Do I need to fill out the application as a returning mentee/mentor?

Current mentees or mentors continuing next cycle don’t need to fill out the new mentee/mentor application, but must complete Journey Registration form for the next cycle and submit their Cycle Wrap-Up form at the end of the cycle.

If you have been a mentee or mentor in the past but you took a break, you’ll need to reapply — but you can indicate that you’re returning, and the form will be shorter.

Do returning mentors need to submit a 400-word writing sample and references?

You only need to submit a writing sample and references if your break was longer than two cycles; if it was one or two cycles, you don’t.

If a mentor is available but their mentee is not, can they apply for another mentee?

Yes, mentors can apply for another mentee for that cycle.

Do current mentors and mentees need to reapply to continue in the next cycle?

No; however, everyone must complete must complete their Journey Registration form for the next cycle and submit their Cycle Wrap-Up form at the end of the cycle. Prior to filling out the Journey Registration form, be sure to discuss whether you’d like to stay paired or be re-matched with your mentee/mentor, and decide together which journey(s) you’d like to register for, as you’ll indicate this in the form.

How can I make sure that I will be paired with my mentee/mentor again?

In the Journey Registration form, both of you need to select the same journey and indicate that you would like to be paired again.

Will I still be able to contribute to the anthology if I only do a Spring cycle Journey and not a Fall cycle?

You can contribute to the current anthology during any cycle.

Why are some Journeys not visible in the application?

The website lists Journeys for the entire year, but only those starting in the upcoming cycle are available for the current application.

If I choose a Journey as my first choice, am I guaranteed a spot?

We strive to place everyone in their first choice, but capacity is limited. That’s why we ask for second and third choices.

Can I enroll in multiple Journeys?

You can enroll in only one Journey at a time, except for the Teach GWN Journey, which can be an add-on.

How do I select Teach GWN?

If Teach GWN is your first choice, select it and choose two other journeys as your second and third choices. If you want another Journey as your first choice, select that and add Teach GWN as an additional Journey.

Can I join the Lead Incubator without completing the Lead Community Change Journey?

Yes, as long as you are already working on a community-based social activism project. If not, consider the Lead Community Change Journey to help you create one.

How do I submit to the anthology or Girls Write Now Media?

All work can be sent through your Girls Write Now Portal account under “Submissions.”

Can I submit work under a pen name?

Yes! You can create a new author page in the Portal under “Submissions” to create a pen name and then submit work under that name.

Can I submit multimedia work?

Yes, but only to Girls Write Now Media.

Can I submit a piece that I created with my mentor or peer-mentee to Girls Write Now Media or the anthology?

Yes! Just select “pair” under “Submission Type.” A pair piece is one where both mentee and mentor/peer-mentee contribute equal thought, equal voice and equal writing or production work.

What is the Girls Write Now anthology?

Girls Write Now anthologies are award-winning annual collections of writing from the mentees of Girls Write Now, published in partnership with Penguin Random House. Check our our most recent anthology here: https://girlswritenow.org/anthologies/2025-anthology/

Who can submit a piece to the Girls Write Now anthology?

All currently enrolled mentees can submit to be published in the anthology, and mentors can submit collaborative pieces with their mentees.

How long can a submission for the anthology be?

The piece that you submit to be published in the anthology should be no longer than 850 words. This does not include your bio or anecdote – more on those below!

How many pieces can I submit to the anthology?

Just one per anthology edition, but you can submit pieces multiple years in a row as long as you are a currently enrolled mentee for that year. For example, you can have a piece in Here and Now: Girls Write Now 2024 Anthology and in Hope Lives In Our Words: Girls Write Now 2025 Anthology, but you cannot have two pieces in Hope Lives In Our Words.

What do I need in order to submit to the anthology?

You may only submit one piece to each anthology edition. In order to be published, make sure you have done the following:
– Your submission must be in a Google Doc set to “Anyone with the link can View” in Times New Roman 12 pt font.
– You and your mentor/peer-to-peer mentee must each have a 1-sentence bio as well as a 100-word anecdote about what it’s been like to work together. The author of the piece should collect these from BOTH people BEFORE the anthology deadline and then submit them when prompted in the Portal. If it is a collaborative piece, choose one person to send in the submission.

What is an example of the bio and anecdote needed for the anthology?

The bio should be one sentence (no more than 25 words) and written in the third person. It can include anything you want to share about who you are (pronouns, school, job, awards, genres your write, hobbies, etc.)!
– The anecdote should be no more than 100 words, written in the first person, and should be about your GWN experience and/or what it’s been like to work with your mentoring pair.

– Example #1 Mentee’s Bio Ayah Al-Masyabi is a high-school writer and artist who stresses over US Soccer, Liverpool FC, and Rapids matches, plays Minecraft, and listens to many podcasts.

Mentee’s Anecdote When I first met Anne, I knew we were a perfect match. Being able to consult a more experienced writer and creative for help on any of my creative endeavors has helped me grow both personally and creatively. We love to talk about things we have read, our lives, and more importantly, soccer. During the World Cup, Anne and I would often delay our meetings to watch the matches and then talk about them after. Using Anne’s advice and prompts has helped me feel comfortable pushing the walls of what I used to think writing was supposed to be.

– Mentor’s Bio Anne Hellman is a Brooklyn-based writer and the founder of The Grandmother Project. Other than writing fiction, Anne published Design Brooklyn with Abrams in 2013.

