Feedback And Reviews

Hear from writers–just like you–who’ve worked with our agents, editors, authors, and experts.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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Helped with the final stages of refining that elusive piece of the publishing puzzle

My consultations with Manuscript Academy faculty have been SO valuable over the past month.  I signed up for several, to get multiple opinions and a variety of input.  My most recent consultation, this Monday, was with Jennifer Wills from the Seymour Agency.  She had both general and very specific commentary on my query that really helped with the final stages of refining that elusive piece of the publishing puzzle.  She was also easy to talk to and super supportive.  I definitely recommend choosing Jennifer for a live consult!

Jayme Inman
August 5, 2021

Incredibly helpful and encouraging

My consultation with Anne Elliott was awesome! When I finished writing my first short story about a month ago, I wasn’t sure what the next step should be. I considered having a consultation with a Manuscript Academy faculty member, but when I read their bio’s, there didn’t seem to be anyone specializing in short stories. And then I came across Anne’s “Finding a Home for Your Short Story” talk, which was super informative. And when I saw that she was offering individual consultations, I couldn’t believe my good luck. Our Zoom call and her follow-up email were incredibly helpful and encouraging. She was also just really personable and fun to talk to. I’m much more knowledgeable about writing and publishing short stories now. Thanks so much for bringing Anne into The Manuscript Academy’s family.

Mary Sprague
August 5, 2021

I would definitely recommend this to any author

Caitlin’s feedback was incredibly valuable, and from the short conversation I can already see many opportunities to improve both my manuscript and my query letter. I would definitely recommend this to any author, especially those going the traditional publishing route.

Aaron Peters
Aaron Peters
June 16, 2021

Invaluable insight into the current state of the industry and helpful tips on how to continue pursuing a writing career

I’m thankful for the time I got to spend with Kayla Lightner on the consultation service. She had clearly read and considered the pages sent in advance and presented concise and specific feedback on my work. I was also able to ask questions about the querying and publishing process, and Kayla gave invaluable insight into the current state of the industry and helpful tips on how to continue pursuing a writing career.

I also participated in an online writer’s session earlier this month. Though I had listened to and enjoyed the podcast this past year, after one month I’m already really feeling the added value of the Manuscript Academy subscription.

James Williamson
James Williamson
June 16, 2021

Her guidance was thoughtful and kind, and I never felt rushed.

Ms. Sands was an absolute pleasure to speak with. Her guidance was thoughtful and kind, and I never felt rushed. I was so inspired after our conversation that I immediately got to work implementing her suggestions for my query letter! It was a wonderful experience.

Stacey Danevicz
June 16, 2021

More informative than my MFA

My consultation was amazing. Cecilia provided me with excellent feedback and opened my eyes to some (now) obvious errors in my prose. Honestly, her consultation was more enlightening and informative than many of my writing classes I attended in my MFA program. Thank you for creating this valuable opportunity. 

Cynthia Webb
Rochelle S.
June 16, 2021

Her feedback was kind, collaborative, and helpful

Jessica did an excellent job answering my questions. I wasn’t sure my first page was the best way to open my manuscript, and Jessica helped guide me. Her feedback was kind, collaborative, and helpful. I appreciated the conversation and her professional insights were super valuable. She also gave me great suggestions for comp titles. Thank you, Jessica!

Jenn Marlis
Jenn Marlis
May 12, 2021

I left the meeting feeling encouraged and hopeful

I would highly recommend both the experience of doing the query consult and doing so with Ms. Kenshole. Not only was she very easy to talk with but she gave me feedback that I could immediately put to use. I also had the opportunity to ask my burning questions. I left the meeting feeling encouraged and hopeful. Whether you’re just starting out or have hit a wall—the ten minute consult could be just the help you need.

Julia Cooper
Julia Cooper
May 12, 2021

Feedback is so on-point and specific

Caitlin is awesome.  I’ve spoken to her twice now and her feedback is so on-point and specific, while always being kind and upbeat.  She’s a terrific advisor and I bet she’d make an excellent agent, for anyone lucky enough to get her.

Jayme Inman
Jayme Inman
May 12, 2021

Very helpful in making some developmental decisions

Hannah was very helpful in making some developmental decisions. I’m at 18,000 words in a manuscript that has skirted the edge between memoir and fiction. She showed me how fictionalizing a memoir would provide the freedom I needed to enhance the story. I look forward to reengaging with Hannah or another professional as needed. Thanks so much!

Karen Fisher
Karen Fisher
May 12, 2021

Extremely helpful

This session was extremely helpful. I am able to pinpoint my style a bit more and know what the main issues are that need to be resolved before querying.

Kaitlynn McShea
Kaitlynn McShea
May 12, 2021

Questions answered that really helped narrow down which paths to pursue

Alyssa was very easy to talk to. Although I was nervous, I had a great time and got questions answered that really helped narrow down which paths to pursue. I would recommend her for consults for sure.

Rachel Scott
Rachel Scott
April 30, 2021
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