Mentoring
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 or have some writing experience.
Now taking bookings for Jan 2026 onwards!
Courses
Chitra is an experienced tutor who imparts craft, market knowledge and sustainable skills, with a big dose of inspiration to keep your craft and career moving to the next level.
She regularly teaches and lectures to teachers and writers who want to learn the craft of writing for children.
She runs a number of courses each year. Please visit her store for booking a suitable course that is scheduled next.
Looking for something specific or a course for a group? Then email via chitra DOT pbcircle AT gmail.com or click on the Get in Touch button below to discuss your needs.
Testimonials
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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
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Very informative and inspirational. Tonnes of info.
A student at City Uni
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It's a great course and has given me a lot of insight into writing for children.
A student at City Uni.
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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
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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
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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
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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 Pillay