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.
Pinned
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 reviewed in this panel were NOT average. This is hyper-condensed, like all the good stuff has been filtered down. This is very unusual to have so many that are this good. Most queries in agent inboxes haven't done basic research or been edited."
—Alice Speilburg at last night's panel
—Alice Speilburg at last night's panel
January 30, 2026 at 7:52 PM
"The queries reviewed in this panel were NOT average. This is hyper-condensed, like all the good stuff has been filtered down. This is very unusual to have so many that are this good. Most queries in agent inboxes haven't done basic research or been edited."
—Alice Speilburg at last night's panel
—Alice Speilburg at last night's panel
We had such a wonderful time with you this week. You are all so talented, funny, supportive, kind, and everything we want in a creative community.
You make us feel better about the world. 🌎
Thank you for being here.
You make us feel better about the world. 🌎
Thank you for being here.
January 30, 2026 at 3:17 AM
We had such a wonderful time with you this week. You are all so talented, funny, supportive, kind, and everything we want in a creative community.
You make us feel better about the world. 🌎
Thank you for being here.
You make us feel better about the world. 🌎
Thank you for being here.
What does it mean when an agent seems to LOVE your book--but still says no? 🤔
Getting rejections like this? It HURTS.
At yesterday's Rejection Interpretation Panel, we analyzed real query rejections and explained what "not the right fit at the moment" ACTUALLY means.
youtu.be/lLX96vLJHkU
Getting rejections like this? It HURTS.
At yesterday's Rejection Interpretation Panel, we analyzed real query rejections and explained what "not the right fit at the moment" ACTUALLY means.
youtu.be/lLX96vLJHkU
"Champagne Rejection" Explained: What Agent Rejections REALLY Mean for Writers | Query Letter Tips
YouTube video by The Manuscript Academy, LLC
youtu.be
January 29, 2026 at 8:25 PM
What does it mean when an agent seems to LOVE your book--but still says no? 🤔
Getting rejections like this? It HURTS.
At yesterday's Rejection Interpretation Panel, we analyzed real query rejections and explained what "not the right fit at the moment" ACTUALLY means.
youtu.be/lLX96vLJHkU
Getting rejections like this? It HURTS.
At yesterday's Rejection Interpretation Panel, we analyzed real query rejections and explained what "not the right fit at the moment" ACTUALLY means.
youtu.be/lLX96vLJHkU
Your query needs to make sense FAST.
Agents have just a few seconds to find concept, comprehension, and interest.
At our Shark Tank-esque pitch panel, agents Katharine Sands and John Cusick shared their formulas for pitching your book in under 60 seconds. 📚✨
manuscriptacademy.com/how-to-pitch...
Agents have just a few seconds to find concept, comprehension, and interest.
At our Shark Tank-esque pitch panel, agents Katharine Sands and John Cusick shared their formulas for pitching your book in under 60 seconds. 📚✨
manuscriptacademy.com/how-to-pitch...
How to Pitch Your Novel to Literary Agents: The Complete Guide
Learn how to pitch your novel to literary agents with this complete guide. Includes the Place-Person-Pivot formula, common mistakes, and real examples from industry professionals.
manuscriptacademy.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Your query needs to make sense FAST.
Agents have just a few seconds to find concept, comprehension, and interest.
At our Shark Tank-esque pitch panel, agents Katharine Sands and John Cusick shared their formulas for pitching your book in under 60 seconds. 📚✨
manuscriptacademy.com/how-to-pitch...
Agents have just a few seconds to find concept, comprehension, and interest.
At our Shark Tank-esque pitch panel, agents Katharine Sands and John Cusick shared their formulas for pitching your book in under 60 seconds. 📚✨
manuscriptacademy.com/how-to-pitch...
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
#WriterSky
I’m excited to begin working on submission strategies especially learning to interpret rejection letters & improving my query.
I’m excited to begin working on submission strategies especially learning to interpret rejection letters & improving my query.
Eeep it's tomorrow!
This is our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop and we are all the things--excited! Nervous! (It's so many people!)
Can't wait to see what John (Cusick, Folio Literary) and Alice (Speilburg, Speilburg Literary) say about the work!
This is our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop and we are all the things--excited! Nervous! (It's so many people!)
