How to Find a Poetry Mentor

What to consider when looking for the right match

Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash

How did you find your mentor? I get asked that question often enough that I thought it might be helpful to answer it here. 

Background: I began working with my current mentor about two years ago. I had been looking for a mentor because I felt stuck. I knew my work was moving in a solid direction, but I was burned out and needed a fresh approach. I wanted help from someone who could bring intelligence and focus to the work I was trying to do. Now, we meet by video call once a month.

Google search “poetry mentor” and there are so many (probably so-so) options. Instead, start with who you’re reading and who you’ve studied with. Whoever makes your list, here’s how to narrow it down.

Know precisely what kind of input and intelligence you want from a mentor.

Mentors can engage with any part of the process, so consider where the bulk of your work is currently. Early stages—drafting? Middle stages—finding themes and revising? Later stages—assembling and shaping the collection?

And then ask: What kind of feedback is missing? For example, you may be in a regular workshop or peer group that provides excellent feedback on poems’ contents but doesn’t provide much feedback at the technical level.

It’s helpful to look ahead, too. Do you want a mentor who, when the time comes, can help you shape your collection? I did. So I put that on my list of criteria. 

Finally, consider the time commitment. Are you looking for ongoing support, like monthly meetings, or a shorter engagement to help you clear a major hurdle?

Look beyond accolades to find a mentor who truly matches your needs.

Good mentors are those that match your needs beyond their credentials. Yes, depth of experience matters, but I encourage you to look at more than just lists of accomplishments.  Which qualities or life experiences would you like them to have? 

For example, I knew I wanted to work with a female poet whose work I admired technically and lyrically, who was also located in my general region. Think about your work. Is the ideal mentor familiar with certain subject matters? Someone who works in particular poetic forms? 

Aside from poets you admire, consider those you have most enjoyed studying with. If they don’t offer mentorship, note the qualities you liked best and look for them elsewhere. If they do offer mentorship, then go through the list of needs you identified above. When you reach out, be clear in your ask about the kind of help you’re looking for.

Finally …

The right mentor is someone who considers whether or not you are a good fit for them. Mentorship works best when both parties feel connected beyond monetary exchange. My mentor read my work and asked questions about my expectations before saying yes. Bottom line, she did not jump in too quickly. Nor did she try to sell me on working with her. 

Poets with mentors, I’d love to know: How did you connect? Any advice for others looking for a good match?