Questions about results and representation

Does taking a course or coaching session increase my chances of being represented by Gardner Literary?
No. Your participation in a course, workshop, or coaching session does not give you special consideration, priority review, or increased access to representation by Gardner Literary.

Can you guarantee I’ll get an agent or publishing deal?
No. Publishing outcomes depend on many factors, including the strength of the writing, the market, timing, platform, genre, publisher needs, and agent/editor interest.

If you like my work, will you represent me?
Coaching and course participation are separate from agency representation. If you are seeking representation, you’ll need to follow the agency’s regular submission guidelines.

Will you refer me to another agent or editor?
Not as part of the course or coaching unless explicitly stated. The purpose of these services is education, feedback, and strategy.

Questions about which offer is right for you

I’m not sure which service I need. Where should I start?
If you want to pursue publishing and want to know how it all works…
- From Pen to Published
If you have a book idea but no clear plan…
- Publishing Path Clarity Session
If you have a book proposal draft…
- Book Proposal Review Session
If you want help building a book proposal…
- Build Your Book Proposal Intensive
If you have completed manuscript and need feedback…
- Manuscript evaluation session
If you have a conference pitch coming up…
- Pitch practice session

What’s the difference between the Book Proposal Clarity Session and the Book Proposal Intensive?
The Clarity Session is for writers who already have a proposal and want focused feedback. The Intensive is for writers who need help creating or substantially revising a proposal over several weeks.

Should I take Pen to Published before booking coaching?
If you’re new to publishing, yes, that may be the better first step. If you already understand the basics and need feedback on your own project, coaching may be more useful.

Are the workshops beginner-friendly?
Yes, but each workshop has a specific focus. They’re best for writers who want a clear, practical understanding of one publishing topic without committing to a longer course.

Questions about genres and categories

Do you work with fiction and nonfiction?
Yes, but the right service depends on the project. Book proposal services are usually for nonfiction. Manuscript evaluations and pitch coaching may apply to fiction or nonfiction.

Do fiction writers need a book proposal?
Usually no. Fiction writers typically need a complete manuscript, a strong query letter, and sometimes a synopsis. Nonfiction writers often need a full proposal.

Do memoir writers need a proposal or a full manuscript?
Often both matter. Memoir usually needs strong sample pages and a compelling proposal, but expectations can vary depending on the project and market.

Do you work with self-publishing authors?
Yes, especially through services focused on publishing path, platform, positioning, and project readiness.

Questions about materials and preparation

What should I send before my coaching session?
This depends on the service, but writers may be asked to send a query letter, book proposal, sample pages, manuscript excerpt, platform summary, or specific questions.

How far in advance do I need to send materials?
Materials are due three business days before your session.

What happens if I don’t send my materials on time?
Your session may need to be rescheduled.

Questions about feedback

Will I receive written notes?
Some services may include written notes; others will provide verbal feedback during the Zoom call.

Will you edit my manuscript or proposal?
No, editing is not included. Coaching feedback is not the same as line editing, copyediting, ghostwriting, or rewriting.

Will you tell me if my book is publishable?
We can provide a professional assessment of readiness and market fit, but no one can predict how agents or publishers will respond.

Will the feedback be honest?
Yes. The value of the session is clear, direct feedback about what is working, what needs improvement, and what your next step should be.

Can I record the session?
No, but depending on which package you purchase, you may receive a recording of the session.

Questions about logistics

Where do sessions take place?
Zoom.

How long are the sessions?
Coaching sessions are 1 hour. Most workshops and courses are 60-90 minutes including Q&A.

Are workshops live or recorded?
We always teach live and answer questions in real time.

Will I get the replay if I can’t attend live?
We will always do our best to accommodate this.

How do I schedule my coaching session?
You use the provided Calendly link to schedule a time that works for you.

What time zone are sessions listed in?
We use Eastern time.

Can I reschedule a coaching session?
Yes, within reason and our availability.

Questions about payment, refunds, and transfers

What is your refund policy?
For online courses and workshops, refunds are available prior to the course beginning. For coaching, a refund is only available if we haven’t yet reviewed your materials.

Do you offer payment plans?
Not at this time.

Do you offer discounts?
Occasional promotions may be offered, but discounts are not retroactive.

Will prices change?
Yes, prices may change as programs are updated.

Questions about access, privacy, and use of materials

Will my work be shared with anyone else?
No, unless the course format includes group feedback and the writer has submitted work for that purpose.

Will my idea be kept confidential?
Yes, we treat client materials with professional care and discretion.

Do I retain ownership of my work?
Yes. The writer owns their manuscript, proposal, pitch, and ideas.

Will you use my work as an example in future teaching?
Only with permission.

Can I share course materials with my writing group?
No. Course materials are for the registered participant only.

Questions about group courses and workshops

Will I receive personal feedback in a workshop?
Usually no, unless stated. A 90-minute workshop is instruction, not private coaching.

Will there be Q&A?
There is always time for Q&A.

How is Pen to Published different from the single-session workshops?
Pen to Published gives a broader foundation in the publishing process over four weeks. The workshops focus on one topic in a single session.

How much time should I plan to spend outside class?
The only course with a homework requirement is the Book Proposal Intensive, which will require several hours over the two weeks between sessions.

Questions about manuscript evaluation

Is this a developmental edit?
No. A manuscript evaluation gives big-picture feedback on the project’s strengths, issues, and readiness. It is not a full editorial markup.

Will you mark up the manuscript?
Usually not. The evaluation focuses on overall assessment rather than line-by-line comments.

Will you tell me if I should keep revising or start querying?
Yes. That’s one of the main reasons to book the session.

Other Questions

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