Can't wait to see what John (Cusick, Folio Literary) and Alice (Speilburg, Speilburg Literary) say about the work!
January 27, 2026 at 12:19 AM
#WriterSky
I’m excited to begin working on submission strategies especially learning to interpret rejection letters & improving my query.
I’m excited to begin working on submission strategies especially learning to interpret rejection letters & improving my query.
Eeep it's tomorrow!
This is our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop and we are all the things--excited! Nervous! (It's so many people!)
Can't wait to see what John (Cusick, Folio Literary) and Alice (Speilburg, Speilburg Literary) say about the work!
This is our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop and we are all the things--excited! Nervous! (It's so many people!)
Can't wait to see what John (Cusick, Folio Literary) and Alice (Speilburg, Speilburg Literary) say about the work!
January 26, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Eeep it's tomorrow!
This is our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop and we are all the things--excited! Nervous! (It's so many people!)
Can't wait to see what John (Cusick, Folio Literary) and Alice (Speilburg, Speilburg Literary) say about the work!
This is our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop and we are all the things--excited! Nervous! (It's so many people!)
Can't wait to see what John (Cusick, Folio Literary) and Alice (Speilburg, Speilburg Literary) say about the work!
💙 Today at our panel, agent Linda Camacho (Gallt & Zacker Literary) told our writers:
"You can all write really well. Your manuscripts are fantastic. It really does show when people are doing their research, reading, doing all the things."
We love these panels! But there's an important lesson...
"You can all write really well. Your manuscripts are fantastic. It really does show when people are doing their research, reading, doing all the things."
We love these panels! But there's an important lesson...
January 22, 2026 at 10:44 PM
💙 Today at our panel, agent Linda Camacho (Gallt & Zacker Literary) told our writers:
"You can all write really well. Your manuscripts are fantastic. It really does show when people are doing their research, reading, doing all the things."
We love these panels! But there's an important lesson...
"You can all write really well. Your manuscripts are fantastic. It really does show when people are doing their research, reading, doing all the things."
We love these panels! But there's an important lesson...
Why do 90% of writing goals fail by February?
They depend on other people saying yes, which is a recipe for giving up.
SMART goals flip this. Finally, you're the one in control.
We’ve got a sustainable, fun, even delicious (pie recipe!) new post here: manuscriptacademy.com/smart-writin...
They depend on other people saying yes, which is a recipe for giving up.
SMART goals flip this. Finally, you're the one in control.
We’ve got a sustainable, fun, even delicious (pie recipe!) new post here: manuscriptacademy.com/smart-writin...
How to Set SMART Writing Goals That Actually Work in 2026
Learn how to set SMART writing goals that help you finish drafts, land agents, and build a sustainable writing career. Actionable tips for 2026.
manuscriptacademy.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Why do 90% of writing goals fail by February?
They depend on other people saying yes, which is a recipe for giving up.
SMART goals flip this. Finally, you're the one in control.
We’ve got a sustainable, fun, even delicious (pie recipe!) new post here: manuscriptacademy.com/smart-writin...
They depend on other people saying yes, which is a recipe for giving up.
SMART goals flip this. Finally, you're the one in control.
We’ve got a sustainable, fun, even delicious (pie recipe!) new post here: manuscriptacademy.com/smart-writin...
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
Hey! What the heck, that's me! Y'all, I can't stress enough how good this resource is. If you're on the fence or outside of the American market like I am here in Aus, I really recommend signing up. Invaluable info + industry insight for a low cost. #BookSky
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. 😃
January 17, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Hey! What the heck, that's me! Y'all, I can't stress enough how good this resource is. If you're on the fence or outside of the American market like I am here in Aus, I really recommend signing up. Invaluable info + industry insight for a low cost. #BookSky
Agents want to feel like they'll get an A on the pop quiz of your book.
If your query is one big essay question (complex magic system + political shifts + endless characters), throw in some multiple choice too—unrequited love, strict parents, bullying.
The things we know, and picture, easily.
If your query is one big essay question (complex magic system + political shifts + endless characters), throw in some multiple choice too—unrequited love, strict parents, bullying.
The things we know, and picture, easily.
January 15, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Agents want to feel like they'll get an A on the pop quiz of your book.
