Peters, Fraser + Dunlop launches mentorship scheme for new writers

The Peters, Fraser + Dunlop (PFD) Literary Agency is launching a mentorship scheme for new writers, offering at least three places on the programme. The scheme is launching as the agency celebrates its 100th anniversary, and is open to non-agented applicants from a range of backgrounds. 

Writers will be paired with an agent who specialises in their genre of fiction. Following an initial meeting to discuss the vision for the book — where mentees will be provided with an introduction to the industry — the agent and writer will set deadlines, with a view of completing or editing the manuscript in a year. 

The programme will be tailored to each writer, with some aiming to finish a first draft by the end of the scheme and others editing their manuscripts, if they have already completed these. Agents will provide editorial feedback to the authors, and mentees are guaranteed agent representation at the end of the scheme. 

Applications will open on 4th March 2024, and prospective mentees should submit a covering letter, along with a 5,000-word sample and a synopsis that is between one to two pages long. According to PFD, writers do not need to have completed manuscripts in order to apply.  

The scheme is open to all adult fiction genres for planned full-length novels. While novellas will be considered, applicants should not submit short stories or short story collections. Entries should be sent to mentorship@pfd.co.uk.