Filter Testimonials
My consultation with Melissa has been very useful. She offered clear, direct suggestions that will immediately improve my query. But she also asked a lot of questions that led me to some important answers on my own, which is the best form of teaching. I got so caught up discussing these ideas that my ten minutes went very quickly and I even think she allowed me an extra minute or two. I recommend setting a timer during these consultations, but most of all I recommend consulting with Melissa about your query letter.
James Parsons
March 24, 2025
Understands Story and Strengthens Pitch
Working with Renee was great. She was laid back and approachable and gave really good advice. Her tips about improving sentences made sense to me right away. She also pointed out some larger problems with slip ups in plot consistency that I am going to have to think about more deeply.
Kristana Arp
March 24, 2025
Empowers Writers with Marketable Revisions
I am so grateful for my session with Jessica! Not only were her notes on my query letter extremely helpful, but she offered incredible expertise in answering my questions. But the best part was, Jessica truly “got” my story, with all its strange intricacies and twists. Her support in figuring out the best way to present/sell it was incredibly helpful. I walked away feeling re-inspired and hopeful–and, perhaps more importantly, HEARD! Thank you, Jessica!
Jaimie Hunter
March 24, 2025
Offers Actionable Insights on First Pages
Molly is kind, insightful, and knowledgeable, and my conversation with her left me feeling encouraged and inspired about my draft. Her feedback helped me see what is working in my book, and exactly what I need to do to improve it. I feel empowered now to make my book the best it can be, while at the same time making it marketable and stand out in the slush pile.
Thank you Molly!
These consults are an amazing value – a rare opportunity to have an expert in the field look over what you are doing and help point you in the right direction. If you are spinning your wheels trying to work everything out on your own, or just not 100% sure about what your novel needs right now, I would highly recommend it.
Hailey Elliott
March 24, 2025
Provides Confidence to Start Querying
Carina was extremely positive and encouraging. She asked if I had any questions right off the bat, which I
appreciated. She gave me great feedback on what is needed in opening pages, including the main character’s want or need, a hint at the obstacles, the decision or action the main character will take, and a strong voice. She also talked about adding character emotions (beats) and how they should manifest in their relationships. Carina even gave me authors to comp in a query. I was very pleased with my one-on-one with Carina and I highly recommend her for anyone looking for insight into their first page or query.
Laurie Murphy
March 24, 2025
Clarifies Query for Stronger Impact
Eric is awesome! He was able to help with my query – making the whole process seem less scary. He pointed out some things that might have gotten my query letter stuck in the spam filter! I’ve already adapted his notes on the first 10 pages, and it is much stronger as a result. He also clarified that the stakes I was showing in both the query and first 10 pages were only from the main character’s perspective and not the bigger picture.
I am now confident enough to get my first queries out into the world.
Tammy Churchill
March 24, 2025
Elevates Query with Targeted Advice
Samantha did a live videoconference, which was very helpful in connecting with her as well as interpreting her feedback to my work. She had prepared feedback and questions concerning my work to help enhance the overall query letter. In answering her questions, she listened to me tell my high-end story verbally to provide helpful feedback to better elevate my synopsis and pitch. She spent extra time to make sure I had the right focus and answered questions I had. She made the overhaul of my query letter easier. BEST Manuscript Academy meeting I have had!
Margaret Izard
March 24, 2025
Sharpens Query with Direct Feedback
Stephanie was very professional and straight to the point which I very much appreciated. She provided important feedback which I incorporated into my Query Letter immediately. Fingers crossed it brings me positive results!
Pam Wells
March 24, 2025
Challenges Core Concept Effectively
On the sliding scale of 1 to 10 as to how how frank I wanted the agent to be, I chose 9, because I thought it would be most helpful. The questions Eric had about the core concept of my novel were challenging, but I think that the manuscript and query will be much stronger once I figure out how to address them. He also had a great suggestion for how to describe the genre I am writing in.
Kristana Arp
March 24, 2025
Balances Encouragement and Tough Feedback
When you get an email from Eric Smith, his email address is Ericsmithrocks @ [whatever]. As it turns out, Erik Smith really does rock. I’ve had experiences now with a great number of Manuscript Academy faculty. I know that this writing business ain’t easy. Sometimes we get feedback that feels good. Sometimes we get feedback that makes us want to drop everything and run naked into the hills. At a time when I felt vulnerable and ready to run naked, Eric settled my heart and spirit in a way that I haven’t experienced very often. Maybe it’s because my manuscript is just so awesome. More likely, it’s because Eric is. He is great at balancing the positive and the notñso in a way that is not only soothing, but motivates you to want to do better. I can’t say enough about him after only a few minutes with him on the phone. Indeed, Eric Smith rocks.
Jason Luban
March 24, 2025
Strengthens Query with Thoughtful Edits
Caitlin showed me several ways to make my letter much stronger. She was kind, thoughtful, and patient with all my questions. I really wish I had consulted with her months ago. I am in a much better place now going into the query process.
James Parsons
March 24, 2025
Reveals Lost Story Authenticity
Stefanie was greató very professional, well-prepared, insightful and also kind. I very much appreciated her thoughtful comments. I am working on revisions and her comments helped me realize that I’ve lost my way ó I’ve been working too hard to make this book “fit” a standard formula and have lost some of the beauty of the language and the authenticity of my protagonist in the balance. Yikes! Quite a wake up calló but I needed that, and her comments will be very helpful as I try to recapture the heart of my story.
Thanks to all of you at the Manuscript Academy for making these sorts of opportunities available!
Billie Little
Billie Little
March 24, 2025