Mentor’s Anecdote I knew by the end of my first session with Ayah, when we seamlessly started talking about our mutual obsession with geography, that we were meant to work together. Ayah’s intelligence is a gift that has inspired me in my own writing, and her inquisitive energy and original voice will take her to great heights in both fiction and nonfiction. After a World Cup game this past fall that was a little too close, Ayah and I met and first exalted in the excitement of the match, then we got down to work. I am truly a lucky mentor.

– Example #2 Mentee’s Bio: Tara is a twenty-four-year-old creative enthusiast who enjoys designing, creating digital content, writing, playing the piano, and making pasta.

Mentee’s Anecdote: It was a positive and amazing connection when I first met Ijeoma at our first session. Being able to talk with someone who has been part of Girls Write Now for a few years made me feel uplifted, excited, and passionate about what I do as a writer. Through our giggles and learning more about each other, as we discussed the types of music that we listen to, why we started writing, and our hobbies, we found we had a lot of things in common. With Ijeoma’s helpful feedback, I learned various creative ways to improve and strengthen my writing.

Peer Mentee’s Bio: Ijeoma (she/her) is an entrepreneur, author, and artist who is also a lover of design, writing, and books.

Peer Mentee’s Anecdote: Tara is such a lovely person who, as my peer, has a growing eye for creative writing. After reading one of her pieces related to loss, I couldn’t help but notice that she is unafraid of examining things close to her heart. I have much appreciation for her vulnerability and the insightful feedback that she has given me. After our first session, I noticed that Tara has a great sense of humor and great taste in books, music, and art. Her overall creativity, passion, intelligence, ambition, drive, and inquisitive nature will lead her to new heights.

Who publishes the anthology?

The Girls Write Now anthology is published by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Our e-book has been published by Feminist Press and Dottir. The anthology is made possible by support from the Amazon Literary Partnership.

Who edits the anthology?

The anthology is edited by the Intersectional Voices in Editorial – Print committee. Learn more about the IVEdit – Print committee and how to join here.

Where can I get a copy of the anthology?

You can buy copies of our past anthologies here. All currently enrolled mentors and mentees can receive a free copy of the anthology that they are featured in. Details for how to claim your copy can be found in Slack following publication of that year’s edition. If you are based in the New York City area, you can request a time to come by the Girls Write Now office and pick up your anthology.

How do I know if my piece was accepted for the anthology?

Each mentee can only submit one piece to the anthology. All submissions will be published unless the piece contains hate speech, or it fails to meet any of the anthology requirements. If your piece does not meet all of the anthology requirements for any reason, a member of the Girls Write Now team will reach out to you to resolve it.

My piece contains profanity or sensitive topics. Will it still be published?

Unless your piece contains hate speech (in which case, we will contact you about your submissions), most pieces will be published. Your piece may have a trigger warning added to it, in which case, we will let you know in advance.

Who can submit work to the Girls Write Now Media site?

All currently enrolled mentors and mentees as well as Silver Members (mentors and mentees who have previously been enrolled at Girls Write Now) are invited to submit work to be published on Girls Write Now Media.

How many pieces can I submit to the Girls Write Now Media site?

As many as you like! Please note that it may take a while for your work to be published as our stories are edited and published by the small, yet dedicated group of volunteers in the Intersectional Voices in Editorial – Digital committee. Learn more about joining the IVEdit – Digital committee here.

I submitted a piece to Girls Write Now Media. Why don’t I see it on the site?

Please note that it may take a while for your work to be published as our stories are edited and published by the small, yet dedicated group of volunteers in the Intersectional Voices in Editorial – Digital committee. Learn more about joining the IVEdit – Digital committee here. Your piece may have also been flagged by our editors and need a response from you before we can publish it. If this has happened, you will be contacted via Slack or email.

When will I know which Journey I’m in?

You will be informed the month before the cycle starts.

Will I be able to switch my Journey after enrollment?

Yes, you can switch Journeys up to 10 days into the cycle.

What if my mentee and I prefer to work informally?

Both of you must enroll in a Journey to be paired. For informal work, consider the Explore Tour or the Independent Study Journey.

What are the Journey requirements?

All mentors and mentees are expected to complete at least two pair sessions per month during each cycle and log them in the portal. Mentees must also submit at least one piece to their author page. Depending on the Journey, there are additional requirements such as attending community events, completing courses, and Journey assignments. These details are available on the Journey registration page and will also be shared during orientation.

What happens after a Journey ends?

There are no mandatory requirements after the cycle, but you may continue meeting with your pair if desired.

Do requirements apply to both mentor and mentee?

No, not all requirements apply to both. Your Journey Staff Lead will clarify during orientation.

How can I learn more about Journey requirements?

Your Journey Staff Lead will provide details during your orientation session.

Do I need to commit to a Journey in order to be paired as a mentor/mentee?

Yes, if you can’t commit to a Journey, you won’t be paired. Mentors can opt for low-touch mentoring options like Mentor on Demand.

What are Silver Members?

Silver Members are alumni not currently paired with a mentee or mentor and who do not participate in Journeys.

What is a Mentor on Demand?

A Mentor on Demand is a flexible mentoring option for those who want less involvement. MODs provide support to different mentees as needed, typically through one-off sessions focused on specific tasks, rather than a long-term pairing.

Can I be a Journey Mentor and a Mentor on Demand during the same cycle?

Journey Mentoring is a significant commitment, so we ask that Journey Mentors focus on their individual mentee for the cycle, but Journey Mentors are free to become Mentors on Demand if they would like to step away from Journeys for a cycle or longer. It’s a great way to stay connected to the community!

What if I have limited time to commit?

We recommend a minimum of 3 hours per month. If you can’t commit, consider low-touch mentoring options like Mentor on Demand.