Helping future stars of Canadian literature shine bright

The Writers’ Trust Rising Stars program is a dynamic career development initiative that invites five established authors to each select, endorse, and mentor one writer in the early stages of their career.  Recognizing that the cultural life of Canada depends on artists receiving coaching, support, and access, this program offers a career boost to authors who are already producing empathetic and incisive poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The program is generously supported by presenting sponsor BMO and program benefactors Clair Duff in memory of Catherine Shepard, 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 Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts, Rising Stars will attend a two-week, self-directed writing residency on the Toronto Islands. 

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.