Multi Award-Winning & Bestselling Author
Bestselling twisty Mysteries infused with romance
Multi-Award-Winning Children’s Picture Books
Writing & publishing mentor to children’s authors
Events including Bookshops Schools, Libraries, & Festivals
Pauline Tait
Welcome to my website.
Where you can stay up to date with my writing news, latest releases, and tailored mentoring services.
I’m a multi-award-winning and bestselling author of children’s picture books and romantic mysteries. With a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, I offer expert mentoring to help authors at every stage of their journey, whether just starting out, building confidence, or exploring a new genre.
I am also the Editorial Manager of Writers’ Narrative, an international online magazine for writers of all genres.
Living and writing in rural Perthshire offers me the perfect backdrop of peace and inspiration. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to dramatic lochs, the beauty of the Scottish countryside never fails to fuel my creativity.
‘Pauline Tait is a spellbinding storyteller who leaves readers breathless.’
Twisty Mysteries Infused with Romance & Suspense
Where women overcome challenges, discover their inner strength, and find love along the way.
Twisty Mysteries Infused with Romance and Suspense…
I’m a bestselling and multi-award-winning author of twisty mysteries infused with romance and suspense.
I write about ordinary women overcoming extraordinary challenges, finding love, and discovering their inner strength.
My novels are packed with danger, secrets, and unexpected twists, all set against the stunning backdrops of Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and the Colorado mountains..
Blending suspense with heartfelt romance, my books offer a unique blend of danger and emotion, inviting readers to navigate challenges, find love, and embrace the possibilities of new beginnings.
‘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…
I’m 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, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful stories can be in helping young minds grow. With years of experience in children’s literacy, I craft my 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, my books focus on the positive values of friendship, kindness, thoughtfulness, and staying true to yourself. I want to create stories that not only entertain but also inspire children to connect with others and embrace their own unique qualities.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see my books succeed worldwide, reaching and inspiring young readers across the globe. I’m thankful 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 I Offer and How I Work…
I work 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 their story, finding and working with an illustrator, sorting their internal layout, or making sure their cover meets publishing standards, I provide practical support every step of the way.
I work with authors who are new to writing, those moving into children’s books from another genre, and those looking for support in specific areas. My background in supporting children with literacy, combined with my publishing experience, means I understand both how to create stories that connect with young readers and how to produce books that meet professional standards.
My clients are based around the world, and I’m proud that my mentoring services are recommended by agents, publishers, bookshops, and others in the publishing community.
I also support illustrators who want guidance on publishing-specific requirements. I don’t encroach on their illustration or creative practices. Instead, we focus on nailing the all-important front and rear covers, internal layouts, and the technical specifications specific to 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
£150 per 1hr Session
One-hour mentoring sessions are ideal for authors who need specific guidance on their author journey or support in ensuring their manuscript meets the accepted & expected standards of children’s publishing.
I work with authors on:
- the techy specs every picture book writer should know
- character development
- vocabulary
- the power of illustrations, covers, and internal layout
- preparing to submit to agents and publishers
- preparing to self-publish
I also work with illustrators on specific areas of cover design and internal layouts.
Signature Six-Week Programme
£1250
I guide authors through six weekly online Zoom sessions covering the key aspects of writing and publishing a children’s picture book.
As well as the six weekly online Zoom sessions, authors also receive:
- two 1:1 Mentoring Sessions where we delve into their own unique author journey and manuscript
- two months of email support on completion of the six-week programme
What makes this programme especially valuable is that everything authors learn about writing and publishing to traditional standards can be used for future books.
Tailored 1:1 Guidance
Price is based on author’s needs
I work 1:1 with authors over several months, guiding them through their unique journey, from draft manuscript to finding and working with an illustrator, all the way to publication.
We work together to ensure:
- their manuscript meets traditionally published standards
- they find an illustrator, and I provide guidance throughout the collaboration if needed
- their cover and internal layout are to traditional standards
- they understand the key publishing options to make informed decisions
- they are prepared for publication
I can only work a few authors at a time in this way, so spaces are limited.
CONTACT ME
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’s nothing I love more than stepping into schools, libraries, and bookshops to share stories and inspire young readers and writers.
With a background in primary literacy, I tailor each visit to suit the age and stage of the children, from nursery to Primary 7, always aiming to leave them buzzing with ideas.
School events include a reading from one of my award-winning picture books, followed by either a Q&A covering writing, illustration, publishing and life as an author, or a creative writing workshop focused on building exciting characters, complete with a visual presentation and engaging follow-on activities. Bookmarks and activity sheets are included for children to enjoy later, and books are available at a discounted rate. I am always happy to sign and personalise them.
I offer flexible options, from a single session to a full-day visit, and can adapt to your school timetable. Travel is often included, but longer journeys may carry a small cost.
Library and bookshop events are just as much fun, often with fairy crafts, colouring sheets, and story time magic. I also offer 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…
I also love visiting bookshops and book groups to chat with adult readers about my novels. Whether it’s an informal Q&A, a reading, or a behind-the-scenes look at my writing process, I’m always happy to tailor the session to suit your group.
These events are a lovely chance to connect, share stories, and talk all things books, from characters and inspiration to the twists and turns that keep readers turning the page.
I’m always up for an honest chat about writing, publishing, and the real-life moments that shape the stories I write.