Manuscript Academy
@manuscriptacademy.bsky.social
The Happiest Place in Publishing! Classes, agent consultations + a thriving community at ManuscriptAcademy.com. Brought to you by the makers of Manuscript Wish List® + #MSWL.
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Hi Friends! A few things we're working on, that may be helpful in your querying journey:
📚Our sister company, ManuscriptWishList.com, offers a search for agents and editors--based on what they *wish* they had in their inboxes. Let us know if you need help! manuscriptwishlist.com/search
📚Our sister company, ManuscriptWishList.com, offers a search for agents and editors--based on what they *wish* they had in their inboxes. Let us know if you need help! manuscriptwishlist.com/search
The queries that got "YES this is great!" from agent Noelle Falcis Math at our #YourQueries Live event all had:
• Strong opening hook in one sentence
• Word count + genre clearly stated
• 2-3 comp titles with publication years
• Synopsis in 1-2 tight paragraphs
• Clear stakes statement at the end
• Strong opening hook in one sentence
• Word count + genre clearly stated
• 2-3 comp titles with publication years
• Synopsis in 1-2 tight paragraphs
• Clear stakes statement at the end
November 25, 2025 at 11:58 PM
The queries that got "YES this is great!" from agent Noelle Falcis Math at our #YourQueries Live event all had:
• Strong opening hook in one sentence
• Word count + genre clearly stated
• 2-3 comp titles with publication years
• Synopsis in 1-2 tight paragraphs
• Clear stakes statement at the end
• Strong opening hook in one sentence
• Word count + genre clearly stated
• 2-3 comp titles with publication years
• Synopsis in 1-2 tight paragraphs
• Clear stakes statement at the end
When should you query agents?
According to agent Noelle Falcis Math:
✅ January (agents open for new clients after holidays)
✅ Early fall (refreshed after summer)
✅ December if they're open
❌ Major holiday weeks
She's opening for queries in January 2026!
According to agent Noelle Falcis Math:
✅ January (agents open for new clients after holidays)
✅ Early fall (refreshed after summer)
✅ December if they're open
❌ Major holiday weeks
She's opening for queries in January 2026!
November 25, 2025 at 11:57 PM
When should you query agents?
According to agent Noelle Falcis Math:
✅ January (agents open for new clients after holidays)
✅ Early fall (refreshed after summer)
✅ December if they're open
❌ Major holiday weeks
She's opening for queries in January 2026!
According to agent Noelle Falcis Math:
✅ January (agents open for new clients after holidays)
✅ Early fall (refreshed after summer)
✅ December if they're open
❌ Major holiday weeks
She's opening for queries in January 2026!
Two great options for stakes in your query:
📍 [Character] wants [goal] but can't because of [conflict]
📍 [Character] must decide if [choice/action] is worth [consequence]
(The second one is from Noelle Falcis Math at yesterday's YourQueries Live!)
Replay + cute notes now live for members ✨
📍 [Character] wants [goal] but can't because of [conflict]
📍 [Character] must decide if [choice/action] is worth [consequence]
(The second one is from Noelle Falcis Math at yesterday's YourQueries Live!)
Replay + cute notes now live for members ✨
November 25, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Two great options for stakes in your query:
📍 [Character] wants [goal] but can't because of [conflict]
📍 [Character] must decide if [choice/action] is worth [consequence]
(The second one is from Noelle Falcis Math at yesterday's YourQueries Live!)
Replay + cute notes now live for members ✨
📍 [Character] wants [goal] but can't because of [conflict]
📍 [Character] must decide if [choice/action] is worth [consequence]
(The second one is from Noelle Falcis Math at yesterday's YourQueries Live!)
Replay + cute notes now live for members ✨
Noelle is doing such a great job going through these queries! Such great feedback and so fast!!
Plus, in the chat, we are talking about the cheese conveyor belt restaurant AND ONE IS COMING TO NYC.
Let’s go! MSWLMA meeting there 2026! 😃🧀
Plus, in the chat, we are talking about the cheese conveyor belt restaurant AND ONE IS COMING TO NYC.
