Filter Testimonials
Music to My Ears
In just 10 quick minutes, Molly provided meaningful guidance for me as it related to my project. As she offered comments, I knew that she treated my first few lines with respect. Even more than her professional words, she offered a response to the work that was also meaningful. It’s a humorous project and she indicated that she chuckled. That spoke volumes and was music to my ears! Thanks, Molly.
Cheryl D. Watkins
October 24, 2025
Upbeat, Insightful, and Engaged
I met with Erica for a 15-minute session to get feedback on my query letter and first ten pages, and it was extremely helpful. She was upbeat, engaged, and genuinely interested in the material, offering thoughtful and insightful suggestions that gave me a fresh perspective on how to strengthen both. I’d highly recommend meeting with her!
Justin
October 22, 2025
Thoughtful, Insightful, and Supportive
I met with Bridget for a 15-minute session to get feedback on my query letter and the first ten pages of my manuscript. This was actually my second meeting with her because the first went so well that I came back with an updated version. In both sessions, Bridget was thoughtful, thorough, and genuinely engaged with the work. She took time to really dig into the details and offered clear, actionable feedback that was immensely helpful. It’s clear she truly cares about helping writers improve. I highly recommend her!
Justin
October 22, 2025
Excellent Experience
This was the third written critique I’ve enjoyed with Katharine Sands. One was for a query letter, one was for the first 10 pages of a novel, and the third was a revision of those first 10 pages. Katharine always goes beyond expectations. She divides the critique into multiple sections such as: introduction to plot, introduction of characters, voice, dialogue, scene craft, etc. She tells you where she sees the novel going based on the story essentials laid out in the first 10 pages. Katharine is willing to answer any questions and explain any parts of the critique the writer might not understand. She demonstrates a keen knowledge of the novel, both in the writing of it and in the readers’ response to the writing. I highly recommend Katharine Sands. In understanding what an agent sees in the first 10 pages, a writer could not do better than to receive a critique from Katharine.
Linda Busby Parker
October 21, 2025
Fantastic critique by Stephanie Winter
Stephanie Winter provided me with an excellent critique of my query letter and 10-page submission. Her insightful advice and thoughtful suggestions were invaluable, giving me a clear roadmap for future revisions. I can’t thank Stephanie enough–and The Manuscript Academy–for making her expertise available as a resource.
Chuck Garabedian
October 20, 2025
Definitely helped!
Amy has a reputation of being straightforward and helpful when it comes to feedback, and it’s well-deserved. Her suggestion for framing my story was spot-on. I was thrilled with the critique. Well worth the money I spent.
Barbara Wallace
October 19, 2025
My critique from Carina Licon was fab!
Jessica and Julie,
Carina Licon’s feedback on my query plus 10 pages was so thorough, and her highly actionable comments made my submission package shine. Her email and notes were personable as well, making her a top choice if members plan to purchase a written critique.
Thanks for making this option available to members. Manuscript Academy is the best option for pre-published writers that I’ve seen.
Sincerely,
Linda Brannigan
Linda Brannigan
October 18, 2025
A Ton of Insight in a Delightful Ten-Minute Chat
Not only is Stephanie Stein an editor with a keen eye, she’d also a warm and kind cheerleader. She read the first page of my novel and query, and provided equal measures of advice and encouragement. Not only expertly understanding language, character, and plot, Stepanie also knows and understands how writers feel. It was a real pleasure talking to her—and I know my query and opening have benefited after the experience. I can’t recommend Stephanie more highly.
Bud Jennings
October 18, 2025
The Editor Every Writer Hopes to Find
I booked a query and first-30-pages review with Christina, and it was an incredibly valuable experience. She was warm, approachable, and deeply knowledgeable. Her feedback was clear, concrete, and actionable, and she gave specific examples that made the revision process feel achievable. When I shared how overwhelmed I felt about a tough developmental note, she immediately encouraged me, saying, “I have faith in you. You can do this.” Christina also offered thoughtful insight into the publishing process, helping me better understand what agents and editors look for. She delivered every critique with kindness and empathy, leaving me inspired and confident to keep refining my work. Can’t wait to meet with her again with my revisions!
Cris Cunningham
October 15, 2025
The Right Mix of Support
Working with Anne Elliott was an incredible experience. As a new writer, I felt uncertain about where to submit my short story “Errands” and unsure of the changes that might make it stronger. Anne brought both clarity and confidence to the process. Her knowledge of the literary world was immediately apparent, but what stood out even more was her calm, encouraging presence.
Her feedback struck the perfect balance between constructive critique and genuine positivity — she did not sugar-coat, yet her insights felt supportive and purposeful. I left the meeting feeling motivated, not deflated, and with a clearer understanding of how to elevate my writing.
Anne didn’t just help me improve my story; she helped me believe in my potential as a writer. I’m deeply grateful for her guidance and look forward to the day “Errands” finds its place in print, knowing her influence played a vital part in getting it there.
Dean Curtis
October 13, 2025
Well worth it.
Ms. Jennette provided exact the the professional expertise and clear eyed assessment of my materials that I needed to hear. She struck a good balance between finding the positives in the work, while not shying away from the challenges that I’d need to address.
Note to fellow creatives: Investing in an outside opinion from a professional is a better choice than endless second-guessing and anxiety.
(10 Page Read & 15-Minute Consultation)
Paul Flippen
October 9, 2025
Wow, Great Stuff!
Chelsea did something that no other agent I’ve spoken to has done: she asked me to tell her what my story was really about, sending that there was something missing, and in doing so I realized why agents had not been responding: The most interesting thing about my sci-fi story was not in the query or the first pages. Basically that had been intentional, because I didn’t want to give away the twists. She gave me permission to just freaking do it, at least as far as some of the basic things I’d been holding back. I think both pages and query have a lot more impact now thanks to her. She was also very friendly, easy and comfortable to talk with, and I could sense the wheels turning as she asked great questions, helped me to see things in a different way and made useful, workable suggestions that I believe have improved my book and query greatly.
David Wildman
October 9, 2025