Events & Workshops

The Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild is now accepting applications for apprentices and mentors for the 2027 Mentorship Program. This program allows developing writers (apprentices) to work in a supportive environment under the guidance of professional writers (mentors). The mentor provides the apprentice with one-on-one instruction in the craft of creative writing, and pairs will be in regular contact during the program. The program is open to writers in all genres and will be tailored to the apprentice's individual needs.

 

The program is perfect for emerging Saskatchewan writers ready to learn from an established writer and willing to work hard on their writing project under professional guidance.

 

The program to run from January 1 to April 30, 2027 and will include 3 pairings of mentors and apprentices. Mentorship pairs may work together virtually (i.e. video calls, email, phone calls), or in-person. Required meetings for all participants will be held via Zoom in early January, mid-February and early May. An in-person Apprentice Reading will be co-hosted with the BIPOC Mentorship program in May 2027 as a conclusion to the programs. There is no cost to apply for this program, and there are no participation fees.

 

Full program details and application guidelines are here. Please read carefully before applying.

 

To help the SWG support writers of diverse communities and identities, we encourage applicants to self-declare if they identify as a writer who is a member of group(s) experiencing marginalization and underrepresentation. (i.e. Black, Indigenous, or Person of Colour, 2SLGBTQ+, or Disability). BIPOC writers may also apply to the BIPOC Mentorship Program as mentors or apprentices, but will only be accepted into one program.

 

NEW in 2026: SWG’s Guiding Statement on Generative AI. We believe that the process of human interaction, creativity and encouragement has the most benefits for our apprentices and mentors. The use of Generative AI is not accepted during the creation, editing or feedback on writing, or jurying of apprentices, in this program.

 

Deadline: Applications must be emailed to programs@skwriter.com by Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (midnight).

 

Call for Mentors

The SWG is seeking experienced writers in all genres to participate in the Mentorship Program. Mentors who have participated in the program in the past are welcome to re-apply.

Three mentors will be selected based upon the following criteria:

• the possession of a significant body of published work
• experience as a teacher, workshop leader, mentor, writer-in-residence, or editor
• the ability to commit time (15-20 hours per month) during the four-month mentorship period
• Saskatchewan residency preferred. Out-of-province applicants must explain their connections to the Saskatchewan writing community in their application. Limited travel funds are available for travel in Saskatchewan to attend the Apprentice Reading.

 

Mentors will receive a fee of $2,800 for their participation from Jan 1 to April 30, 2027.

 

Complete information on how to apply to be a mentor is available here: https://skwriter.com/programs-and-services/mentorship-programs/mentorship-program  

 

Call for Apprentices

The SWG is seeking three emerging writers who wish to develop their skills in the craft of creative writing. Eligible applicants will meet the following criteria:

• a body of work of sufficient quality and quantity to benefit from the program;
• a work in progress that will be the basis of your work in the program. This work may not be created with the use of Generative AI;
• have not published a book or a book-length manuscript accepted for publication in the genre in which they wish to apprentice. This includes traditional, hybrid and self-published books. Chapbooks are not considered book-length publications;
• demonstrated their commitment to writing by having participated in some form of professional development (ex: workshops or classes, Manuscript Evaluation Service, working with a Writer-in-Residence, etc);
• a willingness to learn from an established writer, to consider feedback in a respectful manner and to work collaboratively on your educational goals;
• be free to devote a significant amount of time and commitment to the program, which is a minimum of 20-25 hours per month for four months. As this program offers a unique opportunity for development as a writer, past participants have recommended that future participants consider arranging their schedules so they can devote as much time as possible to it. Some previous apprentices have taken time off work or reduced their working hours in order to do so;
• Saskatchewan residency during the program and are 19 years of age or older.

 

Previous unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again; there is no limit to how many times a writer may apply to this program. Successful apprentices cannot apply to apprentice in the same genre in future years.

 

Complete information on how to apply to be an apprentice is available here: https://skwriter.com/programs-and-services/mentorship-programs/mentorship-program

 

The results of this competition will be announced in November. The decisions of the jury will be final. Jurors may choose not to make the entire four matches.

 

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