Filter Testimonials
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
Guides Writers Toward Stronger Manuscripts
IÃve had two calls with Caitlin, an initial 10-page critique and, after significant revisions, a follow-up 30-minute/30-page critique. Caitlin provided great, actionable feedback that I can use to take my manuscript to the next level. This is true not just chapter by chapter, but in terms of achieving a goal of the manuscript (subverting romantic tropes in favor of feminist empowerment) without triggering readers’ assumptions too much or too early. Caitlin is a great guide on a sometimes-thorny path.
Stephanie Losi
March 24, 2025
Gives Insightful First Page Feedback
I enjoyed the fifteen minute consult that I had with Megan Barnard. She provided insightful and thoguhtul feedback of the first ten pages of my manuscript. It was excellent to have an opportunity to gain insight into how an agent reads the first ten pages of a manuscript.
Michael Overa
March 24, 2025
Clarifies Market Positioning for Memoirs
I have had two consults with Kayla regarding my literary non-fiction memoir. I have found her comments to be so concise and helpful, filling in any holes or gaps in my query letter and giving me a knowledgeable insider perspective on where my work would fit, information on navigating foreign markets, and how to approach the process of becoming a published author. I feel empowered to move forward, step by step. I am now polishing my proposal, based on suggestions from our last conversation. I am so fortunate to have found Kayla.
Rachel Elion Baird
March 24, 2025
Provides Smart and Actionable Suggestions
I recently booked a session with CeCe Lyra to get some feedback on my query letter. In the short amount of time we had, she gave me a whole list of suggestions and homework on how to improve my submission. CeCe is insightful, KIND, professional, super smart, and knowledgeable about the book industry. I’m super grateful for all her help and can’t wait to book my next session with her!
Layne Beckner Grime
March 24, 2025
Delivers Honest and Direct Critique
Ms. McDonald provide very direct feedback on a difficult manuscript I’ve been working on. It was just the kick in the pants I needed change it. She didn’t pull lany punches, and she was very right to do so. I’m grateful for the honest criticism.
Jesse Lawrence
March 24, 2025