PICTURE BOOK Mentoring
I offer ONLINE mentoring sessions
on developing, refining & creating picturebooks
ready to pitch to agents & publishers.
If you'd like help developing or improving your picturebook idea, I'm here. Just click the button below, and let's start bringing your vision to life!
Are you currently working on a picture book idea? That's amazing!
Making picturebooks that speak to children and the children at heart is what makes me the happiest - from character concept to the finishing details on the artwork.
I’m an award-winning self-taught artist who believes that with the proper knowledge, tools, and a good bit of dedication, you can turn your picturebook idea into reality, too.
WHAT IF…
➜ You knew how to make the right combination of storytelling elements to make your story work?
➜ You had clarity in what steps to take so your idea becomes a wholesome project?
➜ You felt confident approaching specific agents and publishers with a strong pitch for your picturebook?
WHAT IS A PICTUREBOOK?
A picturebook is a book that is usually written for young children (but not exclusively for them), in which the illustrations play a BIG part. There are illustrations on every page or on every pair of facing pages (also called a spread). Artwork and words (which are very few, if any!) work together to tell the story as a whole.
Traditionally, they are 32 pages long, but there can be variations depending on the book type. Picturebooks are usually read aloud to children, and they can create a great shared experience!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…
Confidence to push my project forward
“When it comes to pictures books Tarsila has not only a wealth of success in the industry, but she is also truly passionate and enthusiastic about crafting picture books.
I approached Tarsila to help me with the beginnings of a picture book idea. She advised me and encouraged me through the early steps towards crafting my story and visualising my idea. Discussing through the ideas and contemplating the flow of the story with her, gave me confidence to push my project forward.
She drew on her comprehensive experience to illuminate directions I had not previously considered. It was a truly rewarding process.
I would highly recommend anyone who has a picture book idea, or is perhaps struggling with certain aspects of the process, to avail of a session with Tarsila.
From my experience, it will most definitely enrich your project and provide you with new knowledge to enhance your book.”
PAULA MCGLOIN | PAULAMCGLOIN.COM
“I found the mentoring to be incredibly informative. All advice was clear and to the point, providing a practical overview of the industry and best practices for working within it. I particularly appreciate the feedback on my website and how I present my work, as well as the recommendations for what to focus on in the future.
Tarsila exceeded my expectations completely, going above and beyond what I initially expected. I particularly appreciated the time taken to assess my work and present it in a clear PDF format for further reference, as well as her patience with my questions. The session really helped me in figuring what best path to take, and I'll be keeping all of her advice in mind as I do this.”
AMY LOUISE O’CALLAGHAN | AMYLOUIOC.COM
Real, tangible feedback
“Tarsila has a true passion for picture book making and picture book makers alike. Her feedback was an absolute game changer for my picture book.
During our sessions, she took the time to focus not merely on the aesthetics and word choice of any given spread we were reviewing together, but also on the mood and emotion of the character. Tarsila pushes you to take chances so that what you leave on the page leaves an impression on your readers.
She gave me real, tangible feedback on how to make my picture book pitch-ready and I couldn't be happier with the results!
Without hesitation, I would recommend Tarsila to anyone who's feeling stuck or doubtful about their picture book process!”
NICK SWEENEY | NICKMAKES.COM
Cover of the limited edition 100 Days of Dogs
Tailored insights and a source of inspiration!
"It was great to have tailored insights with concrete takeaways that I can go back to. I appreciated that Tarsila took the time to find out where I was coming from (and hoping to get to) and tailored the session very much around this.
The mentoring session answered practical questions and gave me creative inspiration. Although I focus on writing, it was interesting to have the point of view of an author-illustrator, as this helped me better understand the interplay of text and pictures and how to keep the story moving. It was a genuine pleasure, as Tarsila’s energy and openness are hugely positive. Both an eye-opener and a source of inspiration!”
SARAH BROPHY | GERMANY
Cover of Little Love Lessons, published buy The O’Brien Press in 2023
Click below to get started on your picture book journey!