Mentoring
Mentoring
I offer structured mentoring for poets and writers who are serious about developing their craft and building a sustainable practice.
Our work together may focus on form, structure and technique; developing a cohesive body of work; strengthening revision skills; preparing submissions; or assembling a pamphlet or full collection. I also support writers with funding applications and career decisions.
Alongside close editorial feedback, I offer prompts, targeted reading, and practical strategies to help you:
build confidence and critical judgement
establish a sustainable writing practice
overcome stuckness and imposter syndrome
clarify your voice and artistic direction
work towards meaningful deadlines
My mentoring is rigorous, collaborative, and tailored to your aims.
One-Off Consultation
For manuscript feedback, career direction, or focused advice
A consultation is ideal if you would like detailed feedback on a small collection of work or clarity about your next steps.
Includes:
60-minute Zoom session
Feedback on up to 8 poems
Written follow-up summary by email
Recording of the session (optional)
Consultations are typically booked 2–3 weeks in advance. The session includes in-depth verbal feedback and discussion; the written follow-up summarises key recommendations and next steps.
Additional work or follow-up sessions can be booked separately.
Fee: £200
Intensive Development Mentoring (3 months)
For poets developing a pamphlet, preparing submissions, or consolidating a serious practice
A focused, three-month programme designed to deepen craft, sharpen editorial judgement, and build a coherent body of work.
Includes:
Six 60-minute Zoom sessions (fortnightly)
Detailed verbal feedback in sessions
Written in-text comments on up to 10 poems per month
Brief email check-ins between sessions
Optional submission strategy discussion
This programme is designed for writers ready to commit consistent time and attention to their work.
Fee: £1,080
Or three monthly payments of £360
Manuscript Development Mentoring (6-12 months)
For poets assembling a first or second collection, preparing for submission to magazines or publishers, or moving towards professional publication
This is sustained, in-depth mentoring for writers working towards a substantial artistic or publication goal. It offers continuity, accountability, and rigorous editorial development.
Includes:
Twelve 60-minute sessions (monthly or fortnightly)
Ongoing manuscript development
Detailed verbal and written feedback (including editorial notes)
Close reading of a full pamphlet or collection draft
Submission strategy and career guidance (residencies, prizes, positioning)
Fee: £2400
Or six payments of £400
Practical Details
Feedback is limited to the agreed number of poems per month. Additional work can be booked at my standard hourly rate.
Work must be sent at least five days before each session.
I respond to mentoring emails within three working days.
Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice are charged in full.
For 3- and 6-month mentoring, I ask for a short application (a small work sample and brief statement of your goals) before confirming a place.
Josephine Lay, poet and author
‘Kate Potts is an excellent editor. Her work on my manuscript was an enlightening process for me. Kate’s deft touches polished my poems and her critique was gentle and sympathetic to my voice. I'm thrilled with the results and would heartily recommend her as an editor or as a mentor for poets at all stages.'
John McCullough, poet
‘Kate Potts is a fantastically astute reader whose insightful critical eye and helpful suggestions have frequently been of great benefit to my development as a writer. Highly recommended.'
