How to Mentor Young Internet Writers - Mark Graham

In Chapter 11 of 19 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, editor and writer Mark Graham shares what he has learned about mentoring young Internet writers in his own senior editor role. First, he sits down with writers and reviews past work, given a draft review philosophy is often difficult in the deadline driven environment. Open and honest communication is critical and grounded by building trust. That time invested helps Graham differentiate where a young writer may need counseling and where they need encouragement. He finds some writers are better developing ideas and stories, whereas others need support finishing ideas. Graham is currently a senior editor at MTV Networks. Previously he worked in editing and writing roles at New York Magazine and Gawker Media. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in English.