If your query is one big essay question (complex magic system + political shifts + endless characters), throw in some multiple choice too—unrequited love, strict parents, bullying.
The things we know, and picture, easily.
If your query is one big essay question (complex magic system + political shifts + endless characters), throw in some multiple choice too—unrequited love, strict parents, bullying.
The things we know, and picture, easily.
We think it's unfair that the submissions process is complicated, inconsistent, and takes so darn long.
Our solution: three days of classes, workshops + panels about finding YOUR best agents, interpreting rejections, smart pivots, and writing your best query.
manuscriptacademy.com/product/thre...
Our solution: three days of classes, workshops + panels about finding YOUR best agents, interpreting rejections, smart pivots, and writing your best query.
manuscriptacademy.com/product/thre...
Sixth Annual Submission Strategy Workshop
So you’ve got your query. You’ve got your first page. You have some idea of how all this works. Then the rejections start coming in. How do you pivot? How do you know if you’re on the right track? Are...
manuscriptacademy.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:29 PM
We think it's unfair that the submissions process is complicated, inconsistent, and takes so darn long.
Our solution: three days of classes, workshops + panels about finding YOUR best agents, interpreting rejections, smart pivots, and writing your best query.
manuscriptacademy.com/product/thre...
Our solution: three days of classes, workshops + panels about finding YOUR best agents, interpreting rejections, smart pivots, and writing your best query.
manuscriptacademy.com/product/thre...
Dream big (movie deals! Awards! NYT bestsellers!) but work smart.
Your pie-in-the-sky goals keep you inspired, but your SMART goals—the ones you can measure and control—are what get you there. 🥧
Write both. Track the SMART ones.
Then tell us how it goes--we love good news.
Your pie-in-the-sky goals keep you inspired, but your SMART goals—the ones you can measure and control—are what get you there. 🥧
Write both. Track the SMART ones.
Then tell us how it goes--we love good news.
January 14, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Dream big (movie deals! Awards! NYT bestsellers!) but work smart.
Your pie-in-the-sky goals keep you inspired, but your SMART goals—the ones you can measure and control—are what get you there. 🥧
Write both. Track the SMART ones.
Then tell us how it goes--we love good news.
Your pie-in-the-sky goals keep you inspired, but your SMART goals—the ones you can measure and control—are what get you there. 🥧
Write both. Track the SMART ones.
Then tell us how it goes--we love good news.
That harsh rejection? It's actually a compliment.
Agents don't waste time on detailed feedback unless they see real potential.
Often rejections reflect their bandwidth and room on their current list, not your work's quality.
Keep going.
#Querying #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
Agents don't waste time on detailed feedback unless they see real potential.
Often rejections reflect their bandwidth and room on their current list, not your work's quality.
Keep going.
#Querying #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
January 14, 2026 at 10:46 PM
That harsh rejection? It's actually a compliment.
Agents don't waste time on detailed feedback unless they see real potential.
Often rejections reflect their bandwidth and room on their current list, not your work's quality.
Keep going.
#Querying #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
Agents don't waste time on detailed feedback unless they see real potential.
Often rejections reflect their bandwidth and room on their current list, not your work's quality.
Keep going.
#Querying #WritingCommunity #AmQuerying
Nervous about querying agents?
That's probably a good sign!
One agent explains here: manuscriptacademy.com/nervous-abou...
That's probably a good sign!
One agent explains here: manuscriptacademy.com/nervous-abou...
Submission Anxiety? Why Your Nerves Are Actually a Good Sign
Feeling nervous about querying agents? That anxiety might indicate you're a talented writer doing your research. Learn to know the difference.
manuscriptacademy.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Nervous about querying agents?
That's probably a good sign!
One agent explains here: manuscriptacademy.com/nervous-abou...
That's probably a good sign!
One agent explains here: manuscriptacademy.com/nervous-abou...
@carmelamartino.bsky.social Thank you, Carmela! Nice to e-meet you. :)
January 12, 2026 at 11:45 PM
@carmelamartino.bsky.social Thank you, Carmela! Nice to e-meet you. :)
It's a great time to send your work!
Before you hit send, check out our Query Letter Checklist: manuscriptacademy.com/query-letter...
