Strategy Sessions
- 1:1 Sessions
- 50 Minutes
- Virtual
Expert Insight. Immediate Direction.
Meet one-on-one with a Lucinda Literary agent or publishing expert for a focused 50-minute Zoom consultation tailored to your project, goals, and stage of development.
Whether you’re refining a book idea, revising a proposal, preparing to query, or simply trying to understand where your work fits in today’s publishing market, these sessions are designed to give you experienced, strategic guidance grounded in the realities of the industry.
A review of 10 pages of your material is included as optional for writers seeking direct feedback on proposal materials, sample pages, query letters, or manuscript excerpts prior to the session.
Testimonials
“After implementing Lucinda Literary’s advice, I did indeed get signed and landed a book deal with a major publishing house!”
Dr. Mary Anderson
Author of The Happy High Achiever
“Working one-on-one with Lucinda has been a game-changer. She’s given me smart, no-nonsense advice and helped me get clearer on my book and path as an author. A publishing and writing coach who truly knows her stuff and has your best interests at heart.“
John Jennings
Author of The Uncertainty Solution
“The Lucinda Literary Academy is unlike anything I’ve experienced — it’s a rare space where writers are both challenged and nurtured. The instruction, community, and access to publishing professionals made it truly transformative. I left re-energized, focused, and deeply grateful for the space Lucinda has created for writers to grow.”
Dr. Paule Valery Joseph
Scientist, Guggenheim Fellow, and Author of Common Scents (forthcoming)
“Lucinda has been a valuable resource for me as a debut author in getting educated about the entire book writing process. Her advice has been meaningful in getting my first book to a better, more marketable place.”
Shibani Joshi
Business & Technology Author
“From the first session, it’s been so easy to share things that I’ve only shared with those closest to me. I believe it’s the freedom that’s necessary in the transformation of my little story into a big idea. You’ve ignited breakthrough after breakthrough and I have nothing but gratitude.”
Colleen Ryan-Hensley
Nonfiction Writer
“The Lucinda Literary Academy provides a true creative sanctuary. Not just access to top publishing professionals but a space to feel seen, supported, and inspired. I’m thrilled that I’ve signed with a top NYC agency! I wouldn’t have taken that leap without the clarity, confidence, and contentment Lucinda provided. Transformational.”
Dr. Dympna Weill
Self-Help Writer
“I had the truly remarkable privilege of consulting with Lucinda. Her generosity and willingness to connect me with those in the industry who could play a pivotal role in realizing my dream of becoming a published author were deeply appreciated acts of kindness. Her dedication to helping writers, especially those from diverse backgrounds, find their voice in the competitive literary landscape was truly inspiring. As a Black writer, Lucinda’s commitment to championing writers of color and aiding us in telling our own stories resonated deeply.”
Yasin Kakande
Novelist
How Can a Strategy Session Help?
Before your consult, we review your submitted materials—including proposals, manuscript excerpts, query letters, synopses, or pitches—so your session stays focused on the questions and concerns most relevant to your project.
Some writers come to us with a finished manuscript. Others are still developing the idea itself. Many are trying to determine whether their concept is positioned correctly, whether their proposal is working, or why they’re struggling to gain traction with agents or publishers.
A 1:1 consult gives you the opportunity to discuss your work directly with a publishing professional who understands both the creative and business sides of the industry.
During your session, writers can receive feedback on:
- Your book concept, genre, and audience
- Proposal, manuscript, or query strategy
- Traditional publishing and agent submissions
- Platform-building and market positioning
- Revision priorities and editorial concerns
- Questions specific to your goals and next steps
Writers often leave with a stronger sense of direction, a better understanding of how their work may be received within the industry, and concrete recommendations for what to do next.
Who These Consults Are For
These sessions are designed for writers across genres and experience levels, including:
- Authors feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about next steps
- Authors preparing to query agents
- Memoirists and novelists refining their narrative and positioning
- Entrepreneurs, coaches, and professionals developing nonfiction books
- Writers seeking honest editorial and publishing insight
- Creatives looking for direction before investing further time into a project
Choose Your Consultant
Lucinda Halpern: For All Writers
Get high-level editorial and market-positioning insights, publishing strategy, and feedback from the founder of Lucinda Literary, leading literary agent, and author.
Literary Agent: For Writers Seeking Publishing Strategy
Get professional feedback on your concept, proposal, manuscript, or query letter. Work with an active agent to understand how agents evaluate projects in today’s market.
Publishing Expert: For Writers Seeking Editorial Guidance
Get foundational guidance on building a platform, developing a proposal, revising a manuscript, and preparing for publishing success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are these sessions for?
These consultations are designed for fiction and nonfiction writers at all stages, from early-stage writers exploring an idea to experienced authors preparing to query or publish.
Do I need a finished manuscript or proposal?
No. Many writers come to us with an idea, partial draft, proposal, or specific publishing question. The session is tailored to your stage of development.
What can I submit for review before the session?
Writers may optionally submit up to 10 pages for review prior to the consultation. Materials should be formatted double-spaced in 12 pt. Times New Roman and may include proposal sections, manuscript pages, query letters, synopses, or pitches.
Will I receive written feedback?
These sessions are designed as live strategic consultations. Feedback is delivered verbally during the meeting rather than through a formal editorial letter or written markup.
Can I ask publishing and querying questions?
Absolutely. Writers frequently use these sessions to discuss agent submissions, proposal strategy, market positioning, platform-building, and publishing pathways.
Who will I meet with?
Depending on the consultation selected, you may meet with Lucinda Halpern, an active literary agent, or a publishing expert from the Lucinda Literary Academy team.
How long is the session and where does it take place?
Each Strategy Session is 50 minutes and conducted virtually over Zoom.
Can these consultations help if I plan to self-publish or hybrid publish?
Yes. While many writers pursue traditional publishing, these consultations can also support authors exploring hybrid or independent publishing paths.
Will Lucinda Literary represent me if I book a strategy session?
Working with a consultant does not guarantee or imply representation by Lucinda Literary, any other literary agency, or a future publishing deal. However, our consultants substantially strengthen the elements that agents and publishers evaluate most critically: a commercial idea, concept clarity, market positioning, proposal quality, narrative structure, and overall execution.
What if I’m unsure whether this is the right fit?
If you are feeling stuck, uncertain about next steps, or looking for experienced publishing guidance, this is often the ideal place to begin.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because appointments reserve dedicated time with our instructors, all sessions are non-refundable. We appreciate advance notice for any rescheduling requests.
Disclaimer: This service, provided by the Lucinda Literary Academy, is intended to help educate writers and improve their work and presentation to the market. Participation does not guarantee or imply representation by Lucinda Literary, any other literary agency, or a future publishing deal.