Testimonials

Wondering what I can do for your query package? See what your fellow writers have to say about my work!

Before Laura, I found the querying process to be intimidating. But in a matter of days, Laura has helped me look at my submission package in a new light. She has a talent for finding just the right words to craft a pitch, and was able to point out the holes in my synopsis that I was unable to see. From her, I learned the importance of emphasizing the stakes of my novel and shaping my query letter to get the reader to care about what happens to my characters. Laura's responses to my questions were quick, thoughtful, and brimming with information on industry standards and realistic expectations. I can tell that she has a genuine enthusiasm for my story and my trajectory going forward as a writer. Now, I feel confident and prepared to enter the query trenches.

-Emily

From first pass pages to your query, Laura is definitely the best person to reach out to when you have query questions! I won one of her Twitter query critiques, and while I was hopeful to improve my query, I never expected to get so much advice on my other materials. Laura took a careful look at my submission materials, and quickly got back to me with some feedback. I had a lot of questions, of course, and she was both very patient and very responsive, genuinely trying to help me as much as she could with her knowledge of publishing. I especially took her advice on comps to heart. In fact, by following her querying advice, I was lucky enough to get picked as an AMM round 8 mentee!

- Stephanie

One of the hardest parts of querying can be the limited access to feedback. The first step to addressing the elements that are problematic in a query or manuscript is knowing what's not working. That's where Laura comes in.

I was fortunate to have Laura critique my query package (query + 5 pages) in December. I was surprised by how quickly she sent my feedback and extremely impressed (and appreciative) of how thoughtful it was. Laura expressed authentic enthusiasm for my manuscript, which makes quite an impact when you're in the querying trenches. She shared her own professional insight and also directed me to several specific resources that I could use to further hone my craft and make informed decisions about my revisions. She graciously welcomed my follow-up questions, which helped me better understand the limitations of my manuscript and allowed me to develop a plan moving forward. Three months later, I've followed Laura's advice: I've found my writing people, I've read as many comps as possible, and I'm currently taking a deep dive into the problematic aspects of my manuscript. My story (and query) is so much better because of her insight!

If you're willing to put in the time and energy to make your story shine, but you're not quite sure HOW to get there, contact Laura! She's a game-changer!

- Danielle

Laura made some excellent suggestions and edits that really helped to elevate my query package, including both my letter and my first pages. She is friendly, responsive, and happy to answer questions along the way. I feel more confident moving forward into the querying process after working with her and would recommend this to anyone before they enter the querying trenches.

- Denton

Laura read my first three chapters and my query letter. She immediately recognised the style I was writing in and gave me astute suggestions to improve the chapters and letter. She even suggested a very funny line which I ended up using. Not long after implementing Laura's advice I received two full requests for my manuscript. What's more important to me, however, is that she was kind, supportive and knowledgeable. She gave me confidence in my work. I value her advice and support, and I would highly recommend her services.

- Simeon

 I’m a published author (Indie) who’s been in the query trenches for a while. Even so, I can humbly say working with Laura Samotin on my latest project made my query materials much stronger. Laura’s advice forced me to focus on what truly was and wasn’t necessary to include in my query/synopsis/pages. Laura also taught me a couple of things about formatting. I’m in the middle of querying now, but I’m much more hopeful I will obtain agent representation after having received excellent guidance from Laura. I would recommend her services for yet-to-be-agented authors at all levels.

-Richard

 Laura is extremely helpful, professional, and prompt. Her feedback allowed me to polish and shine my query package; she really helped me identify what was working and what wasn’t. I would work with her again in a heartbeat! Thanks again, Laura!

-Skyler