Before you hit send, check out our Query Letter Checklist: manuscriptacademy.com/query-letter...
Before You Hit Send: Your Query Letter Checklist (Don't Skip This!)
Don't send your query until you check these 10 essentials. Literary agents reveal what to verify before hitting send. Free downloadable checklist included.
manuscriptacademy.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:14 PM
It's a great time to send your work!
Before you hit send, check out our Query Letter Checklist: manuscriptacademy.com/query-letter...
Before you hit send, check out our Query Letter Checklist: manuscriptacademy.com/query-letter...
Meetings are now live for members! And we have a super exciting month ahead:
✨Our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop is January 27-29! Early bird $39.
✨Members-only Query + Page Panel with agent Linda Camacho
✨Agent Help Desk + Q&A
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/product/thre...
✨Our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop is January 27-29! Early bird $39.
✨Members-only Query + Page Panel with agent Linda Camacho
✨Agent Help Desk + Q&A
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/product/thre...
January 6, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Meetings are now live for members! And we have a super exciting month ahead:
✨Our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop is January 27-29! Early bird $39.
✨Members-only Query + Page Panel with agent Linda Camacho
✨Agent Help Desk + Q&A
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/product/thre...
✨Our SIXTH annual Submission Strategy Workshop is January 27-29! Early bird $39.
✨Members-only Query + Page Panel with agent Linda Camacho
✨Agent Help Desk + Q&A
Learn more: manuscriptacademy.com/product/thre...
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
I've had editors look over and revise my manuscript, but what I really needed was an agent’s advice. Thank you @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social for offering agent consultations. Before you query, meet with an agent. You’ll be glad you did!
#writing #writer #querying #amwriting #book #books
#writing #writer #querying #amwriting #book #books
January 5, 2026 at 6:05 PM
I've had editors look over and revise my manuscript, but what I really needed was an agent’s advice. Thank you @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social for offering agent consultations. Before you query, meet with an agent. You’ll be glad you did!
#writing #writer #querying #amwriting #book #books
#writing #writer #querying #amwriting #book #books
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
I actually was able to have an in-depth conversation about my series idea through the @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social which really made a HUGE difference in untangling my process and my storyline. And I would also say, that all of @scbwi.bsky.social coursework finally sunk in!😁
January 5, 2026 at 11:58 PM
I actually was able to have an in-depth conversation about my series idea through the @manuscriptacademy.bsky.social which really made a HUGE difference in untangling my process and my storyline. And I would also say, that all of @scbwi.bsky.social coursework finally sunk in!😁
There’s so much to learn as a new author.
And, sometimes, you just need the confidence of a mediocre white Roomba.
Here’s a post about how we helped a shy, tech-averse writer to create her first social media video—and what you can learn along the way: manuscriptacademy.com/overcome-tec...
And, sometimes, you just need the confidence of a mediocre white Roomba.
Here’s a post about how we helped a shy, tech-averse writer to create her first social media video—and what you can learn along the way: manuscriptacademy.com/overcome-tec...
Overcome Technology Fear: The Roomba Confidence Method For Writers
Feeling intimidated by social media, author sites, or tech? Learn why all you need is the confidence of a Roomba—even if it feels impossible.
manuscriptacademy.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:40 PM
There’s so much to learn as a new author.
And, sometimes, you just need the confidence of a mediocre white Roomba.
Here’s a post about how we helped a shy, tech-averse writer to create her first social media video—and what you can learn along the way: manuscriptacademy.com/overcome-tec...
And, sometimes, you just need the confidence of a mediocre white Roomba.
Here’s a post about how we helped a shy, tech-averse writer to create her first social media video—and what you can learn along the way: manuscriptacademy.com/overcome-tec...
Today, in our query workshop, Jessica asked:
"If you had to describe your book's conflict as if it was reality TV, how would you do it?"
Who hates whom? What are they going to do about it? Will they flip a table? Blow something up?
Drama > summary/worldbuilding for FAST agent comprehension.
"If you had to describe your book's conflict as if it was reality TV, how would you do it?"
Who hates whom? What are they going to do about it? Will they flip a table? Blow something up?
Drama > summary/worldbuilding for FAST agent comprehension.
