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Direct and Supportive
Eric went above and beyond in his consultation. He gave me helpful notes on my materials that were both encouraging and highlighted aspects that could be stronger. Our actual video call built on his notes and he helped me shore up the weaker parts of my materials and take them to the next level. This included helping me to brainstorm ways to deepen the stakes of my pitch and I’m very grateful for the idea that came from it. I highly recommend Eric!
Josh S
September 11, 2025
Great feedback with a very caring approach
Last Thursday, 8/21, I had a schedule phone session to discuss my query and the first ten pages of my manuscript with Kelly Van Sant. It is never easy to speak with a complete stranger about one’s writing/work, but Kelly definitely settled any nerves I had brewing with her caring approach. Kelly’s feedback was definitely beneficial and I appreciated the way she gave me actual ways to address her concerns with my opening pages and my query. I highly recommend scheduling a meeting with Faculty Member Kelly Van Sant to writers seeking professional advice with someone who has a great deal of experience in the publishing industry.
Sincerely,
Ruth Zavitsanos
Ruth Zavitsanos
September 11, 2025
Fiona was so helpful!
Fiona’s knowledge of the current market was invaluable to me in this meeting. I was seeking direction and Fiona gave that to me. She’s an experienced agent, easy to talk with and generous in giving advice.
Mary Cronk Farrell
September 11, 2025
A light bulb came on!
Katherine Sands was so lovely, supportive, and generous. She not only gave me detailed and incredibly helpful edits on paper, but she helped me talk through them over the phone. At one point something she said about the overall pacing of the book and what would turn it from an interesting story to a page turner made the lightbulb go off in my head! Now I’m rewriting with a different idea in mind and the words are flowing out like lava. Thank you, Katherine!
Laura O. Bergman
September 11, 2025
Finally someone who gets it!
Christina’s 10 page critique on my novel was both positive and constructive with some clear suggestions as to what to work on. I was heartened by the fact that her comments showed that she understood what the novel was about and the message I was trying to get across. Not easy when your work crosses genres! Thank you so much Christina for your valuable advice.
Valarie Coventry
September 11, 2025
Fantastic Query and First 10 Page critique
Alyssa gave me a lot to think about in our session. Her notes were clear, and given in a very supportive manner. The critique was absolutely fair, and very helpful. She immediately zeroed in on a few small items that had larger connotations, and we had a great conversation about how to handle these.
Dylan S
September 11, 2025
Your Manuscript Will Thank You
I have been working with Ivan for nearly a year on several picture book manuscripts and have worked with other agents as well. I have also been in writers’ groups. Ivan has not only far exceeded other’s knowledge and expertise, his suggestions are inspiring and his kindness and honesty encourage me and are so supportive, I leave my meeting excited to continue my writing journey. If anyone ever wonders who to turn to or are stuck choosing between agents or editors, Ivan will bring warmth, integrity, and vision. A manuscript I have been working on is ready to query and has turned out so good, I can’t wait to send it to agents. I feel more confident in the story than any other story before it, and that is all because of Ivan.
Vanessa M Gates
September 6, 2025
So helpful
Renee got clear, useful feedback to me early. She let me know what was working in my query letter and what wasn’t, then showed me possible fixes.
Tim
September 5, 2025
First time caller
I’ve been considering a consultation for a long time but was hesitant. After a lot of research on the plans and facutly I landed on the “LIVE Query + 10-Page Read + 15-Minute Consultation” with Emma Peters. I am so glad that I finally took the leap – so worth it. Emma was fantastic. She asked insightful questions and gave some actionable advice on my query/pages – then made some suggestions on what to look for in agents. Above all she was so encouraging about my writing – that was the lift I didn’t expect but really needed. Thank you, Emma and the MA for making these available.
S. R. Swope
August 11, 2025
Great Insights!
Katharine Sands is a joy to work with. She provides a wealth of information and insider insights. Katharine understands agenting and the current publishing process and shared her knowledge as it specifically applied to my project. I’ve attended writing workshops (some of the best in the country) and learned much about writing, but Katharine’s knowledge took me in a different direction–the business part of writing/publishing. Her written critique was thorough and provided me with a road map. If we were rating, I would give her a 10 out of 10!
L.B. Parker
August 11, 2025
Specific Detailed Critique for My Query
Molly was incredibly helpful and so nice! She gave me specific notes on my query and I was able to take her advice and really understand what I needed to change or clarify. I am about to sign up for a longer critique with her so she can review my picture book dummy.
Cheryl Farrington Questore
August 11, 2025
Thank you!
Christina provided a written 10 page critique of my manuscript and I am very pleased with what I received. Her edits and comments were so thoughtful and prescriptive, which has given me such a good sense of how to move forward with edits. She offered a great balance of encouragement with really detailed, constructive feedback, and I really appreciate her knowledge and attention to detail.
Thanks again, Christina!!
Kristen M.
August 11, 2025