Reviews & Testimonials

We stumbled across this article written by one of our clients about their experience of getting their manuscript appraised through The Manuscript Agency. We are sharing it here with her permission.

— Maggie Donnan

  • “It has been a wonderful experience working with you and I have found your agency to be extremely friendly and highly professional.”

    — Kerry Alderuccio, A Mother's Journey (Rockpool Publishing)

  • “Sanity or vanity? Like many virgin authors, I wondered which of these two categories my work fell into. Kit & Co reassured me that it was the former. They provided a forensic examination of my manuscript that resulted in a moment of wounded pride followed by weeks of top-to-bottom corrective surgery. The result? A new, improved draft of The Scoop bagged a three-book deal. And that simply would not have happened without the TLC provided”

    — MAA.Terrence J. Quinn Author, The Scoop (Simon & Schuster Australia)

  • “The Manuscript Agency are a brilliant editorial “one stop shop” solution. I have worked with them closely across a number of varied projects and they handle everything with expertise, sensitivity and a high level duty of care. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

    — Lou Johnson Publishing Director Murdoch Books Co-Founder, The Author People

  • “The services offered by MAA can be extremely useful and beneficial for the developing writer. I am very comfortable in referring writers to their services which are varied and many. They have access to an extensive range of skilled and experienced editors who are able to offer a considered and objective response to a client’s work in a timely manner. Investing in an appraisal from MAA can be the best investment a writer can make in themselves.”

    — Brian Cook, The Authors’ Agent

  • “Kit and I met in 2016 as co-panellists on the first of several Sydney Writers’ Festival publishing events we've spoken at together. Since that time, IndieMosh has referred many clients to the MAA for manuscript development in preparation for publishing through our services. Where we help writers with the production side of publishing, the MAA provides the content development and polishing side of things. Kit and her team do a great job of helping authors see what needs to be done with their manuscript to help ensure that their words ‘read like a book’ and so that it can reach its full potential. We know that when our clients have used the MAA’s services, they’ll be releasing a much better book. We have no hesitation in recommending our authors to the MAA for appraisal, editing or proofreading services.”

    — Jenny Mosher, Self-publisher IndieMosh

  • "I am stunned by the generosity of your effort in this feedback and how incisive you are. You truly are talented how you can respond on such a micro level but also keep track of the larger thread. It is all just so helpful – I’m lost for words!! You were more thorough than I ever could have imagined. I loved all of it: your constructive feedback as a professional but also what resonated (or didn’t) on a more personal level. It was great reading a summary from someone else’s view point too. I found it incredibly affirming. I can now be sure that this is a piece worthy of more work but your feedback also affirmed me as a creative writer. Seeing your heartfelt responses to phrases that I also am a little fond of was very touching. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone wanting to lift their manuscript to greater heights. Thank you so much once again!"

    — Felicity Chapman, MAA author

  • "Over the years I have had five formal appraisals of full length novels from the Manuscript Appraisal Agency. In all cases the appraisals helped identify weaknesses in structure and characterisation. They pointed out where the tension and pace flagged, or when the plot became implausible. The two appraisers who read and prepared reports on my manuscripts were, I felt, working conscientiously to help me improve. Their reports were both exhaustive and thoughtful, using point form where necessary so I was left in no doubt as to what needed to be done. The work performed by the MAA was, I feel, so important in the process that led to the publication of my work that I singled one of the appraisers out for mention in the acknowledgements of my book, Rotten Gods, published by HarperCollins 2012, and the first in a three book deal with them. As writers we do get too close to the work, unable to see the forest for the trees. We write from emotion and instinct when often a cold, clear head is needed. I cannot recommend the Manuscript Appraisal Agency highly enough. It offers services that are second to none in the Australian publishing industry."

    — Greg Barron, author of 'Rotten Gods' (HarperCollins)

  • “The first appraisal was a real shock! I naïvely believed my book was about as perfect as I could get it. I expected a few criticisms, but not four pages worth! The appraiser enjoyed reading the manuscript, but went on to detail all the things that were wrong with it - which were many, I can tell you! The comprehensive report covered all aspects: structure, character, plot, writing style. When I eventually picked myself up off the floor, I realised the advice I was getting was pure gold. I completely rewrote the book and submitted it again. The second appraiser's assessment was much more positive. The advice included some brilliant suggestions concerning structure and plot line. They also suggested some parts as prime candidates for the surgeon's knife. By this time I had become reconciled to the need to slash and burn - always hard for an author to do! I cannot thank the wonderful team of assessors enough. They showed me how to progress my manuscript and turn it into a publishable work.”

    — Lorraine Campbell, author of 'Resisting the Enemy' (Brogla Publishing)

  • “Though a logical a step, the prospect of critical review leaves most writers feeling vulnerable and uncertain. It did me until I was referred to The MAA. I am so grateful for it! Prior to assessment I had no idea if I would ever be published. I’d already been rejected by some of the best. After applying MAA’s suggestions, I not only sold my novel, I landed a three book deal with HarperCollins! The assessor gave careful attention to detail, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of my writing and commenting point by point on the story, its characters and plot. They helped particularly with my weak spot—dialog—and I am now getting fabulous feedback for how natural it sounds. Armed with specific suggestions for improving the work, I was able to revise with clear goals in mind. And the revision was a success! My first novel, 'Spell of Rosette', is coming out January 2009 and that is only the beginning of my writing career. MAA’s input got me thinking like a novelist and writing like one too.”

    — Kim Falconer, author of 'Spell of Rosette' (HarperCollins)

  • “It’s difficult to know what the next step should be when you’ve just completed your first manuscript and have no real idea of its merit or publishing potential. An assessment from The MAA gave me the sense of direction and confidence I needed to submit my manuscript to a leading literary agency in the UK. I am now a client of that agency and my first book has just been published here in Australia and my agent is promoting the book in the Europe. The MAA assessment was a crucial tool in bringing my work to the attention of the publishing industry.”

