How My Signature Six-Week Professional Mentoring Programme Works
‘If you’re looking for guidance on writing children’s books, I wholeheartedly recommend Pauline Tait. Her expertise and wisdom is invaluable, and will provide you with the perfect toolkit to create your own children’s book. A fabulous morning, and the mentoring was like gold dust!’
The mentoring programme is carefully structured across six weeks, with each week focusing on a key aspect of picture book writing and publishing
Week 1 – Foundations and planning
The technical specifications every picture book writer should understand before writing the first word. Knowing your audience and planning your picture book with confidence.
Week 2 – Vocabulary and language
Age-appropriate language choices, the do’s and don’ts of vocabulary, and the importance of oral flow in picture books.
Week 3 – Character development
Creating engaging, believable characters that young readers connect with and remember.
Week 4 – Writing through illustration
Understanding the relationship between text and illustration. When to use single and double-page spreads, setting pace and tone through illustration, finding and working with an illustrator, and developing strong front and rear covers.
Week 5 – Preparing for publication
Submitting to agents and publishers, understanding the different publishing routes available, and making informed decisions about the right path for your book.
Week 6 – Publication and beyond
What happens after publication, including interviews, blog tours, and the essential housekeeping every author should understand.
Alongside the weekly sessions, authors receive two 1:1 mentoring sessions focused on their own manuscript and journey, plus two months of follow-up email support, providing guidance and clarification related to the programme content and the author’s current picture book project.
Email support is designed to offer thoughtful guidance as authors apply what they’ve learned. Authors are encouraged to group related questions together rather than sending multiple emails, allowing for considered, meaningful responses. Replies are provided within a reasonable timeframe and focus on questions relevant to the programme content and the author’s current stage of development.
‘Pauline is so encouraging and knowledgeable, I highly recommend her to guide and mentor you on your authoring books for children adventure.’
‘Pauline’s experience in primary literacy is also invaluable when it comes to understanding what children need from a book and what motivates them to read.’
I attended a masterclass on writing children’s books with Pauline Tait a couple of months back and it blew me away. In such a short period of time, she made it all so clear, so DOable, and I left feeling inspired and clear on the steps I would need to take.