Filter Testimonials
Perfect Match
Sometimes I need more than notes specific to the words I’ve put on paper/monitor. I need an industry insider with true interest and expertise in my genre to discuss the current marketability of my project and options for making my story more marketable in the current landscape – even if that means adjustments to better fit a different genre. With a friendly, supportive attitude, Kaitlyn did just that and didn’t hold back the truth I needed. Of course she gave great notes for my manuscript as well, but provided the real discussion I needed.
Cara
March 17, 2026
Molly Cusick-Manuscript Detective
You know that nagging feeling after your manuscript is finished? You have revised your manuscript, but still, there is something wrong. You have worked on it for so long, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Maybe your critique buddies don’t see it either. They, too, have seen your manuscript too many times. That’s the situation I was in. So when the opportunity to sign up for a critique came up on The Manuscript Academy, I took it.
I am so pleased I chose Molly Cusick.
Like a detective, she found the holes in my manuscript. She noted my blind spots, inconsistencies, and gaps in my interior voice. Her observations, comments, and suggestions were spot on. My reaction was “that’s it” and, embarrassingly, “how come I didn’t see that.”
Thank you, Molly!
Ellen Kazimer
March 16, 2026
Affordable and effective with the right amount of bun on the meat
The agent, Stephanie Winter, did an amazing job. She pointing out issues in my novel that I hadn’t been aware of such as needing a more distinct voice for the protagonist, and she suggested ways to improve my writing that resonated with me.
Johanna Somers
March 16, 2026
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