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Get some critique coaching from John. You may not win … but at least you’ll still enjoy playing the game
I had a 10-minute phone consult with John Cusick and I couldn’t be happier. Talking to John was like being given a pep talk by your favorite coach growing up. That wily coach that knew how to bring out the very best in their players with kindness, compassion, wisdom and a sense of humour. That coach that still has their skin in the game (John is a successful writer) and still knows all the craftiest plays and sneaks. And he knows how to best wrap an injury (even if it’s just your ego). That coach that has you play to your strengths but doesn’t fail to point out your weaknesses. Get some critique coaching from John. You may not win … but at least you’ll still enjoy playing the game.
Jonah Logan
January 14, 2021
It was amazing! It’s like having a critique done by your wise, funny, loving aunt (whom you’ve never met) but who still always sends you the perfect thoughtful gift on Christmas and your birthday
I had a written critique of my first ten pages done by Fiona Kenshole. It was amazing! It’s like having a critique done by your wise, funny, loving aunt (whom you’ve never met) but who still always sends you the perfect thoughtful gift on Christmas and your birthday. But this aunt just so happens to be a professional literary agent who knows everything there is about publishing, writing, film and being kind, insightful and wonderfully genuine. Don’t we all wish we could have a Fiona in the family. Well, now you can! Or, at least you can pretend to
Jonah Logan
January 14, 2021
I believe it will probably save my future queries
I hired Caitlin for fifteen minutes to fix a problem after several agent rejections on the first ten pages. It was a problem I feared the pages had, but wasn’t sure how to fix them myself, and my beta-readers thought it all seemed fine. In just fifteen minutes, Caitlin was able to help me fix the problem, as well as fix a couple extra problems I hadn’t known about at all. I appreciated that it was not a session full of compliments–we got a lot done in that small amount of time. Money well spent. I believe it will probably save my future queries.
Darren McNaughton
January 14, 2021
My consultations with Manuscript Academy faculty have been SO valuable over the past month.
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
January 14, 2021
She answered all my questions like a professional
My meeting with Ms. Bishop was excellent. It was my second meeting with her. For the first meeting, my query was terrible and she pointed that out and gave me suggestions. I did what she asked and in our second meeting she acknowledged that my second effort was much better. She gave me a few tweaks and answered all my questions like a professional.
Bill Denham
January 14, 2021
Kayla gave 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.
James Williamson
January 11, 2021
I was so inspired after our conversation
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
January 11, 2021
Her professional insights were super valuable
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
January 11, 2021
The ten minute consult could be just the help you need.
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
January 11, 2021
Specific and on-point feedback
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
January 11, 2021
It felt worthwhile enough that I’ve recommended to all the people in my Creative Writing Masters degree program.
I’ll admit, my heart ramped up in the few minutes before my meeting with Lane. I mean, c’mon, meeting with a pro who’s going to tell you if the intent of your hard work, uh, works or not? It’s a special sort of apprehension.
Lane helped ratchet down the angst pretty quickly. He was clearly comfortable in his role and the ease was infectious. Well, maybe a different adjective would be better during Covid era.
Transmittable?
Communicable?
Drat.
…he made me feel welcome in his world, how’s that?
Lane was hospitable during the critique process. He was clear about his thoughts, praised what worked, pointed towards the mistakes I’d made that undercut my goals, and just generally made me feel good about using this service. It felt worthwhile enough that I’ve recommended to all the people in my Creative Writing Masters degree program.
Would I use it again? Well, quality industry feedback with fairly quick turnaround time? Yep. I’d give it another go.
Jeremiah Glass
December 11, 2020
An expert eye for nonfiction
Hannah was amazing! She gave me thoughtful, specific, actionable feedback on my query letter in a straightforward and encouraging manner. She also gave me insight into what agents and editors are looking for when evaluating nonfiction book projects like mine. It was clear she engaged with my query and really thought about how to revise it to make the book’s unique aspects shine. Based on her feedback, I am really encouraged to continue to hone the query/pitch as she suggested to make the book’s premise, market, and content clear and irresistible. If you have a nonfiction book, particularly practical nonfiction, and are looking for an expert eye to help you with your query/pitch, you need Hannah’s perspective. I am so glad I took advantage of this opportunity!
Cathy Dipierro
December 11, 2020