Query Coaches

Carly Watters is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency and a well-known industry educator who coaches authors on the querying process through her blog, podcast (with CeCe Lyra), and occasional workshops. Her insider agent perspective gives authors direct insight into what agents look for in query letters, pitches, and first pages. She covers querying strategy, positioning, and the full submission lifecycle.

Diane Callahan is a developmental editor and query coach who runs the YouTube channel Quotidian Writer, helping authors understand the publishing industry and craft compelling query letters. She specializes in guiding fiction writers through the full querying process, from synopsis writing to agent research. Her coaching blends craft feedback with strategic querying advice.

Jeni Chappelle is a freelance developmental editor and query coach who helps fiction writers navigate both manuscript revision and the querying trenches. She offers query letter packages, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship-style relationships that walk authors through researching agents, crafting pitches, and preparing all submission materials. She has also served as a mentor in community programs like RevPit.

Lori Freeland is a freelance editor and writing coach who works with fiction and nonfiction authors preparing to query literary agents or self-publish. She offers query letter editing, proposal coaching, and one-on-one mentoring sessions tailored to each author's specific genre and publishing goals. She is known for her detailed, encouraging feedback style and deep familiarity with agent expectations.

Natasha Hanova is a writing coach and query specialist who guides authors through the entire querying journey, from crafting their hook to building a curated agent list and weathering rejection. She offers group cohort programs and one-on-one coaching packages designed to demystify the query process and help authors present their manuscripts professionally. Her background as a published and agented author gives her firsthand knowledge of what the process demands.

Kris Noel is an independent query coach who offers ongoing 1-on-1 coaching packages for authors preparing to submit to literary agents, with particular strength in genre fiction and young adult. She helps clients build personalized agent lists, refine their query letter through multiple rounds, and track submissions strategically. Her process-oriented approach emphasizes long-term querying stamina and mindset alongside craft.

Reedsy hosts a vetted marketplace of editorial professionals who specialize in query letter writing and coaching, connecting authors with experienced coaches who have agent or publishing industry backgrounds. Authors can browse profiles filtered by genre and service type, then hire coaches for one-off query letter reviews or multi-session coaching engagements. The platform handles contracts and payments, making it a structured option for authors seeking professional query support.

Savannah Gilbo is a fiction editor and writing coach who helps authors write, edit, and publish their stories with confidence. Through her Fiction Writing School community and podcast, she guides writers from manuscript completion through the querying process. She focuses particularly on story structure and positioning manuscripts for agent submission.