LouiseCusack.com Testimonials Assessment

“The assessment report Louise provided, on my first major piece of fiction, transformed my story as well as the momentum of my writing. She provided a balance of feedback on areas that worked well and areas where more work was required. The report dismantled my story into all the key areas of the craft of fiction writing: world building, characterisation, dialogue, voice, viewpoint, etc; which enabled me to do a comprehensive edit. It is the best investment I have made in my writing – the learning is ongoing and my confidence has been given a major boost.”

Just wanted to let you know I've been selected as one of eight successful applicants in the 2009 QWC/Hachette Australia Manuscript Development Program for Fiction Writers. I think there were nearly 200 submissions received and 40 longlisted. Having been longlisted and shortlisted for similar programs before, I'm very excited to have made it this time into the final group. Woohoo!

And yes, the manuscript I submitted was Fall of Bitter Rain, my oriental-inspired fantasy. I had a lot of things going through my head when I found out I'd been selected. Among them, images of us sitting in the cafe came to me, talking through the problems I was having with structure, how to build up confidence in where the story was going and how it really wasn't a bad thing to start from the beginning again when it meant the story would be a whole lot stronger. I really enjoyed each time we met and worked together, the boost I'd get after each session, and I know my manuscript was hugely improved as a result. More importantly, I learned to trust my instincts more and spend less time listening to my Inner Critic.

Thank you again for your advice and encouragement, for picking out the problems in my work while showing me the gems, and for being fabulous.

Louise, it was a GREAT! catch up session last Friday, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Spent a lot of time tidying up my Chapter Scenes since then and beginning a structural edit of my manuscript. It's been both exciting and a bit unnerving, but I'm looking forward to getting these pages over to you the week before our next catch-up session.

Once more, thanks for all the great supportive feedback you've given me. As I said I feel so much more enthused about the whole process now, and what with your expert guidance I'm finding so much more confidence to pursue my goals. ...Thankyou, thankyou and thankyou again.

Sent: Thursday, 3 April 2008 9:58 PM
Subject: Reply from Harper Collins re: Return of the Sea Queen

Dear Louise,

Just thought I would let you know that I got a reply from the senior editor about my manuscript. It was a 'no thank you', but the nicest 'no thank you' ever, with lots of constructive feedback and positive comments. Much more than I expected and it was lovely that she had taken the time to read my story and to suggest how I could improve it. She wrote that I certainly had good storytelling skills and the basis of a great story, however the characters needed more development and the storyline to be deepened. Lots of helpful direction when I revisit the story.

I'm really quite proud of my achievement, considering it was my first ever novel and thank you again - I really could not have done it without your help.

Cheers,
Geneve Flynn

Manuscript assessment client. Note: most rejection letters don't contain feedback about the story, as editors don't have time. It's a testament to the quality of Geneve's manuscript and how close she is to publication that a senior editor took the time to encourage her with feedback.

Guess who was one of 3 Queensland writers chosen for the Hachette Livre Orbit MS development program!

Just thought I’d share my exciting news with you since you really did help me so much.

Year of the Novel workshop participant and assessment client who secured one of the ten places awarded in the Orbit Manuscript Development Program which had 167 entries from across Australia.

Dear Louise,

Enormous, heartfelt thanks for your assessment on my manuscript. I received it yesterday and have been working on your suggestions last night and most of today. Your assessment is so easy to follow and put into practice; I'm so grateful to you for your time and for being able to send me the feedback so quickly!

I can't tell you what a thrill it's been to read your comments and know I'm on the right track. I've spent the past few weeks plagued by self-doubt, thinking my writing was dull, that my story lacked atmosphere and interest. It's very nice to be wrong. I was crying by the time I read the last sentence; you'll certainly be on my list of people to thank and invite should the dream come true. :)

My motivation tank is filled to overflowing. I've no excuse not to write, write, write!

Again, thank you so much. All the best for a busy, productive, fantastic 2008!

Very kind regards,

Meaghan Douglas

I took on a mentorship and manuscript assessment with Louise Cusack over a twelve month period. My experience was wonderful and the benefits to my writing innumerable. Always bringing an enthusiastic attitude and attentive eye, Louise was a positive and supportive force in her role as mentor. Any writer who wishes to be challenged to think outside the box and really shake their writing up would do well to investigate the mentorship avenue. If I could keep her on retainer for the rest of my career, I would! Well worth the money. Rachael Ryan, www.rachaelryan.net

Just a brief email to thank you for a great mentoring session today. We managed to fit so much in. I do appreciate the extra time you spent with me and more especially the interest you take in my project. I am learning so much.

ASSESSMENT Feedback: 31/07/07 - "Contours of Longing" by Robyn Haynes gccl@bigpond.com.au

I am thrilled with the assessment you did on this manuscript and have put down some thoughts as requested:

· I especially like the way you have a firm opinion on what direction should be taken. This was really helpful.

· That this was a personalised and specific report for this manuscript (no evidence of a ‘one size fits all' template approach).

· That you were moved by an emotional scene that I felt had worked well. Great confirmation! I loved that it made you cry.

