The KSMO SCBWI Writer Mentorship focus for 2027 is Nonfiction with author and local Kansas/Missouri SCBWI PAL member Stephanie Bearce!
Unlock the next level of your writing career! The Kansas/Missouri SCBWI Chapter is thrilled to announce that acclaimed author and local PAL member Stephanie Bearce will serve as our nonfiction mentor for the upcoming program. Whether you write Picture Books, Middle Grade, or Young Adult, this intensive six-month mentorship is designed to elevate your manuscript and polish your publishing potential.
Eligibility Requirements
- Who: Open to all current KSMO SCBWI Premium Members who have two or fewer books under contract in PB, MG, or YA, and have not previously won a KSMO SCBWI mentorship. (Please note, if you are a preview user or preview plan user, you will not be eligible for this mentorship program.)
- Application Window: October 1–31, 2026
What You Win The selected mentee will work one-on-one with Stephanie Bearce from January 1 through June 30, 2027.
- The mentee may work on either:
- Picture Book (PB): Full manuscript revision and refinement.
- Middle Grade (MG) & Young Adult (YA): Full manuscript outline and first three chapters, plus hands-on guidance to construct a complete, agent-ready proposal packet.
- Comprehensive Editorial Feedback: Up to three rounds of in-depth line edits and detailed editorial letters on your submitted manuscript or proposal.
- 4 One-on-One Zoom Sessions:
- Session 1: An initial deep-dive into your mentorship goals, timeline, and working relationship guidelines.
- Sessions 2–4: Scheduled check-ins throughout the six months to review edits, troubleshoot story arcs, and discuss your progress.
What to Submit Prepare two separate Word documents based on your target category:
- Picture Book (PB):
- Attachment 1: Your full manuscript.
- Attachment 2: A 1-page cover letter (see guidelines below).
- Middle Grade (MG) & Young Adult (YA):
- Attachment 1: Your full outline plus the first 3 chapters (up to 30 pages / 10,000 words maximum, double-spaced, 12 pt font).
- Attachment 2: A 1-page cover letter (see guidelines below).
Cover Letter Guidelines (1 Page Max): Include an optional query letter and/or a 1-page synopsis. To help Stephanie connect with you and your story, include a brief note (5–10 sentences max) highlighting one of the following:
- Where or how your idea came to you
- A fascinating detail you uncovered during research
- Personal experience or knowledge you bring that makes you uniquely qualified to tell this story
How to Apply (Blind Submission Guidelines) To ensure a fair evaluation, all submissions are judged anonymously. Failure to follow these formatting rules will result in disqualification.
- Use a Pseudonym/Nonsense Word: Do NOT include your real name or pen name anywhere on your cover letter or manuscript attachments. Replace your name with a unique nonsense word or phrase (e.g., Jabberwocky).
- File Naming: Save both Word attachments using your chosen nonsense word (e.g., Jabberwocky_CoverLetter.docx and Jabberwocky_Manuscript.docx).
- Email Submission: Send your email with both Word attachments to [email protected].
- Identify Yourself in the Body Only: Include your real name and your chosen nonsense word/phrase exclusively in the body of the email.
About the Mentor: Stephanie Bearce
Stephanie Bearce is the author of more than 40 books for children and young adults, ranging from history and science to mystery and adventure. Her work has been recognized with the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, nominated for the Black-Eyed Susan and Keystone state book awards, selected for the Indiana Read-Aloud List, and named to the NSTA Recommended Reading List.
In 2026, Stephanie celebrated the release of seven new books, including the six-book Gross Science series from Black Rabbit Books, which dives enthusiastically into the science of blood, poop, burps, farts, and other wonderfully disgusting topics kids love. She also released The Curse of the Lost Cave, the second book in her Raven Gallows Mystery series.
Stephanie is expanding into new territory in 2027. Repair Rebels, her young adult nonfiction book exploring repair culture and the people working to fix, reuse, and rethink our throwaway world, will be published by Quest Books. Her debut adult mystery novel will also be released in 2027.
A former educator, Stephanie loves creating books that spark curiosity, invite readers to investigate the world around them, and prove that learning is much more fun when there’s a little mystery, adventure, or gross science involved.