Multi Award-Winning & Bestselling Author
Emotional Suspense – Secrets, danger, and slow-burn desire
Children’s Picture Books
Writing & publishing mentor to children’s Authors
Schools, libraries, bookshops, festivals & author visits
Pauline Tait
Welcome to Pauline’s website.
Here you can stay up to date with her writing news, latest releases, and tailored mentoring services.
She is a multi-award-winning and bestselling author of children’s picture books and emotionally charged fiction for adults. With a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, she offers professional, supportive mentoring for children’s authors at every stage of their journey, whether finding their feet, growing in confidence, or exploring a new genre.
Her picture books are created to help young readers grow in confidence, with engaging stories, thoughtful layouts, and language that nurtures a love of reading.
Alongside her work in children’s literature, Pauline writes emotional, suspense-driven fiction set in Scotland and beyond. Her adult novels bring danger, healing, and slow-burn romance together as ordinary women face extraordinary challenges, exploring resilience, second chances, and the courage it takes to begin again.
Living and writing in rural Perthshire offers her the perfect backdrop of peace and inspiration. Surrounded by rolling hills and dramatic lochs, the beauty of the Scottish countryside continues to fuel her creativity.
‘Pauline Tait is a spellbinding storyteller who leaves readers breathless.’
Emotional Suspense
Secrets, danger, and slow-burn desire
Emotional Suspense
Pauline is a bestselling and multi-award-winning author of emotionally charged, contemporary fiction where danger, healing, and slow-burn romance collide as women fight to reclaim their lives.
She writes about ordinary women navigating extraordinary challenges, discovering resilience, inner strength, and love along the way.
Set against the dramatic landscapes of Scotland and the Colorado mountains, her novels explore the triumph of the human spirit, the courage it takes to embrace change, and the hope found in beginning again.
Through richly drawn characters and heartfelt, suspense-driven journeys, her stories invite readers into worlds shaped by secrets, danger, emotion, and slow-burn desire.
Her work will appeal to readers of Nora Roberts, Diane Chamberlain, and J.T. Ellison.
‘A beautifully written novel by an extremely talented writer.’
Step into the world of my children’s books…
Where friendship, wonder, and unforgettable characters await.
The Joy of Writing for Children
Children’s Picture Books…
Pauline is a multi-award-winning author of children’s picture books, filled with unforgettable characters, friendship, and adventure.
Having worked with children who needed extra support with literacy, she has seen firsthand how powerful stories can be in helping young minds grow. With years of experience in children’s literacy, she crafts her multi-award-winning picture books to spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and help children develop a love for reading and writing.
Through engaging characters and relatable themes, her books focus on the positive values of friendship, kindness, thoughtfulness, and staying true to yourself. She aims to create stories that not only entertain but also inspire children to connect with others and embrace their own unique qualities.
It has been incredibly rewarding to see her books succeed worldwide, reaching and inspiring young readers across the globe. She is grateful for the opportunity to share these stories and for the continued support that has helped them grow.
‘The Fairy in the Kettle is, by far, one of the most wonderful children’s books I have read or reviewed.’
‘A Life of Their Own is an unforgettable novel. I admire and respect Pauline Tait’s artistry and can not wait to read more of her work.’
Mentoring for Children’s Authors
‘I can’t thank Pauline enough for her incredible knowledge, insight, and direction into anything children’s book related. I always feel completely at ease, where no question is too big or small.’
What Pauline Offers and How She Works…
Pauline works with children’s authors at all stages of their journey, from their first idea or draft manuscript through to publication and beyond. Whether it’s shaping a story, finding and working with an illustrator, developing the internal layout, or ensuring the cover meets publishing standards, she provides practical support every step of the way.
She mentors authors who are new to writing, those moving into children’s books from another genre, and those looking for support in specific areas. Her background in supporting children with literacy, combined with her publishing experience, means she understands how to create stories that connect with young readers and how to produce books that meet professional standards.
Her clients are based around the world, and she is proud that her mentoring services are recommended by agents, publishers, bookshops, and others in the publishing community.
She also supports illustrators who want guidance on publishing-specific requirements. She never encroaches on their illustration or creative practice; instead, she helps them focus on the all-important front and rear covers, internal layouts, and the technical specifications required in the traditional publishing world.
Authors who have worked with me have won awards, held events at Waterstones, and have their books on Waterstones shelves.
1:1 Mentoring Sessions
£175 per 1hr Session
These one-hour mentoring sessions offer focused, professional guidance for authors who want clarity, confidence, and reassurance as they develop their picture book or prepare for publication.
