Pitch Wars … 2021 Mentor Picks!

Banner of a campsite with Poe in a mask with a sign reading “2021 Pitch Wars Mentees.”

It’s been another challenging year, and we hope you all are doing well. We’ve had mentors who had to step down from mentoring due to work or family issues, but we also had mentors agree to take on another mentee to make up for those vacant spots. So, rest assured no matter which mentors you submitted your application to, your story was read and given a fair chance.

Our mentors were obsessing over all the talented applicants who applied for a mentorship this year, and they gave careful consideration when deciding their picks. They were sad to see that so many wonderful manuscripts couldn’t be chosen. Remember reading and liking a story is subjective, and mentors chose the one manuscript that grabbed their heart. One, that after reading, they couldn’t forget. Couldn’t pass up. With that said, they have finally chosen their mentees!

Please know that mentors are not required to send feedback to those who submitted to them. Our mentors have their own books to write, mentees to mentor, jobs, and family life not to mention the added stress of a pandemic and in some cases a divided country. Some will have the time to send feedback and some will not. Please don’t pester mentors for feedback in their emails, their sites, or on social media. If you get feedback, it’s a bonus.

Ayana Gray

Ayana Gray (Managing Director): Wow! The year is almost over and another class of Pitch Wars has officially been introduced! Firstly, a massive thank you to the entire Pitch Wars Committee for the amazing work you all did behind the scenes to make this entire process seamless. Secondly, thank you SO much to everyone who submitted a manuscript to Pitch Wars this year. What you’ve done in completing an entire manuscript is an accomplishment in and of itself, and you should be so proud! I know that some of you are facing disappointment if you didn’t get the news you were hoping for this time, but please don’t look at this as a rejection. Rather, consider this a part of your writerly journey. Mentors can only choose one manuscript from the hundreds they receive, and truly agonize to make their choice. Always remember that Pitch Wars—and, in fact, any writing mentorship program—is only one path to publication. There are any number of successful authors who weren’t selected as Pitch Wars mentees and have since gone on to enjoy incredible careers! To the Pitch Wars Class of 2021, I am so happy for you and proud of you, and am wishing each of you a wonderful experience!! We are here for you through every step of this journey, and we are cheering for you!

Brenda Drake

Brenda Drake (Founding Director): I’ve been rejected SO many times, I know how it stings. Many times I’ve entered contests and wasn’t chosen. There was never a Pitch Wars for me. I’ve been rejected (a lot), had to end a relationship with an agent, and had to end a publishing deal that wasn’t the best for me. We all fail some and win some, but as long as we continue, our dreams can be realized. I’m still learning (and failing). It takes so much courage to share your work with others. I’m so happy you did! Congratulations on finishing a manuscript and for being brave enough to send it to us! My wish for you is to keep going, never give up, and gather friends who will cry and celebrate with you through the battles and victories along the way.

And here is the Pitch Wars Class of 2021 …

Adult/New Adult

Middle Grade

Young Adult