Pick the Mentor, Not the Resume

I’m in the middle of picking a mentor for my MA in Creative Writing at Wilkes University, and they don’t make it a casual decision. The program has a thoughtful system: you interview three to five professors, then both you and the faculty rank your choices, and the dean plays matchmaker based on where there’s a good fit on both sides.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been deep in it—reading stories and novels by the professors on my list, and going down the occasional YouTube rabbit hole to see how they talk about writing and teaching. I’ve found myself noticing everything, from how they approach craft to the little things like what shows up behind them on a bookshelf, whether they casually mention mentoring, that sort of thing. It’s been equal parts interesting and a little overwhelming, if I’m being honest.

Here’s what I’m learning:

Choosing the right mentor isn’t about finding the most accomplished person in the room—it’s about finding someone whose strengths align with where you actually need to grow.

Start by getting specific about your gaps

If your stories stall out, look for someone strong in structure and pacing. If your prose feels flat, find a mentor with a sharp ear for language and voice. The best mentorships aren’t general—they’re targeted. A brilliant novelist won’t help much if what you really need is someone who can diagnose why your scenes lack tension.

Skill set matters, but teaching ability matters more

A great mentor can articulate what they’re doing on the page and why. They can break down craft into usable insights, not just say “this isn’t working.” Pay attention to how they give feedback: is it clear, actionable, and specific? Do you leave understanding how to improve, or just that something is wrong?

Equally important is fit

The right mentor pushes you without flattening your voice. They respect what you’re trying to do, even when they challenge how you’re doing it. If their feedback consistently steers you toward writing like them, rather than becoming more fully yourself, it’s not the right match.

Look for someone who understands process, not just product

Writing isn’t only about producing good pages—it’s about developing habits, resilience, and revision skills. A strong mentor helps you navigate uncertainty, not just polish what’s already working.

Choose someone whose career or practice you genuinely respect—but don’t idealize

You’re not looking for a hero. You’re looking for a guide who can meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and intention.

My advice: The best mentor doesn’t just improve a single piece of writing—they change how you approach the work altogether. I’ll be working with my mentor for the next two semesters, and I'll let you know how things work out for me…