This mentorship is designed to help genre fiction novelists complete the first 20k words of their novel or fully edit the first draft of their manuscript respectively. In three months, not only will you have either many words written or a fully revised draft of a manuscript, but you’ll also have a plan of attack for how to submit your work to literary agents, as well as lay the beginning groundwork for a career in the publishing industry.

Through rigorous yet achievable milestones/deadlines and bespoke, hands-on developmental guidance, my goal is to give you a taste of what it’s like to be a working, professional novelist. 

I’m Peter Malone Elliott, a critically acclaimed genre novelist and screenwriter, as well as a vastly experienced developmental editor/publishing professional. Most recently, I was the author of Blue Ridge, released in January 2024 from Level Best Books. Before that, I was a “Best Screenwriting, Motion Picture” nominee at the 2022 Leo Awards for Wired Shut.

I was the Director of Book Pipeline, a highly successful author discovery platform. Through three writing contests, I launched up-and-coming authors into the traditional publishing landscape. I was the sole person responsible for editing winning authors' manuscripts and then crafting bespoke submission packages on their behalf to send to my curated list of literary agents and acquiring editors. More importantly, though, I collaborated with these authors for the long haul, acting as a long-term career coach/advocate who helped them forge long-lasting strategies to excel both creatively and economically in an increasingly difficult-to-navigate publishing landscape. Also, I helped facilitate winning authors’ transition into the film/TV industry, assisting them in securing representation, advising them on how to best pitch their material to development executives, and even guiding them on adapting their manuscripts into screenplays. Book Pipeline authors often referred to me as their "pre-agent agent," which was a title that I embraced wholeheartedly!

Published genre fiction titles that I’ve worked on include Under Color of Law by Aaron Philip Clark (2021, Thomas & Mercer/Amazon); Unrelenting by Jessi Honard and Marie Parks (2022, Not a Pipe Publishing); A Fragile Woman by Ciara Duggan (2023, Phantom House Press); Kill for Love by Laura Picklesimer (2023, Unnamed Press); and the forthcoming The Woman in the Waves by Camille Booker (2025, Hawkeye Books). 

Literary agencies that I’ve helped my clients secure representation with include Birch Literary, Carol Mann Agency, Carnicelli Literary Management, Howland Literary, Jean V. Naggar Literary, Talcott Notch Literary, The Rights Factory, and United Talent Agency (UTA).  

Who this mentorship is for:

This mentorship will be most beneficial for authors who already have a firm grasp of the basics of the fiction writing craft, but are seeking a fun yet challenging, accelerator-type program to provide them with the motivation, accountability, and guidance to create a new work or edit an existing one.

It is a one-on-one program, so each mentorship will be tailored specifically to you and your project. However, all submission deadlines and requirements are firm–so don’t apply if you are not fully committed to the program!

By the end of our time together, you will:

• For authors who want to start a new manuscript (Track #1): 
• Have 20k total words completed
• Have a curated list of literary agents to query once your manuscript is complete
• For authors who want to edit an already existing manuscript (Track #2):
• Have a developmentally edited full manuscript
• Have a compelling yet concise draft of a submission query letter 

Mentor’s Input:

• Initial video chat consultation
• Track #1: must come prepared with a logline and/or outline for their novel
• Track #2: must come prepared with a completed, full manuscript and be able to discuss their story in-depth.
• Bespoke plan-of-action and accountability schedule (with recommended readings/viewings of comp titles).
• Monthly email check-ins
• Editorial feedback: critique letters and in-line comments.
• Wrap-up video chat consultation
• Moral support.

