TESTIMONIALS
"I have found Annie's insight invaluable when editing my novels. Annie delves into the heart of character motivations and her ability to help me re-envision possibilities for my plots has helped me out of many a seemingly impossible writer’s block. Annie sketches out possibilities and asks the deep, insightful questions that help you pick your best way forward. I can’t recommend Annie enough as an editing coach: I never want to write a novel without her! "
-Tara Sullivan, award-winning author of Golden Boy, The Bitter Side of Sweet and Treasure of the World
"Emily's ability to identify and clearly communicate a manuscript's strengths and weaknesses have proven invaluable to me over the years. She's incredibly skilled at seeing the parts of a novel that make its whole and expertly critiques writing, structure, characters, emotional and physical stakes, settings, themes, and so much more. Emily has an editorial eye that understands not only what a book is--but what it has the potential to become."
Courtney Summers, ALL THE RAGE (St Martin's Griffin)
"Jess understands voice, she has a knack for characterization, and she knows how to bring a book to the next level. Without her, my last three books would definitely have been missing something. She rocks!"
Miranda Kenneally, bestselling author of CATCHING JORDAN (Sourcebooks)
"Paula was an invaluable resource as I prepared my novel for submission. Through her insightful questions and advice, I was able to highlight the novel's strengths and pinpoint what would make it most appealing to agents and editors. Her guidance was clear, precise, and always encouraging. I could not be happier with her services."
Janelle Milanes, THE VICTORIA IN MY HEAD (Simon Pulse, 2017)
"I'm not sure I know how to write a book anymore without Tiffany. As a writer herself, she has a unique insight into the creative process--she is able to see the minute stumbling blocks of language and phrasing, but she is also able to zoom out and examine arc, pacing and character development. She is able to point out problems and offer criticism in a way that propels my writing rather than halts it. Her advice is sensitive and invaluable, and she has an incredible eye that I trust implicitly."
A.C. Gaughen, author of the Scarlet trilogy
"Jess is one of the sweetest people I know, and that comes through in her critiquing too--she's unfailingly encouraging! But she also has a very perceptive eye for problems, and more than once has helped me realize what's missing from a manuscript or what I could get across better. This combination of positivity and honesty makes her a great critique partner for writers at all levels."
Jaclyn Dolamore, MAGIC UNDER GLASS (Walker)
"Elizabeth has been invaluable in the editorial guidance she's given me, from the writing itself to characterization and structure. She has a particular talent for helping me hone strong male characters (as long as they're hot!) and helping me figure out difficult plot puzzles. Without Elizabeth, I can 100 per cent say I'd never have got my two-book deal with HarperCollins."
Tracy Buchanan, #1 bestselling author of MY SISTER'S SECRET (HarperCollins)
"Elizabeth's comments held the perfect balance between sweetness and strictness, helping me to know how to build tension and what lines to cut, but also showing me what made her smile. As a writer, you can't ask for more."
Tara Creel, MCS client
"Paula Stokes tackles manuscripts with unflagging enthusiasm and vigor. She has a remarkable ability to hone in on weaknesses of plot and characterization, and her insights always dramatically improve my work."
Antony John, ELEMENTAL (Dial)
"Paula’s feedback on my manuscripts was incredibly helpful. She has the kind of keen eye that catches not only smaller discontinuities in the story, but also larger issues of theme and character motivations (as well as character relationships). She has a good feel for narrative flow as well, and expertly pointed out slogging areas that needed trimming/cutting. Her input made my latest book a far stronger piece and I can’t recommend her highly enough."
Heather Anastasiu, GLITCH (St. Martin's Griffin)
"Tiffany is a master of pointing out where characters should go deeper, give more to the reader, peel back a layer. Her critiques are the magical blend of intelligence and encouragement."
K.M. Walton, CRACKED (Simon Pulse)
“Emily is one of my most valuable critique partners. Her discerning eye and insightful commentary were instrumental in my landing a great agent and, later, a multi-book contract with a major publisher. What I love most about her critiquing style is that she doesn’t impose her vision on my writing—she simply helps me produce the best version of the book I want to write. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”
Linda Grimes, IN A FIX series (Tor)
"Jess is a wonderful critique partner! First, she offers incredibly insightful comments and detailed questions about my work, which helps me view my manuscript from a fresh perspective. Second, she has a knack for world-building in that she points out areas where I need to flesh out my settings and thus better ground the reader into my world. And finally, Jessica critiques with a very warm and encouraging hand---I always feel excited to work on my revisions after reading over her notes!"
Caroline Richmond, ANOMALY (Scholastic)
"Tiffany has, time and again, gently but firmly nudged my stories into newer and better places. No plot holes, character inconsistencies or dull scenes will escape this eagle eye: she reads and critiques with the fierce passion of someone who loves books and understands what makes them work. I couldn't recommend her more highly."
Elisa Ludwig, Pretty Crooked trilogy (Harper Collins)
"Jess's extraordinary talent for evoking detail, crafting swoony romances, pacing out complicated plots, and more in her own work contributes greatly to her critiquing style. She brings an extremely professional, polished eye to my work and always makes suggestions I would never have thought of to bring out the characters and setting and really make the work feel alive to the reader -- not to mention kindly reminding me I don't need to start every single sentence with the words 'And' or 'But.'"
Robin Talley, LIES WE TELL OURSELVES (Harlequin Teen)
"Paula Stokes has an unmistakable eye for consistency, character, and style. She doesn't let me get away with a weak word or plot point, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Working with her has not only helped my writing reach a new level, it has improved my own editorial eye, which is a skill I'll use with each new book I write."
Marcy Beller Paul, UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING (Balzer & Bray, 2015)