Let’s go! MSWLMA meeting there 2026! 😃🧀
November 24, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Noelle is doing such a great job going through these queries! Such great feedback and so fast!!
Plus, in the chat, we are talking about the cheese conveyor belt restaurant AND ONE IS COMING TO NYC.
Let’s go! MSWLMA meeting there 2026! 😃🧀
Plus, in the chat, we are talking about the cheese conveyor belt restaurant AND ONE IS COMING TO NYC.
Let’s go! MSWLMA meeting there 2026! 😃🧀
A reminder that feedback from an agent does NOT mean they think your work is bad!
If anything, it's the opposite: We invest time in the projects we think have potential.
Notes, even lengthy and passionate notes, imply that they invested time, thought, and creative energy.
If anything, it's the opposite: We invest time in the projects we think have potential.
Notes, even lengthy and passionate notes, imply that they invested time, thought, and creative energy.
November 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
A reminder that feedback from an agent does NOT mean they think your work is bad!
If anything, it's the opposite: We invest time in the projects we think have potential.
Notes, even lengthy and passionate notes, imply that they invested time, thought, and creative energy.
If anything, it's the opposite: We invest time in the projects we think have potential.
Notes, even lengthy and passionate notes, imply that they invested time, thought, and creative energy.
Monday! Join agent Noelle Falcis Math (Transatlantic Literary) for #TenQueries Live, where she'll go over member queries at inbox speed, making notes as she goes.
Is your work optimized for an inbox-speed read?
Tune in Monday at 2pm ET / 11am PT to find out!
Is your work optimized for an inbox-speed read?
Tune in Monday at 2pm ET / 11am PT to find out!
November 22, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Monday! Join agent Noelle Falcis Math (Transatlantic Literary) for #TenQueries Live, where she'll go over member queries at inbox speed, making notes as she goes.
Is your work optimized for an inbox-speed read?
Tune in Monday at 2pm ET / 11am PT to find out!
Is your work optimized for an inbox-speed read?
Tune in Monday at 2pm ET / 11am PT to find out!
A reminder:
Agents are usually just English majors who want to get an A+ on the pop quiz of your book.
Make sure your query is clear enough that we feel smart.
If we're confused, we may think, "I must not be the right agent. I'll let someone who understands it take it on."
Agents are usually just English majors who want to get an A+ on the pop quiz of your book.
Make sure your query is clear enough that we feel smart.
If we're confused, we may think, "I must not be the right agent. I'll let someone who understands it take it on."
November 22, 2025 at 11:03 PM
A reminder:
Agents are usually just English majors who want to get an A+ on the pop quiz of your book.
Make sure your query is clear enough that we feel smart.
If we're confused, we may think, "I must not be the right agent. I'll let someone who understands it take it on."
Agents are usually just English majors who want to get an A+ on the pop quiz of your book.
Make sure your query is clear enough that we feel smart.
If we're confused, we may think, "I must not be the right agent. I'll let someone who understands it take it on."
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
Oh, there's a ton of that in my most recent work. In fact, at one point, a different set of characters wonder just what the F the earlier ones were thinking when they did something assessed by the 2nd group to be potentially lethally stupid.
Lots of theorizing, some accurate, some wrong. It's fun!
Lots of theorizing, some accurate, some wrong. It's fun!
A lot of agents love when characters "theorize"—when they wonder, hope, fear what might happen next. This can efficiently show personality, stakes, context, and possible outcomes.
In any given moment, what does your character HOPE will happen? What are they AFRAID will happen? ✨ #WritingCraft
In any given moment, what does your character HOPE will happen? What are they AFRAID will happen? ✨ #WritingCraft
November 21, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Oh, there's a ton of that in my most recent work. In fact, at one point, a different set of characters wonder just what the F the earlier ones were thinking when they did something assessed by the 2nd group to be potentially lethally stupid.
Lots of theorizing, some accurate, some wrong. It's fun!
Lots of theorizing, some accurate, some wrong. It's fun!
A lot of agents love when characters "theorize"—when they wonder, hope, fear what might happen next. This can efficiently show personality, stakes, context, and possible outcomes.
