Filter Testimonials
Pinpointing the Missing Piece
My session with Melissa Warten was extremely helpful! I sent her my query letter for my contemporary YA novel, and her comments and feedback were very insightful. She pinpointed the one detail that was missing from the plot description. It felt like she helped me put the last piece into a puzzle. She was positive and encouraging, but also gave me truly helpful critique.
Karen Trowbridge
March 24, 2025
Invaluable Feedback from an Agent
Awesome experience! I would recommend this service to any and all writer friends because hearing concrete information from an actual agent was invaluable. There is so much guesswork and insecurity that comes with Query letters and submissions. John Cusick was wonderful and gave me incredible feedback in our 10 minute session. Honestly, I wish I would have signed up for this service a year ago! It would have saved me from so much agony and self-sabotage. I was only going to sign up for Manuscript Academy for one month, but now I think I’ll hang around for a while until I’m finished submitting my current project:)
Thanks Guys!!!
Rhianna Helton
March 24, 2025
Transformative Advice for Character Depth
Cecilia totally unlocked me. I was experimenting with some new-to-me techniques and she had insights beyond them that really spiced up what I was trying to do. We talked about active vs passive emotions and figuring out that I needed to open with anger instead of grief and loss has ratcheted my first chapter up 100 degrees in heat. I’m reading the pages now and thinking “wow, I wrote this.” I feel like her tips on how to take a character who is alone and open them up to an interaction, and how to make sure each scene opens in a systematically engaging ways are tips I will use every time I write. LOVE HER.
Alysha Dominico
March 24, 2025
Detailed and Encouraging Query Critique
Caitlin’s critique of my query letter was excellent; she went into depth about what her thoughts were and how to improve each paragraph. She made sure my questions were answered in a calm, quick manner, and was very encouraging.
Madelene Waldron
March 24, 2025
Actionable and Thought-Provoking Guidance
My meeting with Katharine was very insightful, productive and action oriented. Her review and suggestions were specific and thought provoking. I left my meeting recharged from her passion, detail and wealth of knowledge of the publishing world. The Manuscript Academy is a fabulous resource that creates a solid framework for aspiring authors make their voices heard in our transforming world. If you are ready to take your manuscript from paper to people The Manuscript Academy is for you! Glowing bubbles of appreciation.
Melissa Boyd
March 24, 2025
Reinvigorated and Ready to Revise
Fiona was simultaneously enthusiastic, funny and as direct as an arrow as she honed in on what needed work. Small details or a sweeping change. She was extremely adept at seeing both. I came away reinvigorated to dive back into a story I had already queried. Okay! Back to work for me.
Emily Esner
March 24, 2025
Fresh Perspective on Story Structure
Katherine Sands was amazing! She was sensitive and clear, explaining why the introduction that I had sent her, wasn’t doing its job. Her comments gave me so much to work with, and I’m back at work with a new perspective. I think each writer has her/his own challenges. For me, because the writing itself is easy, I write and then hope that the structure makes sense. But using the “other” brain that Katherine talks about, the brain that has to answer hard questions about the work, has given me a way to make my work much stronger. Because it was clear from her comments that she wanted to help me, I felt it was easy to listen and learn. Save yourself the heartache of rejections and book a meeting with Katherine. You won’t regret it.
Jean Baur
March 24, 2025
Specific Ideas That Strengthen Writing
Another productive meeting. She shared two very specific ideas about strengthening my work that were spot-on and that I’ll be able to use throughout my work. I’m learning more from these sessions than any webinar I’ve attended. Love the personal touch. Thanks again.
lowell buckner
March 24, 2025
Industry Knowledge with Personal Insight
Fiona was delightful. She brought to my session wit and empathy along with a deep, intuitive knowledge of the industry. “Knowledge of the industry” is a term that’s thrown around a lot but here I mean that she not only has the pulse of what editors are looking for but what kids will understand and find joy in. She seemed quite intent on making sure we extracted every ounce of value from the session. My manuscript will better for having been looked at by Fiona but so will my larger writer’s journey.
Adam Stockman
March 24, 2025
Above and Beyond Expectations
Kiana sent me fantastic notes and suggestions after our discussion. She went above and beyond what I expected. She was super nice and helpful!
Mona Mehas
March 24, 2025
Techniques for Stronger Storytelling
Katharine was GREAT! She gave me honest and incredibly helpful advice on how to rework my first chapter as well as my query letter. She helped me understand Why areas needed rework and then gave terrific techniques on How to do it.
Katharine has an immediately likable personality that put me at ease. She gave great instruction and listened well to help with my concerns. She also went out of her way to put me in contact with a local resource that could help me further.
Thanks again Katharine!
Kevin McDermott
March 24, 2025
Concrete Suggestions for Query Improvement
Caitlin was great! I did a ten minute query review with her, and she made the most of every minute. She told me exactly what was working and what could be improved, and even gave me concrete suggestions for making changes. Iím so happy I booked a consultation with herómy query is much improved!
Amy Strong
March 24, 2025