Private Consultations

Expert feedback. Personalized strategy. Your next step—made clear.

Work directly with Lucinda Literary agents and experts to refine your idea, strengthen your pitch, and choose the publishing path that’s right for you.

Many writers wait too long for agent feedback—spending months (and thousands of dollars) on a proposal or book coach, only to find out later they were headed in the wrong direction.

Our one-on-one consults offer focused, personalized guidance for writers of any genre or stage. You’ll walk away with:

• Strategic feedback on your book idea, pitch, and proposal
• Clarity on your goals and publishing path
• Guidance on platform-building, marketing, and launching
• Honest answers to your biggest questions and challenges
• Optional extras like a query letter review or custom marketing plan

Please note: Full proposal or manuscript review is not included. See our full range of services.

“I greatly appreciated the personalized feedback I received on my own piece. Connor and Lucinda were excellent at facilitating and answering [my] many questions. As an emerging writer who is still in the early phases of my career, I recommend Lucinda Literary’s workshops and one-on-one meetings to help take the mystery out of getting an agent’s attention and maximizing your chances for success. I look forward to participating with more opportunities in the future.“
—Kristy Jackson, Fiction Writer

“Lucinda has been a valuable resource for me as a debut author in getting educated about the entire book writing process. Her workshops provide access to a like-minded community that gave input and drove the early direction of my work.  Lucinda’s advice has been meaningful in getting my first book to a better, more marketable place.” 
—Shibani Joshi, Business & Technology Journalist

“Lucinda is an aspiring author’s secret weapon. By August, I was thrilled to be offered representation… and by December, I had a book deal!”
—Sara McElroy, Author of Women Who Walk

“The clear guidance to find my writing community led me to Lucinda and this group… It’s a vulnerability I’ve never known and I WANT MORE. 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

“Lucinda’s contacts are like a list from heaven in terms of who she knows in the publishing world.”
—Manisha Thakor, Founder of MoneyZen.com and Author of MoneyZen

“Lucinda’s prowess? She is able to guide a creative person’s mind—which fires in a million divergent directions—towards a single, poignant, powerful idea… and then helps refine the idea to ensure it resonates with readers. Masterful!”
—Serena Quaglia, Nonfiction Writer

“[Upon taking] Lucinda’s seminars, private consultations, and receiving specific comments on how to write an effective letter, I received a publishing contract within two weeks of sending out my proposal! Lucinda has a lot of energy and her passion to help you succeed is extraordinary! Her team is also dedicated to keeping you focused and on task. It has been a profitable and rewarding experience working with Lucinda Literary. I plan to continue to keep our relationship current as I move on to book #2!”
—Lee H. Rosen, Author of The Five

 

“Lucinda’s advice on my pitch and query letter was priceless. She was warm, smart and such an expert in what she was talking about. I left our session confident and very clear about what I need to do to give my manuscript the best chance with an agent.”

—Rowan Mangan, novelist

 

[Lucinda’s consultation] was illuminating. I learned more from her in 45 minutes than in months and months of feedback from elsewhere. Invaluable!
—Annie Oswald, Novelist

 

“While it’s obvious Ms. Halpern has been a bridge carrying both novice and established writers to higher levels of success for years, what impressed me the most […] was her humble approach and personalized feedback that better clarified my novel’s genre and made my query letter more compelling to readers.”
—Pamela Mshana, Fiction Writer

 

“[Lucinda’s] feedback on my letter and ideas for platform building were clear, personal, and most importantly, do-able.”
—Stephanie Kriesberg, Author of Adult Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers

 

“Lucinda combines a positive attitude with constructive criticism to give authors inspiration and specific guidance. Her experience and advice is relevant for both new authors and those already published. I have renewed hope.”
—Heather Buchanan, Memoirist

 

“For writers who are not New York adjacent, the opportunity to meet and learn from an established literary agent is invaluable.”
—Anonymous

 

“Lucinda Halpern’s knowledge and guidance are top-notch! Lucinda has an extraordinary pulse on the literary and publishing world. She conveys her knowledge and wisdom with professional integrity, inspiring guidance, and astute insights. Her knowledge is shared with compassion, a steady compass direction, and absolute realness. Collaborating with Lucinda has been an enormously fruitful experience for me!” —Wendy E Slater

1. Who are private consultations for: fiction or nonfiction authors? And do I need a finished manuscript or proposal?

Private consultations are for writers of all genres: fiction and nonfiction, at any stage in their journey. Whether you’re developing an idea, polishing a draft, or ready to pitch, our team can support you with tailored feedback and strategy. No completed manuscript or proposal is required to get started, just your questions and goals!

2. Can I benefit from a private consultation if I plan to self-publish or hybrid publish?

Absolutely. Our consultations are designed to help you clarify your publishing goals and receive expert guidance, no matter which path you’re pursuing: traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing. Your expert will help you make informed decisions aligned with your book and audience.

3. How do I know if I’m ready for a private consultation?

If you have questions, roadblocks, or publishing goals you’re ready to explore, you’re ready. No prior experience or preparation is necessary. These are strategy-focused conversations where you can get clarity, direction, and expert insight. The earlier in your process you seek for advice, the better. We are here to help you stop wasting time and energy—let’s get you on the path to success now!

4. How long is the consultation and where does it take place?

Each consultation is 45 minutes long and conducted via Zoom. You’ll receive a Zoom link after confirming your session, and can join from the comfort of your home or office.

5. What if I need to reschedule my appointment?

There is no penalty if you need to reschedule your appointment, though we ask that you rebook your meeting at least 24 hours in advance as a courtesy to our instructors’ schedules. We understand life happens!

6. Will my expert review my work during the consultation?

When booking a private consultation, you have the option to  upload up to 10 pages (double spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font) of any material you wish to have reviewed for your consultation. This material can serve as a helpful supplement to your conversation, and our expert will review it prior to your meeting. Sharing material is not required if you do not have pages ready to share—remember, all you need for the consultation is a desire to publish a book!

Please note: by providing material, you will not receive a formal edit on your work—no written mark-up, editorial memo, or editing will be provided. The purpose of the review is to guide your discussion and provide strategic, verbal feedback during the session. To upload your pages, simply follow the instructions in the booking form.

8. Does meeting with a Lucinda Literary Instructor mean I’ll be offered representation?

No. These private sessions are educational and advisory in nature. While our instructors include agents and publishing professionals, participation in these sessions does not guarantee agency representation or a publishing deal. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and strategy to pursue your own path successfully.

9. What if I need help with scheduling or technical issues?

If you’re having trouble scheduling or accessing your session, please email us at [email protected]. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.

10. What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We stand behind the value of our programs and want participants to feel fully supported in their publishing journey. If you complete the consultation in its entirety (including attending the entire session and engaging fully with the process) and you do not reach the stated goal of the program, we offer a full refund. This guarantee is our way of standing behind the quality of our curriculum and the transformation it offers when fully embraced.

That said, your growth is ultimately in your hands. Your commitment, effort, and mindset will shape your experience. We can provide the tools, support, and structure, but the results come from your dedication to the journey.

If a medical or personal emergency prevents you from completing the program as you are in the midst of the process, you are welcome to defer and/or join a future program at a time that works best for you. We believe in flexibility and supporting your success on your timeline. We’re here for you every step of the way.