In any given moment, what does your character HOPE will happen? What are they AFRAID will happen? ✨ #WritingCraft
In any given moment, what does your character HOPE will happen? What are they AFRAID will happen? ✨ #WritingCraft
November 21, 2025 at 7:37 PM
A lot of agents love when characters "theorize"—when they wonder, hope, fear what might happen next. This can efficiently show personality, stakes, context, and possible outcomes.
In any given moment, what does your character HOPE will happen? What are they AFRAID will happen? ✨ #WritingCraft
In any given moment, what does your character HOPE will happen? What are they AFRAID will happen? ✨ #WritingCraft
To query or not to query in December? 🎄
Two schools of thought: (1) Just get in line! (2) Wait for January when agents return refreshed with clearer list goals.
Also consider your own psychology—if you'll obsess over commas, spend December editing. ❄️ #QueryTips
Two schools of thought: (1) Just get in line! (2) Wait for January when agents return refreshed with clearer list goals.
Also consider your own psychology—if you'll obsess over commas, spend December editing. ❄️ #QueryTips
November 19, 2025 at 12:48 PM
To query or not to query in December? 🎄
Two schools of thought: (1) Just get in line! (2) Wait for January when agents return refreshed with clearer list goals.
Also consider your own psychology—if you'll obsess over commas, spend December editing. ❄️ #QueryTips
Two schools of thought: (1) Just get in line! (2) Wait for January when agents return refreshed with clearer list goals.
Also consider your own psychology—if you'll obsess over commas, spend December editing. ❄️ #QueryTips
Yesterday, we welcomed Nour Sallam from Caldwell Agency who gave live feedback on queries across romance, fantasy, YA, memoir & more.
The talent in our community is AMAZING.
Nour's exact words: "I am very, very impressed, like shockingly impressed." 💕 #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
The talent in our community is AMAZING.
Nour's exact words: "I am very, very impressed, like shockingly impressed." 💕 #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
November 19, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Yesterday, we welcomed Nour Sallam from Caldwell Agency who gave live feedback on queries across romance, fantasy, YA, memoir & more.
The talent in our community is AMAZING.
Nour's exact words: "I am very, very impressed, like shockingly impressed." 💕 #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
The talent in our community is AMAZING.
Nour's exact words: "I am very, very impressed, like shockingly impressed." 💕 #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
A reminder that agent-speed comprehension works differently than the luxurious reading pace of a critique partner, English major, or coffee shop read.
How to fix? Print your query, share with someone who knows nothing about it, set a timer for 60 seconds, then quiz them.
Pivot as needed.
How to fix? Print your query, share with someone who knows nothing about it, set a timer for 60 seconds, then quiz them.
Pivot as needed.
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 AM
A reminder that agent-speed comprehension works differently than the luxurious reading pace of a critique partner, English major, or coffee shop read.
How to fix? Print your query, share with someone who knows nothing about it, set a timer for 60 seconds, then quiz them.
Pivot as needed.
How to fix? Print your query, share with someone who knows nothing about it, set a timer for 60 seconds, then quiz them.
Pivot as needed.
Tomorrow! We have a members-only Query + Page Agent Feedback panel featuring Nour Sallam--can't wait!
Members, your instructions to send your work are in your email.
See you tomorrow!
Members, your instructions to send your work are in your email.
See you tomorrow!
November 17, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Tomorrow! We have a members-only Query + Page Agent Feedback panel featuring Nour Sallam--can't wait!
Members, your instructions to send your work are in your email.
See you tomorrow!
Members, your instructions to send your work are in your email.
See you tomorrow!
Remember how coffee shops used to feel in the nineties--like you were surrounded by creative possibility, and maybe the next table over, someone was writing a book you'd love in a year? ✨
☕ Members, join us for that creative boost with an e-room of good vibes, great writers, and new best friends.
☕ Members, join us for that creative boost with an e-room of good vibes, great writers, and new best friends.
November 13, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Remember how coffee shops used to feel in the nineties--like you were surrounded by creative possibility, and maybe the next table over, someone was writing a book you'd love in a year? ✨
☕ Members, join us for that creative boost with an e-room of good vibes, great writers, and new best friends.
