One-to-One Picture Book Mentoring

Would you like to see your own picture books on bookshop shelves one day? Do you need guidance on creating the right kind of stories to wow publishers? Are you experimenting with illustration styles that never really feel like your own? Or do you dread approaching agents?

I’ve been there, and I can guide and support you to achieve your ambitions. With 19 years of experience in writing and illustrating award-winning books, working with top publishers including Walker Books, Egmont and Quarto Group, I have a wealth of specialist knowledge and technical know-how to share.

During my one-to-one mentor sessions, I take time to find out your unique skills, creative joys and goals so I can motivate and inspire you to produce work that is commercially viable and really feels like YOU!

CLARITY, DIRECTION & MOTIVATION
A single one-hour mentor session via Zoom

~ Gain professional feedback on your work
~ Discover your unique strengths and areas to develop
~ Gain insight into the UK picture book industry
~ Acquire direction to achieve your personal goals
~ Have all your picture book questions answered
~ Receive a video recording of the session along with any links and information recommended

£120

“Claire’s words were incredibly transformative; they left me inspired to change not only my website portfolio but to look at my work in the context of the publishing industry. She identified my strengths and the places to improve. She showed me new ways to look at my work objectively, how I see my drawings, the technique I use, and my career goals.”
Angel Vives

MAKE YOUR STORY SING!
A program of 4 one-hour mentor sessions via Zoom

~ Learn the specific considerations when writing to accompany pictures
~ Strengthen the structure of your narrative
~ Employ literary devices to enhance rhythm and flow
~ Acquire editing techniques to write economically
~ Receive support and feedback during meetings for the length of the program
~Understand the industry and how to approach agents and commissioners
~ Receive a video recording of the sessions along with any links and information recommended

£460

CREATE A STUNNING ILLUSTRATION PORTFOLIO
A program of 6 one-hour mentor sessions via Zoom

~ Discover the essential ingredients of a winning picture book portfolio
~ Receive an appraisal of your artistic strengths and areas to develop
~ Gain tailored advice on creating a professional range of commercial artworks that show off your unique qualities
~ Receive support and feedback during meetings for the length of the program
~ Understand the industry and how to approach agents and commissioners
~ Receive a video recording of the sessions along with any links and information recommended

£690

“My mentoring sessions with Claire were always extremely thought-provoking and I walked away from them with a fresh perspective and confidence in my work. Under her guidance, I was able to progress my drawing skills and I also became much more knowledgeable of the children’s book industry and how to deliver successful projects.”
Nami Ralph

PLAN & DRAW A PAGE-TURNING STORYBOARD
A program of 8 one-hour mentor sessions via Zoom

~ Learn how to plan and draw layouts for a 24-page storyboard
~ Gain advice on narrative structure
~ Learn how to pace your story effectively
~ Acquire compositional techniques to heighten the storytelling in your pictures
~ Employ editing techniques to write economically in relation to the pictures
~ Receive support and feedback during meetings for the length of the program
~ Understand the industry and how to approach agents and commissioners
~ Receive a video recording of the sessions along with any links and information recommended

£920

“Collaborating with Claire was a transformative journey. Over the course of eight mentoring sessions, I progressed from a draft manuscript to a polished piece and a completed book dummy. Claire’s deep understanding of my book’s message, combined with her precise and thorough professional feedback on both the manuscript and illustrations, was invaluable. Her patience and encouragement provided the exact guidance I needed. Claire played a crucial role in helping me discover the right creative process for writing and illustrating a picture book. I highly recommend her as a mentor for any picture book author or illustrator, and I look forward to working with her on my future projects.”
Imola Antal

I recommend monthly sessions to allow time to complete the advised work. However, I’m flexible, so you can also suggest a pace that suits your lifestyle.

*Please note, payments from outside the UK will be subject to transaction fees.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss a mentor session or program.

Find out about my monthly mentor groups, designed to support you in achieving your goals in a small, intimate group setting, all year round.