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One of the best ways to succeed in business is to learn from others. Here’s how to tell if a writing mentor is any good.

Why make all the mistakes yourself if you can learn from those who have already made them? Why go about starting a writing business* yourself when there are freelance writers who have succeeded before you. Many of those freelancers are available as writing mentors to help you craft your own path.

There are plenty of writing mentors out there, but you need to find the best option for you. It’s important to find someone who can deliver results, and help you become the best freelance writer possible.

Here’s how you can tell if a mentor is someone worth investing in. After all, that’s what this is: an investment into your business.

They’ve done it themselves

Okay, so not all writers are comfortable with sharing their exact earnings every year. In fact, it’s a dangerous position to put yourself in when it comes to sharing income. You have no idea who could be tracking you, and it’s easy to become a victim of financial crime.

But, you need to know that a freelance writing mentor has made a successful career for him or herself. The best way to do that is to look at the reviews or feedback for that person as a writer. You can also look at the places that person has written. It’s also worth looking at whether it’s a full-time job or a side hustle. If they’re doing this full-time and keeping a roof over their heads, there are chances that they’re a success.

They’ve helped others succeed

This can be difficult since one person needs to put their trust in that mentor to begin with. The person may have just started out as a freelance writing mentor and have no testimonials. Does that mean the mentor isn’t any good?

No, but you may want to proceed with caution?

Creating the success for themselves is one thing, but great mentors are able to help replicate that success with their mentees. You need to know that the mentor has done that, especially if they’ve been in business for a number of years. Ask to see testimonials and look for reviews online to help.

They ask the right questions

What are the right questions? Well, there are a few that all freelance writing mentors should ask you. These questions help the mentor find out more about you and what you want to gain from this time. They also help the mentor see how dedicated you are to your passion to make sure it really is something that is worthwhile for you.

A good mentor will tell you honestly if your passion and drive aren’t really there—or you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.

Most of the questions will be asked before you even pay for your first session. They’re standard questions sent over email to find out more. If you’re not asked them, there is the chance that this isn’t the right freelance writing mentor for you.

A good mentor will want to set up a 10-15 minute discovery call. This is free and a chance to find out more about you and whether you’re suited for each othr.

MORE: 5 tips to raise your writing rates

Are you in search of a freelance writing mentor? Get in touch to see how I could help you.