Looking for an honest and in-depth critique of your manuscript?

Need help writing a killer pitch or back cover blurb for your book?

As a literary agent for one of North America’s leading boutique agencies, I substantively edited clients’ works, transforming rough drafts into sellable prose, as well as wrote both fiction pitches and non-fiction proposals that resulted in book deals for many debut authors.

Whether your goal is to pursue an agent and traditional publishing deal or to self-publish, I can provide constructive feedback to help polish your novel and get the attention it deserves.

A Selection of Services

1-on-1 Manuscript Review – $150 US

The 45-minute 1-on-1 meeting includes a pre-reading of your manuscript & book synopsis.

Get direct feedback on your work! Meet me online 1-on-1 via Zoom, for detailed comments about your manuscript or book proposal. This includes:

• 45 minutes face-to-face with a former literary agent, professional editor and published author
• A thorough pre-reading of 20 pages (double-spaced) of your writing
• A look at your synopsis or book outline
• A chance to ask all your writing and publishing-related questions

Substantive Edit – Partial or Full Manuscript

Substantive manuscript assessments generally include in-depth track changes throughout the entire manuscript as well as 2-3 pages of concise, direct commentary on various aspects of your manuscript (style, structure, and content, etc.) and some general suggestions on where you might want to go from here. The manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses are identified, as well as its suitability for market based on current industry trends. A one hour consult via phone or the web to discuss feedback is also included. MS turnaround time is typically 2-4 weeks, depending on word count.

Please email to tell me more about your project and request a quote.

See Contact for details or email: alishasevignyatgmail.com

1-on-1 Private Coaching – $150 US per session (package of 6 sessions/$800)

Similar to the manuscript review, I will assess 20 pages of your work and then meet with you online to provide detailed feedback. Private coaching includes:

• Substantive editorial feedback about your work in progress via an online 45-minute session
• General writing advice/assistance
• Information about help with pitching and querying agents, self-publishing
• Motivational support and general sounding board for all your writing and publishing questions

About Me

I am a former literary agent, current freelance editor and published author of the award-winning SECRETS OF THE SANDS trilogy, and several acclaimed Young Adult (YA) novels, SUMMER CONSTELLATIONS, KISSING FROGS, as well as GIVE ME A SNICKLE!, my debut picture book.

As a former literary agent, I have had the pleasure of representing many talented domestic and international clients, including a holistic beauty guru and a renowned environmental activist, as well as several debut fiction authors:

Kristen Ma (Beauty, Pure and Simple)
Emily Hunter (The Next Eco-Warriors)
Susan Glickman (The Tale-Teller, Safe as Houses)
Aya Tsintziras (Pretty Bones)
Karen Wheeler (Tout Allure, Tout Suite)

Exceedingly familiar with the publishing industry, both as a former agent and author, I specializes in pitches and developmental edits.

My editorial client, P.H. Oliver, (THE GYNESAURS) was the only self-published author to be long-listed for 2018’s Stephen Leacock Medal of Humour Award, representing the top 10 funniest books in the country.

Other freelance clients include award-winning musician, Linda Brooks, and her non-fiction collection of essays, songs and photographs, ORCHESTRA IN MY GARDEN.

I am continuously giving workshops on the writing and publishing process and enjoys working with authors of all genres and backgrounds.

What Writers Are Saying…

“Working with Alisha was wonderful — from pitching to her via email to meeting in person to discuss her evaluation. Alisha made it easy to work together as she is always pleasant and genuinely cares about helping writers. I appreciate that she offered lots of encouragement and specific recommendations to help make my book the best it can be.”
— Marisa B., Toronto

“I really benefited from the clear comments on my manuscript which Alisha provided me. They were concise, very helpful and improved my knowledge of the writing trade. Her comments certainly improved the quality my non-fiction novel.
— James B., Orillia

“Alisha was a great help in reviewing and in helping to refine my pitch for my novel before sending it off to a literary agent.”
— Rhesa S., Toronto

“Alisha combed through my 140,000 word manuscript offering many different strategies that I could employ to bring it down to the recommended maximum word count (under 100,000) for the genre in which it would be classified.  Readers have since told me that they were most impressed with the tightness and pace of the book, feeling that every line was worth reading.  There is no doubt in my mind that this high praise was due to Alisha’s keen instinct for what a reader wants and needs in order to keep turning the page.  Indeed, this, I would say, is the hallmark of Alisha’s own writing. She pointed out plot and character inconsistencies that I had missed, even after much scrutiny and gently curtailed my penchant for overly verbose descriptions. She provides a thorough and discerning voice that will allow you to reconsider and/or validate your work from a fresh and knowledgeable perspective, always keeping the writer’s delicate ego in mind.  A pleasure to work with from beginning to end.”
— P.H. Oliver