☕ Members, join us for that creative boost with an e-room of good vibes, great writers, and new best friends.
We're here if you have any questions!
I’m also open for Nov! Also please don’t message me on personal social media 😬. You can reach out directly to Maniscript Acadmy if you have trouble booking! Or email [email protected]
Agent + Editor Meetings are live for November!
If you're tired of form letters and want insightful advice, our kind, thoughtful (and even warm and funny) agents are here to help.
We hope everyone gets requests like Erik, below! We love good news.
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/consultations
If you're tired of form letters and want insightful advice, our kind, thoughtful (and even warm and funny) agents are here to help.
We hope everyone gets requests like Erik, below! We love good news.
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/consultations
November 11, 2025 at 10:26 PM
We're here if you have any questions!
Agent + Editor Meetings are live for November!
If you're tired of form letters and want insightful advice, our kind, thoughtful (and even warm and funny) agents are here to help.
We hope everyone gets requests like Erik, below! We love good news.
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/consultations
If you're tired of form letters and want insightful advice, our kind, thoughtful (and even warm and funny) agents are here to help.
We hope everyone gets requests like Erik, below! We love good news.
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/consultations
November 7, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Agent + Editor Meetings are live for November!
If you're tired of form letters and want insightful advice, our kind, thoughtful (and even warm and funny) agents are here to help.
We hope everyone gets requests like Erik, below! We love good news.
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/consultations
If you're tired of form letters and want insightful advice, our kind, thoughtful (and even warm and funny) agents are here to help.
We hope everyone gets requests like Erik, below! We love good news.
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/consultations
Agent & Editor Meetings are now live for members!
If you're tired of form letters and want to know how to *really* improve your work--why not ask an agent?
Here are some reviews from our October 2025 meetings!
Meetings go live for non-members Friday at 3pm ET.
If you're tired of form letters and want to know how to *really* improve your work--why not ask an agent?
Here are some reviews from our October 2025 meetings!
Meetings go live for non-members Friday at 3pm ET.
November 5, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Agent & Editor Meetings are now live for members!
If you're tired of form letters and want to know how to *really* improve your work--why not ask an agent?
Here are some reviews from our October 2025 meetings!
Meetings go live for non-members Friday at 3pm ET.
If you're tired of form letters and want to know how to *really* improve your work--why not ask an agent?
Here are some reviews from our October 2025 meetings!
Meetings go live for non-members Friday at 3pm ET.
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
I've got meeting slots available in November and would love to chat with you about your work!
Agent & Editor Meetings go live TODAY at 3pm ET for members, and Friday at 3pm ET for non-members.
We have a really fun month of events! Check them out here: manuscriptacademy.com/calendar
And we got so many lovely notes for last month! One of our favorites, below. 😃
We have a really fun month of events! Check them out here: manuscriptacademy.com/calendar
And we got so many lovely notes for last month! One of our favorites, below. 😃
November 5, 2025 at 5:44 PM
I've got meeting slots available in November and would love to chat with you about your work!
Agent & Editor Meetings go live TODAY at 3pm ET for members, and Friday at 3pm ET for non-members.
We have a really fun month of events! Check them out here: manuscriptacademy.com/calendar
And we got so many lovely notes for last month! One of our favorites, below. 😃
We have a really fun month of events! Check them out here: manuscriptacademy.com/calendar
And we got so many lovely notes for last month! One of our favorites, below. 😃
November 5, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Agent & Editor Meetings go live TODAY at 3pm ET for members, and Friday at 3pm ET for non-members.
We have a really fun month of events! Check them out here: manuscriptacademy.com/calendar
And we got so many lovely notes for last month! One of our favorites, below. 😃
We have a really fun month of events! Check them out here: manuscriptacademy.com/calendar
And we got so many lovely notes for last month! One of our favorites, below. 😃
Can't wait for this month!
