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Grateful
Working with Chelsea has been a positive learning experience. She is delightful, easy to communicate with, and offers an experienced, objective perspective that is guiding me through the process. Chelsea motivates me to continue developing my stories, and I am learning a great deal from her.
I look forward to our next consultation and plan to use the time in between to add more dimension to my work before presenting it again. I greatly appreciate her wisdom and I am grateful to Manuscript Academy for the opportunities they provide for all of us serious writers, illustrators and author/illustrators .
Ellen Carroll
February 20, 2026
Excellent advice from a true professional
I asked Vanessa to help me with a critique of my query package – letter, synopsis and opening pages. Her comments were insightful, immensely helpful and very supportive. I felt as I came away that I knew what the pack needed, but that it wasn’t a million miles away. I felt that she cut through a lot of the directly contradictory advice that we all get when we search the various fora and other sources on the web, and gave it to me straight.
As a result, I think I have a much better chance of making that next leap.
I would urge anyone considering querying their work in the next few months to seek such a report from any of the faculty members they deem relevant, and I’m confident that they will not regret it at all.
Robin Wright
February 28, 2026
Insightful and Gentle
In ten minutes, Ms. Aguirre asked me five questions which will improve both the first page of my manuscript and my query letter. Instead of the razor critique I expected, I was gently and respectfully probed. She listened. I now realize the best editors, like the best writers, are the ones who listen. THANK YOU and GRACIAS Ms. Aguirre!
Susan Pieters
February 27, 2026
Great feedback!
Linda was awesome! She gave me detailed feedback and her suggestions were really helpful. She knows her stuff and really gives personal attention. She also asked questions to find out where I was in the writing process. Definitely recommend.
Leslie
February 26, 2026
Best Session Ever!
My consultation with Eric was amazing! He is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, yet also so kind and approachable. From the beginning, he made me feel completely at ease and encouraged me to ask any questions I had.
He was very open and generous with his insights, offering thoughtful feedback and solid advice throughout our conversation. Most importantly, he gave me practical and actionable steps to move forward with my querying process.
I left the session feeling encouraged, confident, and much clearer about my next steps. I’m truly grateful for the experience.
Best meeting ever—worth every minute. Highly recommended!
Ifeanyi Omoike
February 26, 2026
The haircut my query didn’t know it needed
The first query I submitted to Alyssa was a sprawling, jumbled mess that prioritized voice and flavor over clarity and hook. She helped me pare my pitch down to the essentials, then fill in crucial details. Her advice inspired me to go back to my “finished” novel and fix the gaps I never wanted to admit were there. The resulting query finally feels true to my manuscript—clean, clear, and ready to submit. I highly recommend her!
Joseph Chermesino
February 25, 2026
Generous, Analytical, Sharp-minded, Kind
Jonathan Baker is the person to meet with if you are serious about your work but find yourself stuck when it comes to your writing career. Baker is generous but analytical, sharp-minded but kind. Before I sat down with him, my work was languishing in the doldrums. I didn’t fully understand the publishing industry—or my place in it. Now, with Baker’s help, I’ve crafted a clear and exciting path going forward. Give yourself a birthday present (I did) and arrange to meet with him. Don’t wait: life is short, and you owe it to yourself to obtain the best advice available! Thanks, Julie and Jessica, and a big thanks to Jonathan Baker.
Karen Keskinen
February 5, 2026
A Timely Boost for My Query Journey
I was really encouraged by my session with Dani. I had been feeling discouraged about the querying process, and she took time to explain more about how publishing works while reassuring me about my chances of finding the right agent.
She reviewed my query thoughtfully, highlighting what was working well and offering specific, actionable suggestions for improvement. I left the session feeling more confident, encouraged, and motivated to keep querying and not give up.
Thank you, Dani!
Ifeanyi Omoike
February 16, 2026
Time well spent on the road to sub!
Erica was great! She gave me constructive feedback in a kind, helpful way. Thanks to her sharp insights, I was able to figure out exactly what wasn’t working with my query and fix it. She also asked for my questions ahead of time to make the best use of the crazy short session. Time and money well spent as I’m getting ready to sub!!
Molly Rettig
January 24, 2026
Amazing Critique
Danielle shared targeted, thoughtful feedback on the first fifty pages of my middle grade speculative manuscript. Her critique helped maintain my confidence that my manuscript is on the right track and allowed me to launch into a new draft with many areas for improvements. Danielle was honest, but extremely positive, pointing out what was working and ways to fix what wasn’t. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with Danielle.
Elizabeth Condon-Kim
January 25, 2026
Best Experience Yet
I have done a lot of the live meetings and mixed ones as well. Molly’s written critique and notes were about the best investment in my book I have made at MA. Highly recommended.
Charles Goin
January 26, 2026
Matter-Of-Fact, To-The-Point, Much Appreciated
My 15 minutes with Ms. Chun were very well-spent and appreciated. She provided straightforward advice on my query letter and 10 pages of my novel. I came away with a clear understanding that I needed to make my plot pivotal in my novel as I had digressed into lengthy character expansions. Harkening to my newspaper background, she helped me realize I had “buried the lede.” She reinforced that I had to “kill my darlings” and delete writing that I really liked but was not central to my story. I also came away with a renewed vigor and dedication to seeing my novel published.
David M. Wilhelms
January 29, 2026