Applications for IALA’s 2025 mentorship program are open

International Armenian Literary AllianceMarch 4, 2025Last Updated: March 4, 2025

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The International Armenian Literary Alliance’s fifth annual mentorship program will run from July 1 through August 31, 2025, with mentorships for writers of the novel, short story, memoir, creative nonfiction and poetry, as well as literary translation from both Armenian into English and English into Armenian. Mentors will read and provide feedback on their mentee’s writing and speak virtually with their mentee throughout the program to discuss the writing life, the mentee’s work and how to navigate the publishing industry. At the end of the program, IALA will host an Emerging Writers Showcase to give mentees the opportunity to read their work.

“Any organization striving for longevity must actively cultivate and uplift emerging voices. IALA—a literary hub for Armenian writers who harness the English language as a powerful tool for expression—is uniquely equipped to do just that,” says IALA’s mentorship program director Shahé Mankerian. “For the past four years, IALA’s mentorship program has connected emerging writers across the globe, providing a platform and expert guidance from distinguished literary voices. As the director of the mentorship program, I take great pride in witnessing 48 writers grow and evolve through this initiative, each embarking on a promising literary journey. I eagerly anticipate welcoming a new cohort of writers who will add their voices to this ever-expanding community, building on the legacy of those who came before them.”

Last year, six new published authors joined IALA’s signature program and six returned as mentors. Over the years, mentors have included Nancy Agabian, Nyri Bakkalian, Tina Demirdjian, Ariel Djanikian, Arminé Iknadossian, Nancy Kricorian, Dawn Anahid MacKeen, Markar Melkonian, Gina Srmabekian, Meline Toumani, Patricia Ward and Aida Zilelian, among others.

This year, IALA has expanded its translation mentorship to those translating English texts into Armenian—previously offered only to Armenian to English translators like 2024 IALA mentee Norayr Manvelyan.

“The IALA Mentorship Program gave me a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of English and Armenian languages in the scope of my translation work, meet my wonderful mentor Jennifer Manoukian and create a network of like-minded, bright translators and writers. Translation is all about constant learning, and it’s always rewarding to have a skilled guide illuminating your translation journey,” says Manvelyan.

Applications for IALA’s 2025 mentorship program are now open through March 30, 2025. Learn more and apply here.

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International Armenian Literary Alliance

The International Armenian Literary Alliance is a nonprofit organization launched in 2021 that supports and celebrates writers by fostering the development and distribution of Armenian literature in the English language. A network of Armenian writers and their champions, IALA gives Armenian writers a voice in the literary world through creative, professional, and scholarly advocacy.