Testimonials And Reviews

Hear from writers–just like you–who’ve worked with our agents, editors, authors, and experts.

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Strengthens Queries with Clear Suggestions

Amy was great! She helped me strengthen my query by suggesting changes and answering my specific questions. Perfect!

Mona Mehas
March 24, 2025

Shares Expert Guidance on Structure

Fiona Kenshole is truly the story whisperer. During our meeting, she meticulously went through my first 10 pages and provided in depth details of her critiques. Like Socrates did for Plato, she used the Socratic method to force me to think critically about my characters drawing out the essence of each characterís purpose. She is warm, kind, and pleasant to talk to. If youíre lucky, then youíll get to meet her beautiful 4-month-old Labrador Retriever or Rufus or Grace.

Snarr Barbara
March 24, 2025

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
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