Blake Friedmann Literary Agency launches new mentorship programme

Blake Friedmann Literary Agency is launching a new mentorship programme, to run in addition to its existing Carole Blake Open Doors Project internship scheme. 

The agency says the mentorship scheme was inspired by a Bookseller piece, which “highlighted the difficulties of taking time away from full or part-time work or other responsibilities in order to take up an internship and find a way into publishing".

The mentorship aims to offer a flexible longer-term relationship with Blake Friedmann – led by Juliet Pickering and supported by the entire agency – and to meet once a month, online, over the course of six months to learn about the role of an agent, get an insight into working with books more broadly, and “develop some valuable skills for a future career in publishing".

Its website reads: “The idea of the longer-term mentorship scheme is to offer a candidate, who may have full or part-time commitments, the opportunity to get to know the role, the agency and the publishing industry, in hours that can fit around those commitments. The mentorship will take place over six months, to include one meeting a month of up to 60 minutes, online (e.g. over Zoom) – with the possibility of meeting in person at some point, if mutually convenient. 

“The mentor and mentee will determine the shape of the mentorship programme together, but the intention is to support the mentee during the six-month period, giving them the opportunity to find out more about publishing, gain insight into the role of the agent and the work of the agency, and offering guidance and advice on a future career. “

Pickering said: “We’re launching this mentorship in an effort to do more to offer access: it’s clear that London-based schemes or those that require candidates to take leave from their jobs, are still impossible for many. By offering this mentorship over six months, at times that might fit around a candidate’s other commitments, we hope that we might be giving more people a way in – and some valuable knowledge.

“The industry is missing out on a raft of exciting, talented employees by continuing to hold up these barriers to entry, so we hope to help break through and bring more great people into working with books. We’ll be offering career advice and guidance on seeking jobs, alongside work experience, and can’t wait to meet our first Open Doors mentee!”

Blake Friedmann hopes the new mentorship scheme will “further open doors to people who remain underrepresented in the industry”. Applications for both the Carole Blake Open Doors internship and the mentorship open on Monday 24th April, closing on Monday 8th May at 5pm. More information can be found here.