December 18, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Today, in our query workshop, Jessica asked:
"If you had to describe your book's conflict as if it was reality TV, how would you do it?"
Who hates whom? What are they going to do about it? Will they flip a table? Blow something up?
Drama > summary/worldbuilding for FAST agent comprehension.
"If you had to describe your book's conflict as if it was reality TV, how would you do it?"
Who hates whom? What are they going to do about it? Will they flip a table? Blow something up?
Drama > summary/worldbuilding for FAST agent comprehension.
Are you panicked about platform? You can probably relax!
For many genres, your story matters much more.
Here's what platform actually means for each genre:
manuscriptacademy.com/author-platf...
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AmQuerying #WritersOfBluesky #AuthorPlatform #QueryTip #WritingAdvice
For many genres, your story matters much more.
Here's what platform actually means for each genre:
manuscriptacademy.com/author-platf...
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AmQuerying #WritersOfBluesky #AuthorPlatform #QueryTip #WritingAdvice
Does Your Genre Need an Author Platform? Requirements by Genre
Literary agent Noelle Falcis Math breaks down platform requirements for every major genre—from literary fiction to prescriptive nonfiction. Spoiler: Most fiction writers don't need massive followings.
manuscriptacademy.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Are you panicked about platform? You can probably relax!
For many genres, your story matters much more.
Here's what platform actually means for each genre:
manuscriptacademy.com/author-platf...
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AmQuerying #WritersOfBluesky #AuthorPlatform #QueryTip #WritingAdvice
For many genres, your story matters much more.
Here's what platform actually means for each genre:
manuscriptacademy.com/author-platf...
#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #AmQuerying #WritersOfBluesky #AuthorPlatform #QueryTip #WritingAdvice
December vs. January querying: which camp are you in? 🤔
Camp "Just Get in Line": Send when ready, agents read year-round
Camp "Wait": January agents are refreshed, hungry, in "yes mode"
The real answer? Know yourself and your book.
Great insights from agent Nour Sallam on timing your query 👇
Camp "Just Get in Line": Send when ready, agents read year-round
Camp "Wait": January agents are refreshed, hungry, in "yes mode"
The real answer? Know yourself and your book.
Great insights from agent Nour Sallam on timing your query 👇
When to Query Literary Agents: December vs January (What Agents Really Think)
Should you query literary agents in December or wait until January? Agents reveal the truth about timing, response rates, and "yes mode" in this guide.Alternative Meta Description:Literary agents deba...
manuscriptacademy.com
December 18, 2025 at 2:51 PM
December vs. January querying: which camp are you in? 🤔
Camp "Just Get in Line": Send when ready, agents read year-round
Camp "Wait": January agents are refreshed, hungry, in "yes mode"
The real answer? Know yourself and your book.
Great insights from agent Nour Sallam on timing your query 👇
Camp "Just Get in Line": Send when ready, agents read year-round
Camp "Wait": January agents are refreshed, hungry, in "yes mode"
The real answer? Know yourself and your book.
Great insights from agent Nour Sallam on timing your query 👇
"I am a big, big, big fan of people that add their voice, especially when it's a funny voice to the query letter. The tone is so great."
—Ivan Taurisano, Macmillan editor, on what makes queries stand out at our latest Query & Page Feedback Panel
#AmQuerying #QueryTip #WritingCommunity
—Ivan Taurisano, Macmillan editor, on what makes queries stand out at our latest Query & Page Feedback Panel
#AmQuerying #QueryTip #WritingCommunity
December 18, 2025 at 2:32 PM
"I am a big, big, big fan of people that add their voice, especially when it's a funny voice to the query letter. The tone is so great."
—Ivan Taurisano, Macmillan editor, on what makes queries stand out at our latest Query & Page Feedback Panel
#AmQuerying #QueryTip #WritingCommunity
—Ivan Taurisano, Macmillan editor, on what makes queries stand out at our latest Query & Page Feedback Panel
#AmQuerying #QueryTip #WritingCommunity
Reposted by Manuscript Academy
Going into 2026, a reminder for everyone who's fallen off the creative wagon, game dev, writing, art, music, whatever, no matter how long:
December 16, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Going into 2026, a reminder for everyone who's fallen off the creative wagon, game dev, writing, art, music, whatever, no matter how long: