The Safu Mentorship Program, previously known as the Safu Writing Fellowship, is a mentorship program initiated by Safu to support emerging writers and storytellers. The mentorship will pair selected participants with an editor to help them get their manuscript or graphic layout ready for publication. The mentorship is more than just editorial support, participants will also be able to benefit from the experience of their mentors in the writing profession and within the creative industries. 

The mentorship is free. Women, gender non-conforming people, people from marginalized communities and those who are fluent in a language of Nepal other than Nepali are strongly encouraged to apply. Our work is rooted in creating safe spaces that are inclusive to different genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and abilities. 

Safu is an independent publishing house based out of Lalitpur, Nepal. Participation in the mentorship program does not guarantee publication, however, Safu will consider all manuscripts and graphic layouts for publication after the completion of the mentorship and may make an offer for publication. 

The Safu Mentorship Program will accept submissions in the following genres: fiction, nonfiction, graphic fiction, graphic nonfiction, short story anthology, and poetry. 

To apply, applicants are required to fill out this form and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Submit a minimum 20,000 word draft of their incomplete manuscript
• Submit a complete manuscript for any kind of prose
• Submit at least 40 poems
• Submit thumbnails, layouts or illustrations for at least the first 30 pages of any graphic or illustrated story

The deadline for submission for this year's mentorship is May 31, 2024. Based on the submissions, editors will choose the participant(s) they want to work with. They will then build out a meeting and work schedule. The mentorship itself will be for a minimum of four months but can go on for longer at the editor and participant’s discretion. This year’s mentorship program will end in December 2024. 

During the mentorship, participants will work with an editor to get their graphic narrative or manuscript ready for publication. The mentorship can be concluded at any point, at the discretion of the writer and editor. Writers are expected to adhere to mutually agreed upon timelines and tasks during the mentorship. The writer can ask Safu to be paired with another more suitable editor if deemed necessary. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I apply for the fellowship?
You can click this LINK to apply.

What is the Safu Mentorship Program?
The Safu Mentorship Program, previously known as the Safu Writing Fellowship, is a mentorship program initiated by Safu to support emerging writers and illustrators.

What is the objective of this mentorship?
The mentorship was started to help writers struggling with their story and manuscript by providing guidance, supervision, and editorial mentorship.

Will this mentorship be in-person or virtual?
This mentorship will be in-person, but a hybrid format can also be arranged. 

Who can apply?
Serious writers and storytellers from any nationality who are looking to publish their works.

I am from a different country, can I still apply for the mentorship program?
Yes, you can apply for the mentorship program! If you are selected, meetings can take place online. 

What are the submission criteria?
The Safu Mentorship Program will accept submissions in the following genres: fiction, nonfiction, graphic fiction, graphic nonfiction, short story anthology, and poetry. 

To apply, applicants are required meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Submit a minimum 20,000 word draft of their incomplete manuscript
• Submit a complete manuscript for any kind of prose
• Submit at least 40 poems
• Submit thumbnails, layouts or illustrations for at least the first 30 pages of any graphic or illustrated story

In which languages can I submit my work?
You can submit your writings in English, and any language of Nepal.  

I have published some stories/poems in my blog and on online portals before, can I submit them for the mentorship program?
Unfortunately, no. We only accept unpublished works.

Who are the editorial mentors?
Our team of editorial mentors has been in the writing and publishing business for a long time. They are:

Anagha Neelakantan is a writer and editor in a variety of genres and is based in Kathmandu. 

Pranab Man Singh is a writer and an assistant editor at La.Lit. He is the founder of Quixote’s Cove. 

Pranaya Rana is a Kathmandu-based writer and journalist. He has published a collection of short stories, City of Dreams: Stories, and currently writes Off the Record, a weekly current events newsletter.

Prateebha Tuladhar is a journalist-on-sabbatical. She has taught at Asian universities and is involved in the conservation sector. She lives in a village in Kathmandu. She talks to dogs and trees during her walks.

Prawin Adhikari is the author of The Vanishing Act and an assistant editor at La.Lit. He has translated works of fiction and nonfiction between Nepali and English, written screenplays, and published retellings of folk tales.

Rajani Thapa is a writer and editor based in Kathmandu. She writes fiction and is a contributing editor at La.Lit.

Raül Tidor is a script and screenwriter, educator, and creative director based in Barcelona (and sometimes in Patan). He has been involved in lots of projects involving creativity and storytelling, from animation and documentaries to comic books, advertisements, and street art.

Samrat Upadhyay is the author of Arresting God in Kathmandu and several other books of fiction, including forthcoming novel Darkmotherland. He teaches creative writing at Indiana University.

Suvani Singh is an editor and the publisher at Safu. 

Do we need to pay for this mentorship?
The mentorship is completely free of charge.

How will I know if I am one of the selected writers of the mentorship?
Safu will contact you via email or phone.

What is the timeline of the program?
The mentorship application deadline is on May 31, 2024. The mentorship will commence upon selection and can  continue until December 2024.

When is the deadline to apply for the mentorship?
The deadline is on May 31, 2024.