The Writers' Trust Rising Stars program is a dynamic career development initiative that recognizes five Canadian authors at the onset of their careers who are poised to produce exceptional and enduring creative work. Rising Stars are selected, endorsed, and mentored by five prominent Canadian authors. The program is generously supported by presenting sponsor BMO and program benefactor, Clair Duff, in memory of Catherine Shepard. WT Rising Stars has also been sustained by Margaret Atwood, Balsillie Family Foundation, Kari Cullen and William Bonnell, Deb MacLeod and Ward Sellers, and John Terry and Lisa Rochon.
In addition to the mentorship opportunity with their selector, each Rising Star receives $5,000 and access to a series of career development and networking events. Thanks to Writers’ Trust’s partnership with Artscape Gibraltar Point, 2023 Rising Stars will attend a two-week, self-directed writing residency.
Writers' Trust Rising Stars mentorships are tailored to each pair of writers and can take many forms, including manuscript review, in-depth conversations on the craft of writing, concept consultation on works in development, and important introductions to agents and editors. Rising Stars and their mentors have the flexibility to negotiate how to allot their mentorship hours, taking into consideration individual needs, the status of current works-in-progress, and mentors’ strengths and experience.
