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Provides Thoughtful Query Review
I booked a 10-minute consultation with Stephanie Winter regarding my query letter. It was a wonderful experience in every way. I have missed being able to attend writing conferences in person and sometimes–okay, more than sometimes–it’s disheartening to get a rejection or to hear nothing from agents I query, particularly when the process feels so impersonal. I much prefer face-to-face interaction and this is as good as it gets for now.
Stephanie was kind and thoughtful in the feedback she provided. I’ve tweaked by query letter accordingly. It’s well worth a small investment to get more insight into whether a query letter is intriguing agents or causing them to quickly press the delete button as though it were a warmup for competing on “Family Feud.” I paid for this consultation as a personal gift last Christmas, a time of year when I can feel generous, even to myself. So glad I did!
Gregory Walters
March 24, 2025
Gives Frank and Honest Guidance
My session with Cecilia could not have been more helpful. Her comments and suggestions were frank and honest. Clearly with the purpose to assist my writing and the process.
I would recommend Cecilia without reservation.
John Schwarzlose
March 24, 2025
Delivers Actionable Query Advice
Melissa had such constructive things to say about my query! I knew she’d share a deliberate, encouraging perspective after listening to her at a recent MA class. Her thoughts on comps really helped a lot. She didn’t mind answering a prickly question of mine. Concrete, actionable feedback delivered with warmth. Extremely glad, and highly recommend.
Sheryl Stein
March 24, 2025
Clarifies Query Letter Comps
Melissa was great. She helped me with my query letter, telling me what worked and what didn’t. She thought I was overthinking the beginning–where I’d tried to list my comps–and she was so right!
Carol Ayer
March 24, 2025
Encourages and Uplifts Writers
Marilyn was positive, upbeat and extremely helpful in her critique of my first page. The Zoom session was a truly delightful experience. Marilyn’s background is impressive, which added weight to her suggestions and recommendations. I’m so grateful that The Manuscript Academy offered this service.
Rick Outzen
March 24, 2025
Enhances Stories with Useful Insights
Kaitlyn was right on time. She even took the time to Zoom with me on a holiday weekend. I appreciated her input on my story and her ideas to enhance the story and make it better. I thoroughly appreciated her time and her talent. She was very easy to talk to.
Sharon Coffey
March 24, 2025
Blows Away Writers with Feedback
Kaitlyn far exceeded my expectations for what I would get out of our meeting. I booked a 15-minute consult, and I think we ended up talking for 30 minutes. She gave me high-level feedback as well as detailed line edits and comments. What impressed me was that she shared her screen and we went through every line by line comment, discussed some ideas for clarifying that part of the story, and she took notes in the margins as we discussed these ideas in real time! She even emailed me the file with her edits during our meeting. I was blown away by her care, attention, and transparency and learned so much. I highly recommend Kaitlyn to anyone who wants detailed notes on their work and a sharp editorial eye.
Elaine Wang
March 24, 2025
Suggests Strong Comps and Edits
Lane was great. He suggested a comp and and helped with my query. He told me to query him when I’m ready and said for me to remind him that he told me to do that!
Mona Mehas
March 24, 2025
Boosts Confidence in Query Letters
I had such a positive experience talking one-on-one with Cecilia Lyra about my query letter. She was upfront and honest with me about what was missing from my query, but she also gave me an exercise to figure out that last puzzle piece. After having the opportunity to speak with Cecilia, I feel confident in understanding what I need to do to be successful.
Marisa Russello
March 24, 2025
Reviews Queries with Encouragement
This was my 1st consultation session at Manuscript Academy. It was wonderful! My consult was on my query. The chat was friendly. Megan’s feedback was specific and encouraging. She pointed out what was good and what needed attention. I’m able to take the feedback on edit the parts that need improving. The consultation is a great service as part of the membership. I highly recommend it.
Michele Lugiai
March 24, 2025
Gives Comprehensive Picture Book Feedback
I had booked a 20 minute session with Agent Saba Sulaiman of Talcott Notch. It was for a full picture book MS (humor) at 700 words. (It’s good to remember that you’re not just paying for the actual consult time of 10-20 minutes. Your consultant is also taking time prior, to read, re-read and think about your work, both as a story, as well as it’s viability in the present market.) My investment in a consultation with Agent Saba was worth every penny.
Saba was thorough and comprehensive with her critique. She started with overall feedback and then dove into a line by line. She told me which lines she liked and which lines she thought could speedbump a reader’s engagement with the story. She even pointed out specific words that could deter flow and pace. In a genre where every word counts, this was very helpful. She also had reasons for her opinions and she took time to share these reasons and they made a lot of sense. She was clear and straightforward, yet warm and encouraging. She was thoughtful with her words in every context and left me feeling energized about my work. With her specific suggestions for improvements, I’ve been whipping my MS into shape and feel very good about it. Thank you Jessica and Julie for the opportunity and Agent Saba for the excellent consultation.
Krystia
Krystia Basil
March 24, 2025
Provides Kind, Professional, Insightful Advice
Megan was an absolute delight and I don’t know if I could thank her enough for her insight.
Professional, kind, and open, she made it so easy to discuss with her!
Meghan Redmile
March 24, 2025