Filter Testimonials
Worth every penny
Hannah Strouth gave me helpful and practical tips to improve my query. Specifically, she pointed out the two most important comp titles in my intro paragraph and she dug through the mud of my plot paragraph to pull out what mattered most. Thank you, Hannah!
Hope
October 29, 2025
Anjanette offered clarity, insight and warmth
Anjanette provided thoughtful, concise guidance on crafting picture books and developing a platform for success. Her enthusiasm for my manuscript and the proposed series made our conversation feel like the beginning of a meaningful collaboration. I am the author of several traditionally published books, but I truly appreciated learning more about the submission process for children’s picture books.
Marsha Hansen
October 28, 2025
All the tools in one go.
Eric went above and beyond in ensuring the live chat goes as smoothly as possible. He provided written notes and comments on the query and first page the day before in order to give me time as well to prepare my own questions.
He was helpful, considerate and very thorough.
The meeting might have been 10 minutes but I got out of it with a wealth of knowledge I can implement going forward!
Noor
October 28, 2025
Incredibly helpful!
The meeting with Kelly really maximized the short time we had together. She was knowledgeable, insightful and made sure all my questions were answered. Her input was exactly what I needed at this point in time. Thank you!
Jennifer Mitchell
October 28, 2025
Noelle Falcis Math
Noelle’s comments on my query and pages were so helpful, plus she’s easy to talk to. I would 100% recommend her one on one critiques!
Douglas Wood
October 27, 2025
I now COMPrehend!
I found the recent comp workshop extremely useful and eye-opening. I’m a published author who has queried many novels (though never landed an agent deal), so I’ve been down this road before. But I never approached my comps with such meticulous consideration of all the things they could and should do for my query. The introductory session was information-packed (so much so that I really appreciated the replay, to go back and catch what I missed), and the live critiquing of participant comps helped bring the information to life. I learned a ton, even though many of the books weren’t in my genre, and learned how agents think about comp titles. Finally, I appreciate the Facebook group and the 30 days of forum access included with the class. Even though I’m not sure if I’ll be pursuing representation for my current book, this was a valuable package that will help me bring the book to its ultimate audience, however I get there.
Audrey Kalman
October 26, 2025
Jessica Gave Me Terrific Advice
Jessica provided an insightful 30-minute consultation that offered valuable guidance on improving my query letter and first pages. She suggested more up-to-date comparative titles and helped me clarify what’s truly at stake for my protagonist. Most importantly, she reminded me that readers want to picture themselves in the story’s world and circumstances.
Warren Cook
October 26, 2025
For Fans of Coffee and Spice
InCOMParable Workshop delivered!!
Jessica’s punny intro class packed with relevant content presented at caffeinated speed, the theme based forums that built
community and confidence, and John’s chilli pepper spiced analysis of titles (and their comps) hyped me up to keep fine tuning my query and comps search.
Manuscript Academy workshops have inspired and guided my evolution from writer to cheerleader of my own stories, and this workshop went above and beyond my expectations because both presenters modeled how to identify and appeal to your audience.
Each Manuscript Academy event feels epic: Beyond the flexibility of attending in real time or asynchronous, the presenters and the content always empower me to keep writing and believing in my art.
corina oana
October 26, 2025
Nailing Those Comps
I loved this workshop. It was wonderful to have positive, understanding people presenting and guiding us. I always felt the presenters showed respect for writers at all levels. I highly recommend the presentations from Manuscript Academy. It was also a big bonus that those running these programs were very helpful with answering questions.
Joan Chamberlin
October 25, 2025
I finally understand comps!
Thank you so much for hosting the InCOMParable workshop! Such a wonderful group and invaluable information – I finally understand how comps. So grateful for Manuscript Academy, thanks for all that you do!
Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff
October 25, 2025
Low positive response rate? You need The Manuscript Academy.
I was really struggling to query my book, particularly as an Australian looking to break into the more commercial international market. The Manuscript Academy has been a lifesaver, I’ve been able to receive feedback from some wonderful sources I’d not have been able to access otherwise! As an international member, the recorded sessions are fantastic, as it means no waking up at three in the morning to join in and they’re posted following the session, meaning you can interact in the forums with other writers in real time. It’s an added bonus that it doesn’t harm your chances of your work being selected for feedback! My positive query reply rate has skyrocketed after attending a few workshops and catching up on the missed ones – I cannot stress enough how pivotal the breadth of information has been for my writing journey.
Sav Rose
October 25, 2025
John Cusick Says Super Cute
Thrilled to have John Cusick say my picture book description sounds super cute! He chose my comp titles to review. I stole them and added them to my query letter.
Another very helpful Manuscript Academy class. Thank you so much for all you do for the writing community.
Dawn Byrne
October 24, 2025