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Shares Practical Query Improvement Tips
The ten minutes flew by but not without a ton of amazing feedback and a plan! I am so thrilled with my first 10 minutes with an agent, I will be making a promise to myself to do this monthly! Thank you Kiana, your feedback was exactly what my first pages needed!
Michelle Kemper Brownlow
March 24, 2025
Provides Warm and Insightful Feedback
My consult with Stephanie took place in the aftermath of a big nor’easter that left me with an iffy Internet connection. But that didn’t dim Stephanie’s brilliance. Her comments were insightful, her tips were helpful, and her affect was warm and understanding. The consult was productive, fun, and the confidence booster I needed to keep plugging away in the Query Trenches. (It also was a great distraction from the tree branch that smashed my car windshield.) I wholeheartedly recommend Stephanie for consults … and anything else she takes on in the book world. Kudos to Manuscript Academy for all the talent you attract and invaluable services you provide!
Carolyn Cowen
March 24, 2025
Brings Next-Level Query Clarity
Fiona was so helpful bringing clarity to my query. I had many eyes on it prior to our consult, and have received some requests from the slush pile, but Fionaís advice was next level. I feel my money was well spent, not just for this query but for how I can use her advice to self-critique in the future. She was also super nice and easy to talk to. Highly recommend!
Noelle Strader
March 24, 2025
Clarifies and Strengthens Query Letters
Thank you for critiquing my query for 101 Glasses of Wine. Molly Cusick was great to work with, straight to the point and helpful. Definitely get a session with her!
Nico Rijelle
March 24, 2025
Enhances Stories with a Fresh Lens
Cecilia ëCeCeí Lyra was one of the best writing critique experiences that Iíve had on the Manuscript Academy. I was so impressed with her writing critique that I actually paid for another one with her. Her suggestions helped to enhance my work in a way that I hadnít seen before. She helped me see my work through a fresher lens and possibly change it in another direction. What I loved about her was that she was so encouraging while she critiqued my work. You understood that she was critiquing your work and not you. If she thought that you wrote something great, sheíd let you know in a way that made you feel so good. One of the best parts of working with her, is that sheís quick. I hope she doesnít mind me saying this; however, she critiqued my work and provided it back to me prior to the 5-7 week allotted time. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a completed and thorough critique emailed to me earlier than anticipated. I didnít have to wait with bated breath for too long. As you can see, I donít know if thereís enough that I can say about her. I highly recommend Cecilia Lyra for your writing critique.
Lynn Snarr
March 24, 2025
Creates a Relaxed and Supportive Space
As I started my session with RenÈe Fountain, who looked at my query, I’d hoped for a couple of quick insights. Instead it was like we were seated in a virtual coffee shop, and nobody was eyeing our table. To say the meeting was unrushed would be an understatement. After discussing the query, RenÈe asked me about the novel itself, challenged a couple of plot points, and questioned certain details about my protagonist. All the while, she was encouraging, warm, funny, and really smart. Most heartening was eventually finishing the session with RenÈe and feeling like I’d just met a brilliant advocate for literature and writers. I walked out of my home office and into the kitchen, where my husband said, “So it mush have gone well. I kept hearing you laughing.”
Bud Jennings
March 24, 2025
Delivers Astute and Encouraging Feedback
In just ten short minutes, Cecilia Lyra told me things about the first page of my novel that had me thinking all afternoon after our talk. Her points were so farsighted and astute, it seemed as if she’d read the opening chapters. On top of her keen insights, Cecilia was encouraging, kind, and ultimately inspiring. It was a singular pleasure talking to her, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have this sage reader share such a comprehensive, profound first impression.
Bud Jennings
March 24, 2025
Explains What Agents Look For
My conversation with Danielle was fantastic. She gave me feedback on my first chapter that left me feeling both confident and excited moving forward. She did an amazing job of explaining what agents would be looking for as she laid out her feedback. I highly recommend her!
Adam Cotton
March 24, 2025
Clarifies Project Direction with Confidence
Amanda was incredibly helpful and response to my questions (which I noted on my submission ahead of time to help guide our conversation). She also sent the Zoom link in a timely manner and provided a back-up plan to connect by phone as needed.
I came away with a clear direction for my project and better insights into the industry — and that means renewed confidence that my work could be successful.
Susan Santone
March 24, 2025
Gives Smart and Actionable Feedback
Jessica was incredibly kind and warm, but above all, super savvy and smart! She gave actionable feedback on my query letter that I could implement right away. I’m excited to update my query based on her suggestions and see what happens on my querying journey.
Jordana Dorn
March 24, 2025
Provides Fresh Insights on Drafts
My meeting with Erica was very helpful. She was friendly and personable, and had insights and questions (even on the eleventh draft and after two writing critique groups) I had never thought of.
Rachel White
March 24, 2025
Pinpoints Missing Element in Queries
Absolutely a positive and beneficial experience. John knew right away what was missing from my query. This is not the checklist of things you need in a query, rather the missing “element” that I needed to position my book for agents. His ability to tap into it speaks to his years of experience and industry knowledge and left me excited about my next steps. As a person who has a refined manuscript, taken the query courses, and had numerous query critiques with peers this is what I needed to move forward.
Thanks John!
Reed Hilton-Eddy
March 24, 2025