Creative Coaching

Illustraton by Nidhi Chanani: A group of illustrated children, a blue elephant, a brown cow, a white rabbit, and a yellow duck sitting in a field at night, illuminated by a lantern.

GET EXPERT GUIDANCE TO BRING YOUR STORY TO LIFE

A woman with glasses and pink lipstick smiling next to a black cat with green eyes.
Blue arrow pointing to the right
Abstract shapes resembling crosses or stars in blue and black on a light background.

WHETHER YOU’RE WRITING, ILLUSTRATING, OR BOTH, I PROVIDE THOUGHTFUL, HONEST feedback AND CLEAR next steps TO HELP YOU CONFIDENTLY NAVIGATE EVERY STAGE OF YOUR PUBLISHING JOURNEY.

YOUR COACH!

Cartoon girl with curly hair, wearing a rainbow dress, raising her index finger, smiling confidently.

WHO THIS COACHING IS FOR

  • Writers and illustrators seeking ongoing support to develop and refine their stories

  • Creators looking for focused, actionable feedback on graphic novels, picture books, or early readers

  • Authors needing guidance on querying, marketing, and building momentum after publication

  • Anyone wanting a trusted sounding board throughout the writing, editing, and publishing process

  • Those who value personalized coaching tailored to their unique creative goals

Request a Coaching Session
Cartoon girl with curly hair sitting on the floor with a gray cat, writing in a notebook.

WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM COACHING

  • Nail down your story’s core and make it shine

  • Get clear, honest feedback that actually helps

  • Boost your confidence as a writer or illustrator

  • Learn how to tackle querying without the overwhelm

  • Map out smart marketing and post-launch moves

  • Feel empowered to take your project all the way

Stylized blue star-shaped symbol on a transparent background.
Two dark blue hearts against a black background.

WHY WORK WITH ME?

I bring a wide range of experience to the table—I've written and illustrated across all age groups, from picture books to young adult graphic novels. I understand the creative process deeply, both from a writer’s and an illustrator’s perspective.

Over the years, I’ve critiqued dozens of manuscripts with a particular focus on graphic novels. My feedback is always honest, thoughtful, and most importantly, actionable—not vague or sugar-coated.

I know how frustrating publishing can be, and I’m here to help you navigate it with clarity. I’ll ask the right questions to help you unlock your story’s full potential. I won’t promise shortcuts or introductions to my agent—but I will show up as a reliable, experienced partner on your creative journey.

Request a Coaching Session
The word 'xoxo' written in dark blue cursive, mirrored upside down.
A woman with long black hair, wearing red sunglasses, a dark blue t-shirt, black leggings, and red slide sandals, standing outdoors next to an artistic display of various sized white, black, and peach-colored balloons or spheres.
Silhouette of a person riding a bicycle with a light trail behind it.
Three star-shaped icons and one plus sign icon in a dark blue color.

“I’M OFFICIALLY QUERYING!”

“I had put my story away for over six months, unsure what was missing. When I shared it with Nidhi, she not only pinpointed the missing piece but also highlighted what made my story special. Her insight and encouragement re-energized me to dive back into revisions—now, I’m officially querying!”

- Jenny Fang, querying author

WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER

Single-Session Coaching

Are you struggling with your idea or elements of your story? Are you curious about how to market and launch your debut book? Do you want actionable steps to take around your story, querying agents, or pre-publication steps for success?

  • Single sessions include a review of 10 pages of material pre-session and a 50-minute phone call or video call to discuss story, feedback and questions.

    1. Apply using the form below!

    2. Book your session – After we connect, you’ll choose a date and time that works for you.

    3. Submit your pages – Send up to 10 pages of your manuscript or project at least 48 hours before our call.

    4. Session time – We’ll connect via phone or video for a focused 50-minute conversation about your story, feedback, and questions.

    5. Leave with clarity – Walk away with actionable insights, next steps, and renewed momentum.

  • $350 for a single session

Nidhi Chanani in a red blazer speaking into a microphone while pointing at a whiteboard on a stand on a stage.

Coaching Packages

Are you looking for more accountability and continuous feedback as your story develops? Or do you want to workshop querying, publication marketing or post-launch momentum? A 3 or 6 session coaching package is perfect for you!

  • Weekly sessions include pre-coaching material review of 15 pages, and weekly 50 minute phone calls to discuss story, feedback and questions.

    Note: I won’t refer you to my agent or publishers, and I can’t guarantee publication—but I’ll give you honest, experienced support to move your project forward with confidence.

    1. Apply using the form below!

    2. Choose your package – After we connect, you’ll select 3 or 6 weekly sessions based on your needs and goals.

    3. Schedule your sessions – Set up a regular time each week to stay on track and build momentum.

    4. Send your pages – Submit up to 15 pages before each session so I can review and prep thoughtful feedback.

    5. Meet weekly – We’ll connect for a 50-minute phone or video call to dig into your story, feedback, and any questions.

    6. Keep building – Use our sessions to workshop your manuscript, tackle querying or marketing, and get clarity every step of the way.

    • 3 sessions – $850

    • 6 sessions – $1650

Request a coaching session!

  • "Nidhi is full of knowledge and she's generous with it—during our short conversation, she shared her insights about her process, walked me through the ins and outs of presenting, and answered a slew of questions about all parts of the industry. She's thoughtful, sharp, and kind—talking to Nidhi will leave you brimming with inspiration and a newfound understanding of yourself as an artist and publishing as a whole."

    - Angie Kang, author/illustrator of Our Lake

  • Nidhi has such a warm and generous personality that instantly made me feel comfortable opening up about my creative struggles. She had insightful advice and resources that were specific to what I needed during my personal publishing journey. Many of the notes and ideas we explored still influence my process today! I highly recommend Nidhi for your creative consulting needs.

    - Charlotte Cheng, author of Night Market Rescue

  • Nidhi’s expertise helps you at any phase of your GN.  Whether you’d like a fresh set of eyes to give feedback on your pitch, need tips on drafting your manuscript, or seek guidance on project management, Nidhi approaches your needs with patience, empathy, and a sincere desire to help elevate your craft and understanding of process. I am so grateful for her guidance.

    - Nadine Takvorian, author/illustrator of Armaveni

Two dark blue heart shapes on a black background.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • I specialize in picture books, early readers, and middle grade to YA graphic novels. I work with writers, illustrators, and writer/illustrators at any stage of the creative process.

  • Anywhere from a rough concept to a full manuscript! Whether you need help shaping your idea or polishing a final draft, I’ll meet you where you are. I also work with published authors on post publication marketing and planning.

  • As both a published author and illustrator, I understand the full storytelling process—from first sketch or sentence to book launch. I hustle behind the scenes and most of my titles have earned out through hard work and building momentum through my own efforts. I offer honest, actionable feedback grounded in experience—not just theory.

  • Each session includes a detailed review of your pages (10 for single sessions, 15 for packages) before we meet, plus 50-minute calls where we discuss your story, feedback, and next steps.

  • I typically book 3-5 weeks out. Once you reach out, I’ll send you available dates and instructions to get started.

  • I can help you refine your query and submission materials, but I do not offer referrals—and I can’t guarantee representation or sales.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER!

Fill out the form below and I will be in touch.

I’m excited to connect!