    — Susan Parisi, author of 'Blood of Dreams' (Penguin)

  • “A special thank you to The Manuscript Agency whose initial appraisal of the manuscript for 'Cry of the Curlew' was the catalyst for publication. You are not forgotten and your professional services for manuscript appraisal are highly recommended to would-be authors.”

    — Peter Watt, author of Cry of the Curlew (1999), Shadow of the Osprey (2001), Flight of the Eagle (2002) (all Pan Macmillan Australia)

  • “Completing a manuscript wasn’t such a chore for me – I love writing and binding a hundred thousand words or more in a tight plot was merely a question of time. Condensing those hundred thousand words into a concise, single page summary proved to require a different set of skills entirely – none of which I found I possessed. Fortunately, The MAA came to my aid, and through an exchange of drafts, assisted me in distilling my several hundred pages into one – a valuable document to have when submitting to publishers. I recommend the service to any who want to have the best chance of giving a good first impression on the road to publication.”

    — Tom Holtby, MAA Author

  • “I've just read through the appraisal email from my book. Thank you for the service you offer, it came at the right time for me, and I thinks it's awesome for writers starting out. The comments and suggestions/criticisms were right on point, and have given me some fresh perspectives and ideas to work on. I'll definitely be recommending your agency and I'm sure we'll cross paths again.”

    — A. Bishop, MAA Author

  • “Thank you very much for the assessment, which arrived much sooner than I had expected. Running to 32 pages, it was also much more comprehensive than I could have hoped for. The comments and observations will be very useful indeed, and I will go through them carefully. I am very happy with both the assessment itself and with your company’s prompt and efficient services. Consulting you was well worth the expense, and no doubt I will again use the Manuscript Agency to provide an assessment of my next writing project.”

    — Torbjorn Lundmark, MAA Author

  • “Thank you for the terrific appraisal on my manuscript. It’s a very thoughtful and considered appraisal – and one which will help me enormously. Again, my thanks and gratitude.”

    — Marlish Glorie, MAA Author

  • “Thank you for providing such a valuable service and allowing debut writers such as myself to have professionals read, pull apart and give the much needed critical point of view. I read the appraisal and cried, and these were tears of joy. Having someone take the time to really look at my work and say 'this works and this needs more work', is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and seeing lightning in a bottle all at the same time. Please pass on a simple 'thank you' to the appraiser, for whomever they may be, 'Thank you, thank you, thank you'. This writer is indebted to you and your wonderful words, your objective guidance and suggestions. And to you Kit, thank you again for having this service in place. Writers do need assistance, they do need the professional edge and you provide this. I have some work to do on this novel, and I will let you know how I go.”

    — Ian R. Grace, MAA Author

  • “Seven years ago, my sister and I came to you with a very raw manuscript, no title and absolutely no idea whether we had any skill as writers. Your review was professional, empathetic and (thankfully) positive. When we spoke, you were very warm and encouraging and you gave us the courage to take the next step in our writing career. We have now had two books published by Pan Macmillan with a third due for release in September. We have also been published in America, Germany and Korea. Without you, our first book could still be languishing underneath my bed. Thank you so much. I thoroughly recommend the services of the Manuscript Appraisal Agency to any aspiring writers.”

    — Kathy Wilson, MAA Author

  • "Thank you so much for all that you have done for me this year - it has been life changing."

    — Heather Hawkins, author ‘Adventurous Spirit’ (Murdoch Books)

  • “Thank you for believing in our story and for wanting to help ‘The Letter E’ reach readers. I have loved working with you, would love nothing more than to continue on this publishing journey with you. I definitely trust you in bringing the manuscript to life!”

    — Claire Audibert, author ‘The Letter E’ (Nightstand Press)

  • “I really enjoy working with you – your communication is always prompt and you have a lovely way of improving my writing and hitting the required changes on the head, without being overly critical. I know you’re respected in the industry and whatever you do will be of high quality.”

    — Mandy Mauloni, author ‘Pregnancy Virgin’ (Nightstand Press)

  • It's good to be challenged and then get the reward of a better story at the end of it — there is no doubt I have ended up with better stories as a result of the appraisal process.

    — Matt Galanos, MAA Author

  • Thank you for providing such a great service for aspiring authors like me. I’ve found everything very helpful and worth the investment.

    Duncan McKellar, MAA Author

  • I am very grateful to MAA for making sure the work I produce is of the highest standard. They were thorough, detailed and sensitive to the nuances of the work. Extremely helpful and punctual. Can't recommend them highly enough.

    — Ruby Knight, Author

  • First I need to thank you again for the extensive notes and page by page critique of Dark Scriptures. It has taken me all this time to slowly work my way through it. The inclusion of a time line was critical and now every chapter is headed with a title and date. With a timeline I have reduced the story to two months over the summer; a much tighter plot. POV needed a lot of work and I have become quite adept at using the dinkus. Thank you. Thanks again for the thorough and very professional critique of my work. If I do get an agent it will be largely due to the work you/your team put in.

    — Deo de Wit, MAA Author

  • My entire experience with Kit, and The Manuscript Appraisal Agency, has been most helpful and satisfying. It has been a delightful journey with Kit's generosity of spirit, and skilful care of me and my story. I can't stop telling others about Kit and The Manuscript Appraisal Agency.

    Chrissy De Grussa

We’ve had the pleasure of working with over 800 different authors since 2014, and we’ve enjoyed the repeat business of about 85% of those. many MAA authors have also gone on to find publishing opportunities!

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