Sessions are tailored to your individual author journey and can focus on ensuring your manuscript meets the accepted and expected standards of children’s publishing.
Pauline works with authors on:
- the technical specifications every picture book writer should understand
- character development
- vocabulary and language choices
- the role of illustrations, covers, and internal layout
- preparing to submit to agents and publishers
- preparing to self-publish to professional standards
Pauline also works with illustrators on aspects of cover design and internal layouts that relate specifically to publishing requirements.
Sessions are held via Zoom and booked online at a time that suits you.
Signature Six-Week Professional Mentoring Programme
£1450
This six-week professional mentoring programme is designed for picture book authors who want a clear, confident understanding of how children’s books are written, illustrated, and published to traditional standards.
Over six weekly online Zoom sessions, Pauline guides authors through the craft, technical knowledge, and publishing understanding every picture book writer is expected to know but is rarely taught.
In addition to the weekly mentoring sessions, authors receive:
- Two 1:1 Mentoring Sessions, focused on their individual author journey and manuscript
- Two months of email support following the completion of the six-week experience
Everything covered is grounded in traditional publishing standards and can be applied not only to the manuscript you bring to the programme, but to every picture book you write in the future.
Tailored 1:1 Author Mentoring
£3,750
By application
This is a highly personalised mentoring option for authors seeking sustained, one-to-one professional guidance from draft manuscript through to publication.
Pauline works closely with a small number of authors over several months, supporting their individual journey and offering considered, practical guidance at every stage of the process.
This tailored mentoring provides support with:
- developing a manuscript that meets traditionally published standards
- finding and working with an illustrator, with guidance throughout the collaboration if needed
- ensuring cover design and internal layout meet professional publishing expectations
- understanding publishing routes and making informed decisions
- preparing confidently for publication
Because of the depth and level of support involved, Pauline can only work with one or two authors at a time in this way.
This option is designed for authors who want a fully supported, professional mentoring relationship over several months.
Payment plans are available, and places are strictly limited.
Enquiries about tailored mentoring
All enquiries are personally reviewed, and Pauline aims to respond within 24 hours during the working week.
Would you like to chat about how I can support you on your writing and publishing journey?
Schedule a 15-Minute Discovery Zoom Call
Events
An interactive School visit. Pupils have whiteboards and are creating their own engaging characters in preparation for writing their stories.
‘Pauline read so beautifully to the children of Coupar Angus Primary School…’
‘We had a marvellous visit from Pauline Tait at Inch View Primary School…’
Author Visits & Events…
There is nothing Pauline loves more than stepping into schools, libraries, and bookshops to share her stories and inspire young readers and writers.
With a background in primary literacy, she tailors each visit to suit the age and stage of the children, from nursery to Primary 7, always aiming to leave them buzzing with ideas.
She offers two types of school author visits:
- She reads from one of her award-winning picture books before opening to a Q&A or informal chat about writing, working with an illustrator, the publishing process, getting books into bookshops, and life as an author.
- Her creative writing lesson on building engaging characters includes a visual presentation and has been highly successful. It provides a strong foundation in storytelling and story structure, designed to inspire children and build their confidence in their own writing. Drawing on her experience working in schools with children who needed extra-curricular literacy support, she tailors each session to specific stages and learning needs, making it both accessible and enjoyable. This session is best suited to Primaries 1 to 4.
Bookmarks and activity sheets are included for children to enjoy later, and her books are available to purchase at a discounted rate. She is always happy to sign and personalise copies.
She offers flexible options, from a single session to a full-day visit, and can adapt to the school timetable. Travel is often included, though longer journeys may carry a small additional cost.
Library and bookshop events are just as much fun, often featuring fairy crafts, colouring sheets, and story-time magic. She also offers a limited number of charitable library visits each year.
‘The kids and staff really enjoyed your visit! We had a parent council meeting tonight and a P7 boy spoke about how much he had enjoyed your visit! He had thought it would be babyish as the book is about fairies! He had learned loads! Thank you for taking the time to visit us today.’
Author Events for Adults…
Pauline also enjoys visiting bookshops and book groups to chat with adult readers about her novels. Whether it is an informal Q&A, a reading, or a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process, she is always happy to tailor the session to suit each group.
These events offer a lovely opportunity to connect, share stories, and talk all things books, from characters and inspiration to the moments that stay with readers long after the final page.
Pauline is always open to an honest conversation about writing, publishing, and the experiences and inspirations behind the stories she creates.