Coaching & Mentoring

Picture Book Circle

A unique hands-on workshop with just 6 writers and Chitra Soundar to help create, edit and prepare two picture book manuscripts for submission.

In this circle, you will have coaching, feedback on two of your PB manuscripts from Chitra and your peers. You will also have plenty of time for Q&A about the industry, finding agents, submitting process, understanding contracts and royalties and more.

Fees: £350/- per person for 6 sessions.

Duration and Timings:

Each PB circle is 6 sessions of 2 hours each.

The next PB Circle commences Wednesday 3rd September 2 pm - 4 pm (UK time) for 6 weeks (03 Sep, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 1st Oct, 8th Oct)

Mode: Via Zoom

Suitable for beginners who have started writing their early manuscripts, and emerging writers who have published less than 3 picture books. Also suitable for advanced fiction writers who want to publish picture books.

THIS CIRCLE IS NOW CLOSED FOR BOOKING. PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE FOR THE NEXT ONE (IN NOV-DEC 2025).

1-1 Mentoring

Not ready to register yet? Then click here to be notified of new courses and dates to be announced in due course.

Writing Culturally

This is a specialised course for those who want to write stories for children (and adults) aligned to their culture - this is especially useful for writers of ethnic origins working in western markets like the US or the US.

In this course, you will learn how to tap into your upbringing, culture and language to create rich stories. During the course, you will try some hands-on exercises and go away with the confidence to attempt stories drawn from your life experiences.

Fees: £125/- per person

Duration and Timings:

The course is 3 hours long, with a short 10-min break between two 85-minute slots.

The next scheduled course is on Saturday 18th October at 10 am till 1 pm.

Mode: Via Zoom

Suitable for beginners and emerging writers of fiction. Particularly suitable for aspiring children’s writers of colour.

If you want 1-1 mentoring on your picture books or chapter books or career coaching in children’s books, please get in touch at chitra DOT pbcircle AT gmail.com or click below to discuss your needs.

Chitra will provide detailed notes on your text, suggestions for the rewrite and possible avenues to submit to in the feedback. She will also be able to help with vetting the query letter to agents and/or discuss suitable agents with you based on her experience of the industry.

Career coaching will involve planning for a career in children’s books, how to get work and how to plan for book releases and such. It can optionally also cover how to manage your writing as a business and not just a hobby.

1-1 coaching is also available for newly published authors on how to navigate the first year of publication - from promotional visits, author visits to planning the second book and finding your footing.

This is usually available for advanced writers and those who have attended the PB Circle.

Now taking bookings for September 2025 onwards!

Testimonials

  • Working with Chitra was a fantastic experience. She brought my stories to life, helped me structure my thinking, and gave great tips to strengthen my writing, I totally recommend her—she’s wonderful to work with!

    Nadine Kaadan, Author & Illustrator

  • Very informative and inspirational. Tonnes of info.

    A student at City Uni

  • It's a great course and has given me a lot of insight into writing for children.

    A student at City Uni.

  • I found Chitra’s writing course to be well worth the cost and more. Her format structure as well as editing insight is exceptional. She gave amazing perspectives and great tips to navigate the book writing and publishing industry. I highly recommend taking her class if your serious about your writing career.

    Grace Frank

  • This was such an incredibly informative course. There were so many technical elements which led me to write things I never would have on my own. You definitely helped me to reach beyond the most obvious first thoughts to much more interesting and playful places. You encouraged me to use and value my own voice and experiences. For me the biggest impact was the reminder to focus on the experience for the child. My writing became lighter but also more adventurous in terms of word choice. I even wrote in rhyme, which was unexpected! The PB Circle was a very safe space to share our work. We made friendships and have gone on to form our own supportive writing group.

    Karen Somerfield

  • A well structured, informative & a very helpful course delivered by Chitra who has such a wealth of experience & knowledge of the subject and the market

    A student at City Uni

  • Chitra’s passion for children’s storytelling and creating opportunities for authors to grow is a wonder. Her feedback is invaluable. She has a way of sharing craft so one can craft their own stories with the support of a writing circle. She is a gift to aspiring writers.

    Manisha Pillai