"You're a taskmaster and you pull no punches.... I hear your voice in every sentence that I write. And thanks to your help I got a two book contract with St. Martin's Press.” Don Bruns, author of Jamaica Blue, Barbados Heat, South Beach Shakedown and, coming soon in 2007, Stuff to Die For.

"When I gave Shelley Singer the first 200 pages of my initial 700-page manuscript…it was a mess. Not only did she do an incredible job, but she helped me begin to learn the craft of writing. Her comments and suggestions were specific yet constructive. She helped me say more clearly what it was I was struggling to convey. She brought insight and perspective into scenes where I was too close. And I never felt discouraged reading through her edits. Thanks Shelley!" Marie Etienne, author of Storkbites, Creative Arts Books, 2003.

“Since I last spoke to you I’ve sold another story. I’m batting a thousand so far, two acceptances and no rejections.” Peter Mangiaracina

“I took my first mystery writing course from Shelley seven years ago and have participated in one of her monthly critique groups. She’s a great teacher—full of invaluable advice and constructive criticism—and just as importantly, encouragement. She has a way of energizing her students, making them believe in themselves and their writing—and her impressive list of beginners who have gone on to become published proves that she knows what she says!” Lori Fairweather, author of Blood and Water, William Morrow.

“Shelley Singer’s Mystery Writing Course changed my life. Shelley packed each class with solid and specific information that helped guide me in my writing, and she gave me encouragement after reading my work. I was inspired by her workshop to finish the manuscript—no small task—and finally send it out to agents. The first two books were sold to Bantam Books, and I eventually sold three more in the series. My first book won a Macavity Award for Best First Mystery, I’ve had foreign sales, book club sales, conference invitations, speaking engagements—and I owe it all to Shelley Singer!” Penny Warner, Author of Dead Body Language, Sign of Foul Play, Right to Remain Silent, Quiet Undertaking, and Blind Spot.

“Shelley Singer is simply the best. I’m reasonably certain that without her help, my first novel would be buried in my backyard somewhere, rather than going into its third printing. She encouraged me from chapter one to the end, gave me detailed and insightful feedback, and helped me take an amateur draft of a first novel and turn it into a polished manuscript. Nobody can guarantee you success, but if you’re already in the ballpark, Shelley Singer is the coach who can help you hit a homerun.” Rick Riordan, triple-award-winning author of Big Red Tequila, The Widower’s Two-Step, and The Last King of Texas.

“Without Shelley’s discerning eye and deft touch, I doubt very much that my first novel, One Hand Clapping, would have been published. Her ghostly internet-transmitted voice continues to wend its way through my brain whatever I’m writing, exhorting me toward further clarity and grammatical precision. I consider her a valuable part of my writing development and look forward to working with her again.” --Lise Leroux, author of One Hand Clapping, Viking Penguin, nominated for the Orange Prize for fiction.

Feedback from recent classes and consultation

Shelley encouraged me when I needed it, scolded me when I deserved it, poked and prodded me when I got sloppy, and guided through tough times.
Most importantly though, I know that due to Shelley Singer, I am a better writer.  -Brian Gallagher

...an excellent teacher, very supportive, and she has a great way of pointing you in the right direction.

Shelley is fantastic. Responsive, insightful, keeps you focused. Couldn't have done anything better.

In two workshops since April, I've written 11 chapters of a developing novel. It's a first draft, but I doubt I could have accomplished this much on my own.

Your lessons, along with your careful criticism, have given me a gentle push down a path I've always wanted to take, but couldn't find the courage to do so alone.

...thank you for listening, for sharing, and for keeping at it. It is trite, but true: you're inspiring...

Your comments have been really helpful, the criticism was constructive and encouraging at the same time. Thanks again for a great class!

I am in your debt yet again for your sharp reading and helpful comments. I thank you for literary midwifery. There are not many who can do this well, but do you do it superbly.

If I ever make it to publication, it will only be because you helped get me there.

Thank you for all your advice and encouragement. I am reminded of the words of Mark Twain, "Great people are those who make others feel that they, too, can
become great." In this respect, you were great!

I have never had a writing teacher like you, you don't miss a thing. Wish I had heard of you sooner.