📚#TenQueries Live with Agent Noelle Falcis Math
📖Live Queries & Pages Panel with Agent Nour Sallam
☎️Publishing Help Desk with Agent Jessica Sinsheimer
📝Write Together with Julie
Agent meetings go live tomorrow/Wednesday at 3pm ET for members, Thursday for non-members.☕
📚#TenQueries Live with Agent Noelle Falcis Math
📖Live Queries & Pages Panel with Agent Nour Sallam
☎️Publishing Help Desk with Agent Jessica Sinsheimer
📝Write Together with Julie
Agent meetings go live tomorrow/Wednesday at 3pm ET for members, Thursday for non-members.☕
November 4, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Can't wait for this month!
📚#TenQueries Live with Agent Noelle Falcis Math
📖Live Queries & Pages Panel with Agent Nour Sallam
☎️Publishing Help Desk with Agent Jessica Sinsheimer
📝Write Together with Julie
Agent meetings go live tomorrow/Wednesday at 3pm ET for members, Thursday for non-members.☕
📚#TenQueries Live with Agent Noelle Falcis Math
📖Live Queries & Pages Panel with Agent Nour Sallam
☎️Publishing Help Desk with Agent Jessica Sinsheimer
📝Write Together with Julie
Agent meetings go live tomorrow/Wednesday at 3pm ET for members, Thursday for non-members.☕
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
Querying writers -- Please give yourselves some grace and stop fretting about a few silly typos in your queries. We probably won't notice them, we're not going to hold them against you, and if we DO hold them against you, you don't want to work with us anyway.
November 3, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Querying writers -- Please give yourselves some grace and stop fretting about a few silly typos in your queries. We probably won't notice them, we're not going to hold them against you, and if we DO hold them against you, you don't want to work with us anyway.
Want to work on tension, character & querying - for free?
Check out our #MSWL live replay from last week!
One attendee said “I feel like I just had an entire MFA course. Except MFA programs get snooty about 'genre fiction.' "
Check it out! manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live-ag...
Check out our #MSWL live replay from last week!
One attendee said “I feel like I just had an entire MFA course. Except MFA programs get snooty about 'genre fiction.' "
Check it out! manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live-ag...
November 4, 2025 at 1:05 AM
Want to work on tension, character & querying - for free?
Check out our #MSWL live replay from last week!
One attendee said “I feel like I just had an entire MFA course. Except MFA programs get snooty about 'genre fiction.' "
Check it out! manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live-ag...
Check out our #MSWL live replay from last week!
One attendee said “I feel like I just had an entire MFA course. Except MFA programs get snooty about 'genre fiction.' "
Check it out! manuscriptacademy.com/mswl-live-ag...
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
I really like @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social. They have a plethora of authors and edits you can choose from to book meetings with to get help on query letters, query packages, and can help researching agents to query. They also have forums and monthly zoom classes with editors and agents.
November 3, 2025 at 4:28 PM
I really like @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social. They have a plethora of authors and edits you can choose from to book meetings with to get help on query letters, query packages, and can help researching agents to query. They also have forums and monthly zoom classes with editors and agents.
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
Enjoyed the #MSWL Live Panel: Horror this afternoon! It was super informative!! Thanks @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social for the opportunity!
October 28, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Enjoyed the #MSWL Live Panel: Horror this afternoon! It was super informative!! Thanks @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social for the opportunity!
What an amazing panel! We loved it so much!
If you have any questions about the scary aspects of your work, our #MSWL Live Panel: Horror with agents Linda Camacho, Erica Bauman and Tamara Kawer will be up soon!
If you have any questions about the scary aspects of your work, our #MSWL Live Panel: Horror with agents Linda Camacho, Erica Bauman and Tamara Kawer will be up soon!
a cobblestone street with pumpkins and candles on it
ALT: a cobblestone street with pumpkins and candles on it
media.tenor.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:07 PM
What an amazing panel! We loved it so much!
If you have any questions about the scary aspects of your work, our #MSWL Live Panel: Horror with agents Linda Camacho, Erica Bauman and Tamara Kawer will be up soon!
If you have any questions about the scary aspects of your work, our #MSWL Live Panel: Horror with agents Linda Camacho, Erica Bauman and Tamara Kawer will be up soon!