· The obvious passion you have for writing and the genuine interest you show in furthering my expertise

· Perhaps a shorter time frame for the assessment but I’m sure you are busy. The suspense nearly killed me.

I've been a professional writer for over 40 years, for most of which I worked as a journalist for National papers in London. I also had a well-reviewed novel published there and have since published a family cook book and a children's story. Thus I didn't really think I needed an assessor. I thought that writing just came naturally. However my latest novel features a multiple personality character and while my friends thought it worked well, I wanted another viewpoint before sending it off to the publishers. I chose Louise Cusack to look at it and must say that she gave me some extremely worthwhile tips. The most important one was "Show not Tell". Then there was "Point of View". I'll leave it to her to tell you how they work. Knowing about them certainly made my manuscript better. As well, I found it useful to have an experienced pair of eyes running through everything and making suggestions of how things could possibly be better. It was definitely worthwhile asking Louise to look at my work. And I am grateful to her for her suggestions

This book is now published by Quartet as "Sweet Seduction and the Third Mermaid"

Thank you so much! Your comments are spot on and so thorough. I’m going to rave about you to all my writerly friends. You have picked up so many errors and inconsistencies, but the one which really impresses me, was the old back story within the back story trick (blush). I had an earlier version appraised and the critique, though valuable, did not give close to the same level of detail, as well as the practical suggestions that you do. You are amazing!

Dear Louise, "Hoofbeats" is home. I am delighted with your assessment. Unsure what to expect, I was somewhat overwhelmed by the thoroughness of your efforts! Your offer of continued support is very heart warming. I have started rewriting and will use all suggestions for improvement that you have given. I have two other finished manuscripts, so once I have reorganised "Hoofbeats" I can utilise your report to improve them. Hopefully when you look at my next manuscript it will show significant improvement and contain no dependant clauses (not three on a page anyway).

MANUSCRIPT ASSESSMENT: Louise, thank you so much for all your hard work on Sticks and Stones. I’m working through your comments at the moment. They’re very constructive, shining a light in all those dark holes I couldn’t see the bottom of. I’ll keep you updated on my progress and yes, you will definitely be invited to the launch, all the best, Sarah James sarah@sarahjames.com.au - Wednesday, 9 May 2007

Just letting you know the book and your report arrived Monday morning. I must admit on my first read I was a little daunted, but that’s a good thing! The depth and detail of the report is exceptional, and more thorough than I had expected. Your insight is spot-on and your suggestions entirely helpful. I’m glad you didn’t let me get away with anything, because I’m serious about pursuing publication and now I know how I stack up (and how I can improve).

That you could do so much inside thirty days is very impressive. There’s nothing I am disappointed with – just the opposite! I found it well worth the investment. You’re very good at what you do!

Thank you once again for your time, effort and professionalism. I will certainly let you know if and when I get a contract!

I have just had my manuscript assessed by Louise and I would recommend
it to anyone who's book is in Louise's area of expertise.

It was great to receive such supportive and positive feedback and also
to be given very detailed and useful directions on how to improve my
story. Louise helped clarify that 'something's not quite right'
feeling into definite actions I can take to make my story as polished
as possible.

Louise, thanks once again - it was well worth it.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks for your very thorough assessment. Your insightful observations and guidance are immensely appreciated.

So – it is forward now in the happy knowledge that I can make this book better and that the lessons I have learnt as a result of this assessment I can employ in my second book!

Thank you again for your tremendous help and for your lovely comments and encouragement. You will certainly be invited to the book launch.

Your report on my manuscript is amazing. I love the way you start and end the report by giving me a big hand for what I can do well. It makes it so much easier to look at the areas that I do need to work on. And then your marking up of the manuscript itself is thorough and attentive to detail. I am learning so much about good writing just from your editing. And I feel empowered by your feedback, what's more I feel energised, fired up - this is worth doing. You've given me confidence in my own ability to write and I believe I will get to publication now, with your help.

Your feedback is generous, unbiased by fear or competition, and rigorous - I feel blessed to have been put in contact with you. Thank you, very much

Evaluation of my novel - October 19 2006 at 11:30 AM Ian Lipke

Should any writer out there be wondering about Louise Cusack's expertise in evaluating the potential for publication of a novel, wonder no more. I have had my book given searching scrutiny and, although I know I have many hours ahead of me to bring it up to publishable standard, I welcome that. Louise is young but no amateur; she sees things that 'blind Freddie' should have noticed and she knows what booksellers want and can direct inexperienced writers towards those wants. She knows where to dump material of little interest to the potential reader and she knows what sections of a book should be expanded as they become critical to understanding the work. Louise picks up rapidly on anachronisms, and is quick to point out that "no person in that particular situation/era/social grouping would talk like that." She keeps a tight rein on dialogue, clarity of expression, character development, point of view and all the rest that go to make up a great novel. When you submit your work to Louise, she will give you a date when the evaluation will be finished, and she sticks to that.

I have been a teacher at all levels of education for more than forty years, during which time I have evaluated student scripts at school, university and system levels. I'm not in Louise Cusack's class. She's a one-off!!

