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Encouraging, Helpful & Very Professional
Stephanie’s comments were so helpful. She was direct and honest but really encouraging, too. I was able to see how I had too much clutter (description) around the important events and that I needed to push the most important event to the top. Revising those pages was such a pleasure because I felt so confident after getting such clear notes. She also gave me some help with the query letter that I have already used, too. I highly recommend Stephanie Stein!
Tova
September 11, 2025
Beyond Encouragement—Actionable Vision
Molly Cusick’s critique of my picture book and query was both thoughtful and immensely practical. She didn’t just highlight areas for improvement—she offered concrete examples of how changes could look, giving me a clear vision for enhancing my work. Molly made it clear that my text was strong as is, but her insightful suggestions showed me how to add new layers and make the story even more marketable. Her balance of encouragement and actionable advice was exactly what I needed, and I’m deeply grateful for her help.
Elyssa Berger
September 11, 2025
Disarming and well prepared
Booked a LIVE Query + 10-Page Read + 15-Minute Consultation with Ivan Taurisano. Never met him before and was slightly scared to be showing my text to such a pro. Forgot about being scared within 7 seconds of talking to him. He’d read my pages three times! The revisions he suggested will be easy for me to make, but I wouldn’t have thought of them on my own. I’m absolutely sure he improved my project, and he did it with kindness and efficiency. If you get the chance to book him, you absolutely should.
Maria
September 11, 2025
Excellent Feedback!
Wow, the amount of insights and information that Carina was able to share during our critique session was impressive! She quickly explained the rationale for each change and it made our query and first ten pages sing. You can tell how well she understands the industry, the market, and what’s needed to enhance the manuscript to make it sell.
K. R. Raye
September 11, 2025
Game-changing Feedback!
My query and 30-page critique with Christina Lopez was a game-changer! After some unsuccessful queries, I began to worry that my manuscript was not marketable and was prepared to receive an honest critique of its weaknesses. Christina gave me excellent feedback, confirming I’m on the right track. Her suggestions for improvements in my query and manuscript were clear and actionable. Her positive feedback and encouraging style has renewed my determination to keep going. Just what I needed when I needed it!
Diane Moore
September 11, 2025
Made the opening pages much stronger.
Molly was a tremendous help. For my first ten pages review, she helped me identify a critical missing element to help me hook a reader from the start. That identification helped me build an entirely new goal/ conflict for the main character.
Her feedback has been invaluable.
Dylan
September 11, 2025
Positive, experienced, constructive feedback from Jemiscoe Chambers-Black
In the last few months as a member of the Manuscript Academy, I have been fortunate enough to book live consultations with Jemiscoe Chambers-Black a brilliant literary agent with the esteemed Andrea Brown literary Agency. I am a children’s picture book author/ illustrator, seeking guidance with my queries and my storytelling dummies.
Jemiscoe brings her positive, constructive feedback to the table, offering insight that motivates and inspires. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my work with this fascinating accomplished woman , she has opened my eyes with her experienced creative vision. She also has a great sense of humor and is easy to communicate with. I highly recommend her!
Ellen Carroll
www.ellencarroll.com/art-portfolio
Ellen Carroll
September 11, 2025
Expertise Shines Through
Larissa’s advice was amazing, and her expertise shines through. She was able to pinpoint things that my beta readers couldn’t and delivered her critique with kindness and generosity. She is excellent to work with. I’m very thankful to Manuscript Academy for the opportunity to consult with her.
Cathy W.
September 11, 2025
Great editor, highly recommended.
I’ve worked with Ivan three times now on picture-book projects, and each has been exceptionally beneficial. I may have some sense that something isn’t working or could be better, and Ivan not only pinpoints the issue but also helps problem solve. His development and line edits have been invaluable. Fun, friendly, generous with his time, expert in his advice; I really couldn’t ask for anything more.
Steven Bilakovics
September 11, 2025
Direct and Supportive
Eric went above and beyond in his consultation. He gave me helpful notes on my materials that were both encouraging and highlighted aspects that could be stronger. Our actual video call built on his notes and he helped me shore up the weaker parts of my materials and take them to the next level. This included helping me to brainstorm ways to deepen the stakes of my pitch and I’m very grateful for the idea that came from it. I highly recommend Eric!
Josh S
September 11, 2025
Great feedback with a very caring approach
Last Thursday, 8/21, I had a schedule phone session to discuss my query and the first ten pages of my manuscript with Kelly Van Sant. It is never easy to speak with a complete stranger about one’s writing/work, but Kelly definitely settled any nerves I had brewing with her caring approach. Kelly’s feedback was definitely beneficial and I appreciated the way she gave me actual ways to address her concerns with my opening pages and my query. I highly recommend scheduling a meeting with Faculty Member Kelly Van Sant to writers seeking professional advice with someone who has a great deal of experience in the publishing industry.
Sincerely,
Ruth Zavitsanos
Ruth Zavitsanos
September 11, 2025
Fiona was so helpful!
Fiona’s knowledge of the current market was invaluable to me in this meeting. I was seeking direction and Fiona gave that to me. She’s an experienced agent, easy to talk with and generous in giving advice.
Mary Cronk Farrell
September 11, 2025