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Exactly What I Needed
The Manuscript Academy experience exceeded my expectations. Stephanie Winter’s feedback was thoughtful, detailed, and remarkably well targeted to the challenges in my manuscript. I always understood the intent behind her suggestions and felt empowered to make meaningful revisions. Most importantly, I now feel confident and excited about entering the query process. I’ll definitely be returning for future projects.
JM Venturini
September 14, 2026
Expertise, Advice, Warmth, and Humor
Kelly Van Sant is a wonderful advisor and a warm, encouraging person. She took a look at my query letter and the first page of my novel, and she was so invested in helping me that it felt like she was a member of my family. She came to the meeting so fully prepared that she was able to point out a few things efficiently—allowing me to ask questions. Our time together was only ten minutes, but Kelly saved me hours of teeth-gnashing and hair-pulling. She is a world-class gem.
Bud Jennings
September 11, 2026
A helpful and hopeful critique!
Stephanie’s feedback on my query for a fantasy novel was a highlight of my week. She was immediately able to point out improvements while keeping an optimistic and encouraging tone. She also noted what _not_ to change. Clearly an industry expert, she was able to make specific recommendations for better comps I could use. All of my questions were answered and she also gave me grace while I was in a bit of a hectic public setting for the video call. Thank you Stephanie!
Emma France
September 6, 2026
Next Level Advice
After reading my pages and query, it felt like Jonathan Baker knew me better than I knew myself. With direct advice and insight, I am so much more able to see what was working with my writing and query, and what wasn’t. And big picture, he intuited ways to move forward that I had never thought of… And beyond the help with the writing, he is obviously incredibly knowledgeable about the granular parts of this industry. Working with him was a delight. If you want real help, he’s the guy.
Gillian Shure
September 4, 2026
Meet the “Super Encourager” with the Editor’s Eye!
Any critique with Ivan is a GOOD DAY! He is a bright light in the often dreary world of rewriting! Ivan helps me learn what it takes to get my manuscripts submission-ready by pointing out what I can’t quite put my finger on, issues that will make editors stumble, and what is still in my heart but not on the page. His poignant wisdom and heartfelt validation are always priceless and help keep me going!! From concept stage to the final polish, Ivan’s creativity will push your writing to new levels, too, and your stories to their best version yet! I always learn so much from him–and have fun in the process! If you think your manuscript is done, I suggest asking Ivan for his stamp of approval! Thank you, Ivan, and good luck, fellow writers! Best, Cheryl
Cheryl Ann Silich
August 26, 2026
A fantastic Call with an even more Fantastic Agent
I have been struggling with my query letter and what I should do with my first 10 pages for as long as I’ve started preparing and then starting querying. I’ve been rewriting my first pages to fit the industry narrative instead of my true vision. Kiana took so much time helping me sort through all of it. Kiana had so much helpful advice that answered questions I had before I could even ask them. She listened to my concerns, my failures, my confusion and helped me sort out what I’ve been doing wrong, on top of getting me on track to my original vision. Talking to Kiana was so easy. So informative. And she cared. Agents are busy, and she still took the time to help me. Her kindness and feedback truly made me feel like what I was doing mattered. I can’t thank you enough, Kiana, for sitting there with me and giving me the opportunity of how I’ve been writing about the wrong character in the query. Thank you for turning me in the right direction and for all of your patience. It means the world to me!
Sam
August 25, 2026
Clear, insightful and generous.
Alice’s feedback was so helpful; clear, straightforward, and she shared her screen with me with her comments on the query and pages. She is an excellent and insightful editor. I absolutely recommend her.
Jenni Ogden
August 24, 2026
No time wasted
Christina gave me straight-to-the-point feedback on what my query letter was missing. In only ten minutes I got valuable information on how to shoot my shot. Worth every penny.
Ingrid P.
August 22, 2026
Friendly and Direct
I really appreciated Christina’s review of my query and first ten pages. She quickly and clearly identified the issues with my query and pages and gave me concrete direction for my revision process. I am confident my manuscript, as well as my ability to pitch it, will vastly improve. I plan to hire her for a more extensive review.
Keith Fentonmiller
August 20, 2026
A kind advocate with a keen eye
I was so glad to share my query letter and first page with Erica Finkel, who provided superb suggestions on how to make my writing more impactful. Erica has a keen eye and lasered in on where my letter needed trimming and where it could use a few more details. Because of Erica, I have a clear, manageable game plan. She’s a kind person who clearly cares deeply about helping writers.
Bud Jennings
August 20, 2026
A writer’s best friend
This is the second time I’ve virtually met with Amy Bishop-Wycisk, and I went into the meeting expecting a good experience. I got that and then some. Amy zeroed in on spots where I could make my query stronger—and she provided actionable pointers on how to do it. Amy is kind, congenial, and a great listener. She really is a fabulous resource for any writer.
Bud Jennings
August 20, 2026
Knows her stuff, and can apply it to mine
Noelle was simply excellent. She had read the material, understood it, analysed it and had very valuable ideas for how it could be made (even) better! She was encouraging as well as providing the hard feedback every author needs to make their work the very best it can be. I have already promised her an acknowledgement, because if it makes it to the bookshelves, it will be no small thanks to her! A very good session.
R Wright
August 20, 2026