Louise, your report was clear, concise, illuminating and constructive. It is
always important that the significant problems are identified, and
possible solutions (in as much as are possible) are posited, and your
report certainly did that.

kind regards

Karen Vegar August 28 2006, 9:06 PM

Dear Louise

Your report was very thorough and it was obvious you didn't just glance over my manuscript. The notes on the manuscript were helpful at pinpointing areas of concern. It helped me a lot and let me know what to watch our for in the future.

Thanks

Emma Gough August 27 2006, 1:57 PM

I have been fortunate enough to share a working relationship with Louise on several of my novels. Her insights about the nuances of characterisation, emotional relationships, and pace have always been invaluable to me. I recommend her services very highly to writers at any stage of their game.

Kim Wilkins
www.kimwilkins.com August 22 2006, 6:04 PM

Louise's clear and understandable suggestions has given me the 'keep going' attitude and any criticism has been extremely beneficial. The impact I had after reading her assessment gave me confidence and from now can only improve. Her guidance is invaluable and I certainly will be using her services again in the future.
Thanks Louise.
Sue Stewart May 10 2006, 1:14 PM

I had the pleasure of working with Louise on my novels at two EnVision workshops. I found Louise a delight to work with, astute and very clear with suggestions on how I could improve my work. I also came to understand concepts on the nuts and bolts of the writing process that had eluded me - I still pass on Louise comments about "creating atmosphere" to anyone who asks! As a result of her encouragement, I have started another new novel and have the confidence to go on with the work that I already had. I will certainly be using Louise's services again.

Heather Gammage April 12 2006, 5:01 PM

"Louise took the manuscript for my first novel (White Tiger) and provided me with exactly the right sort of feedback. After reading her suggestions I worked through it and was able to produce a novel that was accepted by Harper-Collins for publication under their Voyager label. Without Louise's help I probably would never have made it through the door. Thanks Louise."

Cheers

Kylie Chan (now published by Harper Collins Australia) February 27 2006, 11:31 AM

"I had the good fortune of having Louise Cusack as my tutor at the Envision Writing Workshop in 2005. Louise has a thorough knowledge of the writing industry and her critique was very professional with a detailed analysis of the structure, style and story arc, etc. I found her help with character development particularly useful. Most importantly though, I appreciated her intuitive and encouraging approach which engendered confidence. Louise made us feel valued as writers and helped us believe we could do it!"

Robin Thomas

robint2@optusnet.com.au February 17 2006, 5:49 PM

"The impact Louise had on my writing process was amazing. Her advice ranged from the apparently trivial (the use of light sources in scenes to build mood) to the structurally profound (choice of point of view and how to realise it), and all of it improved my manuscript a great deal. Even more importantly, she understood the agonies and ecstasies of being a 'writer' - and all her constructive criticism was couched in the most positive and yet forthright terms. I couldn't recommend her highly enough!"

Todd Harm (EnVision attendee 2005) February 17 2006, 5:39 PM

"It was with Louise's help and guidance that I able to finish and submit my requested manuscript to Leslie Wainger at Silhouette. Her detailed critique included such things as character motivation, sensual tension and maintaining believable conflict throughout the story - essential elements for any aspiring romance writer. I wouldn't hesitate recommending "Working with Louise" to anyone who wants to write a better book."

Helen Lacey

hjlacey@bigpond.com.au February 17 2006, 5:36 PM

"Louise has a warm, caring approach to nurturing the skills of aspiring novelists. I found her help with evaluating my world-building, achieving consistency and depth with my characterisation, and fine-tuning my dialogue absolutely invaluable. Her assessment of my manuscript enabled me to push the story to the next level, and provided me with specific self-editing techniques which I can now use to improve all my future writing projects."

Karen Maric at: karenmaric@optusnet.com.au February 17 2006, 5:59 AM

"Without Louise's encouragement and feedback on my MS I don't think I ever would have finished it. She gave honest and constructive criticism on all aspects of my MS, in particular highlighting flaws in characterisation and scenes that simply did not work. Her comments and suggestions also helped me develop skills in self editing, and most important of all gave me the confidence to keep going."

Wendy Avery at: wmavery@dodo.com.au February 16 2006, 6:49 AM

I have worked with Louise Cusack on various drafts of my manuscript. Her advice on character motivation, plot and dialogue was enlightening. She is insightful, enthusiastic and approachable - valuable traits that make her a delight to work with. Her knowledge of the publishing industry was invaluable. I would not be the writer I am today without her help.

Deborah Soukup at dragynn5@yahoo.com February 14 2006, 9:55 AM

Testimonials February 12 2006 at 7:13 PM

I had the pleasure of being mentored by Louise Cusack at the five-day EnVision workshops in Brisbane in 2003 and 2004. Louise provided special insight into character motivation and emotional development, and helped me understand my characters and their interactions, romantic and otherwise, much better. The Darkness Within, which Louise had particular input into, has since been contracted to Lothian Books and published will be published in June 2007 by Hachette Livre. I would welcome further opportunities to work with Louise on my manuscripts regardless of genre.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if further information is required.

Jason Nahrung http://www.jasonnahrung.com