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Invaluable, thoughtful feedback
I have spent a long time wrangling the narrative nonfiction story I am writing, and I have listened to podcasts and YouTube videos on query letters, and read the books. I even found back copy of a title with similar dynamics to reflect on. I have the fundamentals. What I lacked was an agent’s perspective. Now I understand the opportunities to cut and tighten and to strengthen. This is an absolutely worthwhile investment. All the stars.
Crystal L.
March 5, 2026
Much needed and excellent advice
Ismita gave me exactly what I needed. I had asked for a change from an evaluation of the query and some first pages to an evaluation of the query and a synopsis of my novel. She graciously agreed to this. I was pretty sure my query was minimally good. I very much appreciate her confirming this in a direct and easy to accept manner. She then helped me to see that a key part of the query was really a synopsis instead of a clear description of the story’s essence. This has enabled me to revise accordingly. Ismita also convinced me that I needed to reduce the number of words in the novel and to make the synopsis slightly briefer. All of this was advice critical to my chances of landing an agent. Ismita is an outstanding teacher!
Stephen Davenport
February 24, 2026
Excellent
Mr. Smith provided me with written comments ahead of time. This was excellent because it gave me a chance to review his thoughts and address him with better questions. His thoughts were insightful. His suggestions are very helpful. I really appreciate his time. Thank you Eric Smith.
Steve Blander
February 24, 2026
Just what I needed
I’m so glad I chose a phone consultation with Eric Smith. He throughly reviewed my query package and offered me amazing feedback—both confirmation that I was on the right track and helpful tips to make sure my cover letter will grab agents’ attention and do its job. I feel much more confident going forward in the query process and definitely recommend a call with Eric to all other query-ready writers.
Kate M.
February 24, 2026
Helpful, efficient, pleasant agent
Dani’s advice on my query was right on and got me off a (hoped for) clever track and onto an effective one. She gave helpful specifics on elements to include/lose, she used the short time wisely, and she was nice in both her criticism and praise (liked the writing, yeah!)
Richard
February 21, 2026
Grateful
Working with Chelsea has been a positive learning experience. She is delightful, easy to communicate with, and offers an experienced, objective perspective that is guiding me through the process. Chelsea motivates me to continue developing my stories, and I am learning a great deal from her.
I look forward to our next consultation and plan to use the time in between to add more dimension to my work before presenting it again. I greatly appreciate her wisdom and I am grateful to Manuscript Academy for the opportunities they provide for all of us serious writers, illustrators and author/illustrators .
Ellen Carroll
February 20, 2026
Excellent advice from a true professional
I asked Vanessa to help me with a critique of my query package – letter, synopsis and opening pages. Her comments were insightful, immensely helpful and very supportive. I felt as I came away that I knew what the pack needed, but that it wasn’t a million miles away. I felt that she cut through a lot of the directly contradictory advice that we all get when we search the various fora and other sources on the web, and gave it to me straight.
As a result, I think I have a much better chance of making that next leap.
I would urge anyone considering querying their work in the next few months to seek such a report from any of the faculty members they deem relevant, and I’m confident that they will not regret it at all.
Robin Wright
February 28, 2026
Insightful and Gentle
In ten minutes, Ms. Aguirre asked me five questions which will improve both the first page of my manuscript and my query letter. Instead of the razor critique I expected, I was gently and respectfully probed. She listened. I now realize the best editors, like the best writers, are the ones who listen. THANK YOU and GRACIAS Ms. Aguirre!
Susan Pieters
February 27, 2026
Great feedback!
Linda was awesome! She gave me detailed feedback and her suggestions were really helpful. She knows her stuff and really gives personal attention. She also asked questions to find out where I was in the writing process. Definitely recommend.
Leslie
February 26, 2026
Best Session Ever!
My consultation with Eric was amazing! He is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, yet also so kind and approachable. From the beginning, he made me feel completely at ease and encouraged me to ask any questions I had.
He was very open and generous with his insights, offering thoughtful feedback and solid advice throughout our conversation. Most importantly, he gave me practical and actionable steps to move forward with my querying process.
I left the session feeling encouraged, confident, and much clearer about my next steps. I’m truly grateful for the experience.
Best meeting ever—worth every minute. Highly recommended!
Ifeanyi Omoike
February 26, 2026
The haircut my query didn’t know it needed
The first query I submitted to Alyssa was a sprawling, jumbled mess that prioritized voice and flavor over clarity and hook. She helped me pare my pitch down to the essentials, then fill in crucial details. Her advice inspired me to go back to my “finished” novel and fix the gaps I never wanted to admit were there. The resulting query finally feels true to my manuscript—clean, clear, and ready to submit. I highly recommend her!
Joseph Chermesino
February 25, 2026
Generous, Analytical, Sharp-minded, Kind
Jonathan Baker is the person to meet with if you are serious about your work but find yourself stuck when it comes to your writing career. Baker is generous but analytical, sharp-minded but kind. Before I sat down with him, my work was languishing in the doldrums. I didn’t fully understand the publishing industry—or my place in it. Now, with Baker’s help, I’ve crafted a clear and exciting path going forward. Give yourself a birthday present (I did) and arrange to meet with him. Don’t wait: life is short, and you owe it to yourself to obtain the best advice available! Thanks, Julie and Jessica, and a big thanks to Jonathan Baker.
Karen Keskinen
February 5, 2026