Filter Testimonials
Pinpoints Exact Query Weaknesses
John’s critique of my query letter was so spot-on I had a “duh” moment, like, “Why didn’t I see this before?” I had to rewrite my letter, but he gave me a blueprint, pinpointing what to cut and what to add. My revision is exponentially better. I’m just relieved I worked with John before I started querying agents.
If you’re looking for someone to gush over you, he’s probably not the right person. But if you’re serious about writing the best possible query, he’s the one.
Kerry Hansen
March 24, 2025
Improves Emotional Stakes in Query
John not only came with insights about my query, but also prioritized my questions at the start of the meeting to make sure the feedback was targeted. I walked away with ideas about my genre, suggestions around increasing the emotional stakes for my dual POV characters, and ways to make my manuscript stand out from other SFF manuscripts. This was an extremely valuable experience.
Liz Hanson
March 24, 2025
Gives Practical Middle Grade Advice
Talking to Fiona was as wonderful as Iíd hoped it would be. She is positive and practical. In a short period of time, she zeroed in on some points that made perfect sense and described what she looks for in middle grade stories in a sentence. You might not think that would be enough, but absolutely did.
(Wonít say what it was. Get a consult and find out!)
Best advice Iíve had in a long time.
Susan Paxton
March 24, 2025
Shares Concrete Steps for Revisions
I met with Linda for a 15-minute consultation and 10-page read yesterday. Linda was so helpful, answered all my questions, and offered a tremendous amount of encouragement. I learned a lot from listening to her insights, and she helped me see my writing from a different perspective. I had discrete, actionable steps I could take to improve the pages. More than anything, her encouragement helped boost my confidence in my WIP. That is HUGE for me. So grateful!
Jaimie Hunter
March 24, 2025
Delivers Encouraging, Poignant Feedback
I have worked with Fiona several times and will go back to her fountain of knowledge and inspiration as much as she will have me. She is kind, positive, honest, and has the unique ability to understand just what is needed to take a novel to the next level. She provides poignant feedback in a snap and explains what is working and what is not in a way that makes revisions feel effortless. Brilliant. Wise. Humble.
Morrigan Puhr
March 24, 2025
Boosts Confidence and Query Strategy
Fiona has an impressive career and years of experience but she was instantly relatable. In a matter of ten minutes, she answered my questions, suggested concrete revisions to my query, and provided advice on the business side of finding an agent. Most of all, she made me feel like I can do this! I left our meeting feeling so encouraged and hopeful and capable.
Kelley Powell
March 24, 2025
Enhances Character and Story Depth
My meeting with Jennifer was so productive! She had good insight into my story and the main character. Her suggested changes will make my pages stronger. She is warm, personable and knowledgeable. I learned a lot in my minutes with her and felt such enthusiasm during and after the meeting. I would definitely request to meet with her for future projects.
Lisa Kilion
March 24, 2025
Reveals Emotional Gaps in Story
The fifteen minutes I scheduled with Caitlin was incredibly illuminating. She helped me see that the emotional impact of my opening chapter wasn’t threaded through the subsequent chapters. Her comments triggered some ideas and thirty minutes after we ended our conversation, I had a plan for how to rewrite/revise my act one accordingly. Her insight was particularly helpful around character and character motivation and helped me see that there were some questions with my protagonist in the opening scene that weren’t fleshed out. I chose Caitlin because she reps some incredible authors, particularly some award-winning fantasy authors, and her expertise was money well-spent. I’ve queried before and had a mixed bag of results with very little personalized feedback. My meeting with Caitlin vastly improved my opening pages and act one and I’m so glad to not be entering querying completely blind.
Evelyn Freeling
March 24, 2025
Provides Insightful Query Comments
Eric’s comments about my query letter were super insightful. I left our meeting with a clear idea of what’s working well and what might need some additional work.
Jessica Carney
March 24, 2025
Gives Warm and Helpful Feedback
Fiona was warm, personable and helpful. She had useful things to say about my first page, while being gentle and very human. Just a pleasure to talk to in a very low-key way.
Robyn Ryle
March 24, 2025
Strengthens First Chapter for Querying
My consultation with Jessica Watterson was incredibly helpful. She was super nice and offered thoughtful and specific advice on how I could make my first chapter stronger as I continue with the query process. Her enthusiasm and support made me feel more positive about diving back into†the query trenches. I highly recommended these sessions and am grateful to the Manuscript Academy for the opportunity!
Kristi Olson
March 24, 2025
Offers Thoughtful Editorial Feedback
Rachel Diebel, an editor at Feiwell & Friends/MacMillan, offered feedback on my query and first ten pages. She was thoughtful and thorough, her critique incisive, and really easy to talk with.
Mary Farrell
March 24, 2025