"Several years ago I enrolled in one of the nation's top graduate creative writing programs. I decided not to complete the program, however, because I wasn't receiving the type of feedback and guidance I needed to complete my novel. Since then, I have been searching for someone with a keen eye for powerful storytelling to help me shape my writing. I have found that person in Sandra Byrd.

Sandra's review of my manuscript was a wonderful balance of specific praise and thoughtful questioning. Her suggestions were insightful, and not invasive or inconsiderate; she spent a great deal of time thinking of ways to help me to keep the reader engaged in the story. My novel is stronger because of that."

Afrika Afeni Mills

"Working with Sandra is a new writer's dream. Her advice is pointed, clear and useful. She won't molly coddle but you will come away encouraged about your writing and your potential. I still have a "day job," so competence, professionalism, and efficiency are high value items for me. Sandra has the ground covered there too. I feel my writing improve every time I work with her."

Dane Skelton

"For any writer needing solid input and direction with their writing, Sandra Byrd's critique service is a valuable resource. Sandra corrected and polished my work with great detail, removing the unnecessary and improving the overall readability of the piece. What I found most helpful, however, was her ability to see what was still missing. Her encouraging words and insightful questions pushed me to revise my writing and offer readers material that was relatable and transforming."

Liana George

"Sandra's critiques help me to see the blind spots in my writing. Her feedback prompts me to make the changes I need to strengthen and sharpen my work."

January Kim

"Sandra Byrd offers critiques which are gentle yet offer direction and insight. The pieces I've sent to her have come back with helpful ideas and corrections that needed to be made. Once I had employed the advice given, my articles and stories were much more crisp and alive, with stronger endings. It's amazing what excellent critique can do for a manuscript, and that's what Sandra delivers."

Susan Karas

"With Sandra's help I have taken rough pieces and learned how to polish them to a shine that caught the attention and approval of publishers. It has been through her guidance that I have begun to receive acceptance letters for pieces she has critiqued. Her critiques have always left me feeling inspired and excited about writing and pursuing publication. Sandra's help has been priceless in my journey to publication."

Angel Ford

"Last February I attended my first writer's conference. Night and day I worked on preparing and fine-tuning my book proposal to prayerfully submit. Thankfully, I didn't have to work alone. I had a guide, coach, and reviewer. Sandra Byrd's knowledgeable words of advice proved timely and true. I carried her wisdom with me to the conference, securing my stride and directing my actions. She works with me to improve my writings and my confidence in my writing for the One in whom I write. God uses Sandra with her fresh approach and constructive but direct instruction. I could spend weeks on writings that go nowhere. Who has the time? I want to learn how to write smart and not toil."

Ann Elizabeth Roberson

"Sandra's spiritual intuition and guidance was invaluable in my writing development. Her suggestions formed the basis for many article ideas. But most important she was a wonderful encourager when the rejection emails piled in my inbox, or when I felt incompetent in my writing abilities. She is a wonderful motivator and spurred me on when I wanted to give up."

Bea Fishback

"As a technical writer crossing over into fiction, I sometimes neglect the passion and skimp on the dialogue. The critique of my short story helped me with both so I could bring the story alive. Thank you, Sandra, for the gentle-yet-firm guidance needed to take it to the next level."

Paula Watson

"Even though I only recently started working with Sandra, I already feel closer to achieving my dreams. I've taken several writing classes, and they helped my writing progress. Still, they left me wanting more. I needed someone to help me grow into my potential. Sandra's personal, hands on approach is absolutely meeting that need. Her edits are tough, but I know they're designed to bring out the best in my story. My confidence has already grown, and I'm writing more consistently than ever before. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work with her."

Dolly Murphy

"Reconstructing the manuscript in "first dog POV" was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I've learned to trust Sandra's judgment, and again, her instincts proved spot on. Now May and I are thrilled to work with her again, on the sequel! Sandra prepares a detailed overview with ideas to improve the manuscript on a macro level, then teaches us how to polish fine points to make it sparkle. She is truly interested our careers. Employing Sandra's expertise as a well-respected instructor, editor, author, and all around encourager is a must, especially for those of us who independently publish."

KC Frantzen

"Sandra is one of the most encouraging people I know. She has a knack for explaining her feedback in a way that makes perfect sense, and pushing me to think outside the box so I can be a better writer. Not only does she always make me feel like she cares about my writing, but she cares about me as a person."

Jen Cudmore