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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
A light bulb came on!
Katherine Sands was so lovely, supportive, and generous. She not only gave me detailed and incredibly helpful edits on paper, but she helped me talk through them over the phone. At one point something she said about the overall pacing of the book and what would turn it from an interesting story to a page turner made the lightbulb go off in my head! Now I’m rewriting with a different idea in mind and the words are flowing out like lava. Thank you, Katherine!
Laura O. Bergman
September 11, 2025
Finally someone who gets it!
Christina’s 10 page critique on my novel was both positive and constructive with some clear suggestions as to what to work on. I was heartened by the fact that her comments showed that she understood what the novel was about and the message I was trying to get across. Not easy when your work crosses genres! Thank you so much Christina for your valuable advice.
Valarie Coventry
September 11, 2025
Fantastic Query and First 10 Page critique
Alyssa gave me a lot to think about in our session. Her notes were clear, and given in a very supportive manner. The critique was absolutely fair, and very helpful. She immediately zeroed in on a few small items that had larger connotations, and we had a great conversation about how to handle these.
Dylan S
September 11, 2025
Your Manuscript Will Thank You
I have been working with Ivan for nearly a year on several picture book manuscripts and have worked with other agents as well. I have also been in writers’ groups. Ivan has not only far exceeded other’s knowledge and expertise, his suggestions are inspiring and his kindness and honesty encourage me and are so supportive, I leave my meeting excited to continue my writing journey. If anyone ever wonders who to turn to or are stuck choosing between agents or editors, Ivan will bring warmth, integrity, and vision. A manuscript I have been working on is ready to query and has turned out so good, I can’t wait to send it to agents. I feel more confident in the story than any other story before it, and that is all because of Ivan.
Vanessa M Gates
September 6, 2025