Filter Testimonials
Low positive response rate? You need The Manuscript Academy.
I was really struggling to query my book, particularly as an Australian looking to break into the more commercial international market. The Manuscript Academy has been a lifesaver, I’ve been able to receive feedback from some wonderful sources I’d not have been able to access otherwise! As an international member, the recorded sessions are fantastic, as it means no waking up at three in the morning to join in and they’re posted following the session, meaning you can interact in the forums with other writers in real time. It’s an added bonus that it doesn’t harm your chances of your work being selected for feedback! My positive query reply rate has skyrocketed after attending a few workshops and catching up on the missed ones – I cannot stress enough how pivotal the breadth of information has been for my writing journey.
Sav Rose
October 25, 2025
John Cusick Says Super Cute
Thrilled to have John Cusick say my picture book description sounds super cute! He chose my comp titles to review. I stole them and added them to my query letter.
Another very helpful Manuscript Academy class. Thank you so much for all you do for the writing community.
Dawn Byrne
October 24, 2025
Finding My Way Through the Comps Forest
On a whim, I registered for Manuscript Academy’s Comps workshop. Feedback on how my query matched my comps, invaluable! Post-workshop, comps read less verbose and more focused on style and tone, thanks to John Cusick’s insightful suggestions. Grateful the comps forest is behind me, almost. The light awaits.
Jaqualyn L. Johnson
October 24, 2025
Exactly what I asked for!
Honestly Chelsea was phenomenal! She was kind but also thorough and detailed. She explained things perfectly, answered my questions well and I left with more understanding and an action plan on how to improve.
Noor A.
October 24, 2025
A Whole New Take
John’s comments were incredibly helpful. He gave me new insights and a totally different way of considering comps. Beyond that, I also got some fresh ideas about what to include in my query and how to make it stand out. Very grateful!
Chandlee Offerman
October 24, 2025
Friendly and knowledgeable
Erica was so friendly that she quickly put me at ease. The suggestions she made for improving my query letter were specific and actionable. I left the meeting feeling encouraged and ready to get back to work. Thank you, Erica!
Jane Shuffer
October 24, 2025
No Longer Peeing Like a Puppy
The AHA moment came when I realized I had good comps and found out how to make them better during John’s class. The Thurs. workshop brought me to my knees when I saw how I had been sabotaging my query and a few twists and deletes polished the project.
Confidence was instilled in me when Jessica broke down the walls and I saw the barriers I had given my queries.
Thank you for a great/useful workshop!
M.M.Geittmann
October 24, 2025
Music to My Ears
In just 10 quick minutes, Molly provided meaningful guidance for me as it related to my project. As she offered comments, I knew that she treated my first few lines with respect. Even more than her professional words, she offered a response to the work that was also meaningful. It’s a humorous project and she indicated that she chuckled. That spoke volumes and was music to my ears! Thanks, Molly.
Cheryl D. Watkins
October 24, 2025
Upbeat, Insightful, and Engaged
I met with Erica for a 15-minute session to get feedback on my query letter and first ten pages, and it was extremely helpful. She was upbeat, engaged, and genuinely interested in the material, offering thoughtful and insightful suggestions that gave me a fresh perspective on how to strengthen both. I’d highly recommend meeting with her!
Justin
October 22, 2025
Thoughtful, Insightful, and Supportive
I met with Bridget for a 15-minute session to get feedback on my query letter and the first ten pages of my manuscript. This was actually my second meeting with her because the first went so well that I came back with an updated version. In both sessions, Bridget was thoughtful, thorough, and genuinely engaged with the work. She took time to really dig into the details and offered clear, actionable feedback that was immensely helpful. It’s clear she truly cares about helping writers improve. I highly recommend her!
Justin
October 22, 2025
Excellent Experience
This was the third written critique I’ve enjoyed with Katharine Sands. One was for a query letter, one was for the first 10 pages of a novel, and the third was a revision of those first 10 pages. Katharine always goes beyond expectations. She divides the critique into multiple sections such as: introduction to plot, introduction of characters, voice, dialogue, scene craft, etc. She tells you where she sees the novel going based on the story essentials laid out in the first 10 pages. Katharine is willing to answer any questions and explain any parts of the critique the writer might not understand. She demonstrates a keen knowledge of the novel, both in the writing of it and in the readers’ response to the writing. I highly recommend Katharine Sands. In understanding what an agent sees in the first 10 pages, a writer could not do better than to receive a critique from Katharine.
Linda Busby Parker
October 21, 2025
Fantastic critique by Stephanie Winter
Stephanie Winter provided me with an excellent critique of my query letter and 10-page submission. Her insightful advice and thoughtful suggestions were invaluable, giving me a clear roadmap for future revisions. I can’t thank Stephanie enough–and The Manuscript Academy–for making her expertise available as a resource.
Chuck Garabedian
October 20, 2025