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Sometimes the first 30 pages need a boost
So far, I have received over 50 rejections to my query letter package for my middle-grade fantasy, ORANGEWORLD.` I’ve tweaked the query and first page over the past year with the help of the agents and editors from Manuscript Academy such that the most recent batch of rejections have been very encouraging and downright positive. But still no takers.
For that reason I decided to refocus on the first 30 pages and work with a seasoned editor to make them “sing.” Krista Vitola is an editor at Simon and Schuster and specializes in Young Readers. If you read her bio, you will understand my choice. Plus she was familiar with my story, having already done a query letter review for ORANGEWORLD earlier in the year. (It’s about a troubled boy who enters a magic pumpkin where every day is Halloween in search of this father’s spirit.)
So I figured it was time to slice and dice the first 7 chapters / 30 pages, and I’m glad I did.
I wish we had longer to talk. There’s not enough time in 30 minutes to cover everything, but with the written editorial notes Krista provided me a week before our appointment, I knew well in advance what I had to do. Even before our meeting, I followed her written advice and took a crack at getting to the inciting incident sooner in the first chapter, so by the second chapter readers would be well into the story. I moved scenes around. I cut extraneous dialogue. I relocated flashback memories.
We used the 30 minutes to discuss the new changes I had already made, just to make sure I understood her written notes correctly. And now I’m on my way to check and see if the changes made affect the rest of the story. Yes, there is more work to do, but it’s better than sending in the same 30 pages and facing more rejections, right?
Getting an outside point of view from a professional and paying for it, gave me the impetus to do what’s necessary to make improvements. Let’s just hope the next 50 responses from agents include several requests for “fulls.”
Krista Vitola gets an A+.
Marilyn Petrokubi
September 27, 2025
Most Impactful Ten Minutes
Wow. I was at a point in the querying process where rejections were coming in without much context, and I’d been overanalyzing my submission components to death. Ten minutes with Amy provided clarity on impactful revisions, and more than that, the path to get my arms around a fix that I feel SO excited about. Amy is deeply insightful, direct and kind. My book has a brand new opening, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to learn from Amy’s expertise. Thanks Manuscript Academy team for creating that possibility!
K A Bacon
September 27, 2025
A Private Workshop
I watched an online interview with Natalie Edwards, who was discussing marketing trends in publishing. She was analytical, saw multiple big pictures, and clearly understood the views of the various—sometimes competing—stakeholders of the book business: editors, agents, writers, number crunchers, et al. So it was a gift to have Natalie discuss my query and the first ten pages of my manuscript. She gave me wonderful suggestions that helped me see where and how my book might fit in the world she knows so well. Natalie’s not just insightful and smart, she’s also kind, encouraging, and delightful to talk to. It was a beneficial, enjoyable meeting I didn’t want to end.
Bud Jennings
September 25, 2025
With Gratitude!
I very much appreciated Hannah’s feedback and advice. I’m going to work on building my platform, halt my queries for a few months, and cut back on my word count. I’ll tighten up my first paragraph to show more emotion and add more about my growing platform in my next round. I’m glad I’ve only queried fifteen agents so far and feel hopeful about my direction.
Thanks for offering these sessions.
Bonnie B
September 25, 2025
Clear Guidance from a Trusted Voice
Eric went above and beyond in preparing for our consult. He even sent thoughtful written notes ahead of time, which wasn’t included in the package but made a big difference. He brought insight, clarity, and genuine care to the conversation, and helped me see where my project fits in the market with much more confidence. I really appreciated how focused he was on helping me move forward with intention.
Anna Piskorz
September 25, 2025
Appreciative of Actionable Feedback
Caitlin gave me specific, actionable ways to improve my query and first pages. I am grateful for her honed insights and expertise in a world (publishing) that is very enigmatic to me. Book with Caitlin for a valuable consultation!
Bree A. Cox
September 24, 2025
Informed critique
Kelly was generous with her time, asking first whether there was something I especially wanted to review. She had performed a close read of my material and made specific suggestions to help me improve my writing. Her encouraging critique pointed me toward the specifics of the revision I’d need before agent submission. Thanks, Kelly.
Kate
September 23, 2025
Meet Turned Workshop
Vanessa Aguirre saw my query and the first ten pages of my novel, and my meeting with her was incredibly valuable, primarily because Vanessa has a keen eye and shares thoughts with concrete, clear precision. A half hour later, I was at the computer tweaking the novel and nodding at Vanessa’s suggestions, which enhanced what I put on the screen. Additionally, Vanessa is a warm, kind person—and an engaged listener. Our chat was a terrific editorial workshop.
Bud Jennings
September 22, 2025
Super Helpful+
Stephanie went through my query and the first part of my manuscript with insightful commentary throughout. She left me with an amazing, detailed guide to give me direction as I revise. Her critique was both helpful and encouraging and I’m returning to the manuscript with excitement and energy. Whatever you need advice on, I would definitely recommend booking with Stephanie.
Kerry Brown
September 21, 2025
Kind & Insightful
After many rounds of critique, revision, and even a professional(!) edit, my picture book still wasn’t firing on all cylinders. What I needed was sharp, industry-focused feedback to help steer me in the right direction. My 10 page read + 15 minute call with Kaitlyn Sanchez did the trick. Kaitlyn’s critique helped clarify where I need to tighten my story, while practical and actionable feedback empowered me to lean into an emerging interest in verse. Our conversation gave me the boost I needed to dive back into another round of revision! I will definitely seek Kaitlyn’s input on future picture book manuscripts.
Sara
September 15, 2025
Best investment I’ve made for my first novel for adults
Jessica jam-packed our short time together with practical advice to revise my query, giving insight into what agents need to know to place my work in the market. She told me exactly how to get to the heart of my characters quicker in my first pages. Thank you Jessica for a clear path to readying my Christmas novel for submission!
Heidi Lee Colonna
September 11, 2025
Clear, straightforward feedback
Renée gave valuable and clear, straightforward feedback, which was exactly what I needed. I was really impressed by the in-line comments and the editor letter. I would have had no idea that certain parts were unclear or that there was a structural issue (that was easily fixed). Renée identified the issues and offered solutions. She seems genuinely passionate about helping writers improve.
Melinda
September 11, 2025