Malachy Tallack
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Free mentoring

​I am offering free mentoring and editorial assistance to one or two writers who are currently working on their first book. I am particularly keen to help writers who, by virtue of identity, background, experience or location, are underrepresented or marginalised in mainstream publishing.

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Introduction
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When I was first trying to write a book, and was still uncertain as to whether my words were any good, I was incredibly fortunate to correspond with an author who was willing to read my work. He offered criticism, advice and encouragement, without which I might never have got any further. Later, others also took the time to read what I sent them, and to help push me towards publication.

Those acts of generosity meant a great deal to me; and many other writers, I suspect, have been the beneficiaries of similar acts of kindness. But finding someone to read your work and to offer constructive criticism or other kinds of assistance is not easy. Often it’s just a matter of chance.

So, in the hope that I can be helpful, I’m going to create such a chance.


I’m offering free mentoring to one or two writers, tailored to their current projects and needs. This might involve commenting on a manuscript, discussing ideas, or just offering advice and support. It could be a one-off meeting, or an ongoing email conversation. Whatever works best.

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Eligibility

To apply, writers should be based in Scotland, and working on their first book. I would like to prioritise helping writers who, by virtue of identity, background, experience or location, are underrepresented or marginalised in mainstream publishing. However, I do not expect anyone to explain or justify their eligibility to me. I will trust applicants to bear these priorities in mind when deciding whether or not to apply.

I am able to offer assistance to writers of fiction or narrative non-fiction, though I’m best placed to help those whose work aligns to some extent — in genre, theme or subject matter — with my own.

Applicants should not have published a full-length book before, but can have published work in journals, magazines or online. 

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Applying

If you’d like to be considered for free mentoring, please write me an email, attaching a short sample of your writing (maximum 1000 words). Within the body of the email please tell me a little about yourself and your work, particularly the project you’d like help with. If there’s a specific kind of assistance you feel would be most useful then do let me know.

Send your email to mail@malachytallack.com.

Deadline 20th March.
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​Please note, I will be unable to mentor more than one or two writers at this time, but I may repeat this call at a later date. 
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  • Home
  • About
    • About me
    • Interviews
  • Writing
    • Books >
      • The Valley at the Centre of the World
      • The Un-Discovered Islands
      • Sixty Degrees North
    • Other writing
    • Outriders
    • Other publications
    • Mentoring
  • Music
  • Events
  • Contact