Mentees’ Responsibilities:

• Hit all writing deadlines and turn in work on time.
• Participate in all email check-ins and video chat consultations
• Read and watch all suggested readings and/or viewings
• Be open to constructive, honest feedback and fully committed to the process

3 Month Mentorship Outline:

Month 1:

• Track #1
• Initial video chat consultation, where we discuss your logline/outline for your work, construct a bespoke plan-of-action for drafting, and select recommended readings/viewings for comp titles (Up to 60 minutes)
• Writing packet #1 (first 10k words) due at end of month

• Track #2
• Initial video chat consultation, where we discuss your first draft, areas of your story that you think you might need work, and general industry expectations for your genre (up to 60 minutes). NOTE: At the end of this consultation, you will email me your full, completed manuscript.
• Feedback on first half of manuscript delivered by end of month

Month 2:

• Track #1
• Feedback on writing packet #1 delivered; questions on feedback answered via email
• Writing packet #2 (second 10k words) due at end of month

• Track #2
• Questions on feedback of first half of manuscript answered via email
• Feedback on second half of manuscript delivered by end of month

Month 3:

• Track #1
  • Feedback on writing packet #2 delivered; questions on feedback answered via email
  • Curated list of literary agents to submit to once manuscript is complete delivered by end of month
  • Wrap-up video chat consultation (up to 60 minutes)
• Track #2
  • Questions on feedback of second half of manuscript answered via email
  • A personalized query letter for your manuscript delivered by end of month
  • Wrap-up video chat consultation (up to 60 minutes)

PRAISE FOR PETER MALONE ELLIOTT:

“BLUE RIDGE is briskly plotted and smartly structured, moving back and forward in time without making a single confusing or gratuitous move. And even while keeping the cast of characters blessedly small, the story still manages to offer surprises and twists. (I actually gasped a few times, but I might be an easy mark.)…BLUE RIDGE will grip readers seeking a tense and evocative tale of big feelings, sparely expressed, and bigger sacrifices.”

—Annie Berke, Washington City Paper

"Elliott delivers this story in a way that is fast-moving and vivid. He brilliantly develops this unusual fraternal relationship by giving both Cillian’s and Christopher’s perspectives through most of the book. The flashbacks to the night that severed the brother’s relationship, paralleled with the current mystery of Christopher’s murder, allows readers to gradually put the pieces together and experience suspense at the end of every chapter. For readers looking for a shocking, fast-paced psychological thriller with an ending that they will never see coming, BLUE RIDGE is a must-read."

—Madeline Suarez, BookTrib

“...the film makes for an intimate drama-thriller involving a daughter who has been wronged by her father and that father wanting to be better. Let alone that this dramatic element makes for a compelling dynamic, it also serves to present an intriguing twist on the home invasion genre.”

—Michael Pemental, Bloody Disgusting (review of WIRED SHUT)

“…WIRED SHUT manages to keep things moving, never dragging out a chase or hide-and-seek for two minutes longer than it needs to. It’s a great accomplishment in indie horror.”

—Vogue Horror

"Peter Malone Elliott is a writer's best friend, best secret weapon, and all-around best one-man support system! The enthusiasm and positivity with which he approaches projects make you believe in yourself and your work no matter what stage it's in. Whether you're in the initial brainstorming muddle on a screenplay or are fine-tuning a novel manuscript for the hundredth time, Peter brings a wealth of technical experience and expertise along with an incredibly valuable big-picture industry view. He is fun to work with as well - extremely engaging and knowledgeable, precise and thoughtful with edits and comments, and very quick to respond to fragile writer-ego concerns with kindness and unflagging encouragement. "

—Melissa Duge Spiers, Author & Screenwriter

"Peter has an expert eye for story. Not only is he a talent in crafting his own books and screenplays, but he also has a unique ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the work of others. Speaking from experience, he will elevate your story from average to excellent with his keen sense of pacing, structure, character, and emotional resonance. Your story is in good hands with Peter."

—Ciara Duggan, Novelist & Screenwriter

Click HERE to Apply Now.

TUITION PAYMENT:

Full Tuition for the 3-month program is $2,400. Accepted writers must commit to the full three months and meet all assigned deadlines. You can pay the tuition in full or opt for equal monthly payments by selecting Shop Pay or Affirm at checkout. If you decide to create a monthly payment plan using Shop Pay or Affirm, you can do so once you add "Full Tuition" to your cart, enter your contact information, and are on the payment page. Because the mentorship is limited enrollment, no refunds are granted after the program start date. You can see our full refund policy here.

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