in every career, I’ve discovered they’re invaluable for authors. Behind the scenes, there are tears, revisions, and rejection because growth is painful. However, the pain produces gain. Since working with my mentor, his wise support has been instrumental in my writing achievements.

A unique quality about writing is it can be an isolated profession. A mentor makes writing more communal and less lonely. Also, keeping goals in writing is tough, but sticking to them is easier with a mentor.

Here are five reasons mentors help authors become successful and achieve their goals:

1. Provide valuable feedback

Mentors work with authors to learn the art of developing a thick skin and responding appropriately to input, revisions, and deadlines.

2. Promote growth

Mentors help establish a baseline from the first draft—to the final copy. They can also help create a process for revision.

3. Procure consistency

Mentors require us to develop good habits of having someone to report to, thus creating accountable writers.

4. Precise guidance

Mentors assist in finessing the craft and business of writing. They often have vital connections and insight. Sometimes, an author’s career can take off because of an introduction to the right person.

5. Prioritize goals

A good mentor serves as an encourager. Additionally, they work with mentees on effective planning and goal setting.

Ultimately, a writing mentor will give us advice and feedback on our unique challenges and goals. When working with a seasoned mentor (who may come as an author, editor, or teacher), their valuable guidance is based on their experience traveling to the places we want to go. Mentors are the traveling companions we need on a journey dotted with success, but filled with pitfalls and disappointments. Yet, it’s a hard path most of us are crazy enough to love.

Have a question that can’t wait or have a helpful comment to help our writing community? Please join the conversation…

Dr. Katherine received her BA in English and a MA in Elementary Education at Adelphi University. She received her Doctorate of Education and Supervision at Arizona State University. Katherine taught several years before becoming a principal of K-8 and K-6 schools for approximately 10 years. She has served as a freelance writer for various magazines including, Inkspirations and Guideposts.Katherine writes curriculum and loves to teach art. She works closely with two nonprofits she’s involved in. Some of her work in art, poetry and short stories has been distinguished by awards including the New York Mayor’s contribution to the arts Award, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She also runs recreationally, coordinates fitness boot-camps for women and has a black belt in Taekwondo. Katherine loves speaking to groups delivering her messages with quick wit and real-life stories. She has been involved in church ministry for 18 years leading women’s ministry, teaching, playing piano, singing, and teaching liturgical dance.

She has experience attending and networking conferences both secular and Christian. Professional experience as a school principal in recruitment and retention. Katherine has over twenty years of experience teaching professionalism and leadership in the workplace and on the graduate and post-graduate collegiate level. The instructor has experience guiding, teaching and mentoring others in the area of networking.