Client Testimonials

2010-2012

Our author’s submission service assists writers of poems, short stories, essays, and book manuscripts in getting their work published. We work very hard to promote our clients’ work. Letters from clients follow below. (Originals with signatures available upon request.)

Pre-1997 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004
2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010-2012 | Books | à la carte

May 15, 2012

I am very happy with my association with your organization, and will continue to recommend it to friends. When I started, I was not considered a “published writer,” despite 26 years as a journalist. Thanks to the breadth, volume, and discipline of Writer’s Relief, I have seen eight of my essays published. I call this success. I would never have had the perseverance to accomplish this on my own.

Karl T.

May 11, 2012

Dear Writer’s Relief,

Considering how many other writers you must be working with, it is hugely empowering to hear your feedback. I never expected to receive the quantity and quality of personal encouragement that I’ve been getting from you all. I never expected somebody who reads work from a half-dozen different writers each day to shoot me a personal email just to tell me they enjoyed my latest piece. That tells me something.

I really feel like I’m starting to find my voice as a writer, I’ve got my first piece coming out in a couple of days and a couple of others that I’m getting nibbles on, and I’m also starting to build personal contacts with editors. It feels like a lot is happening at once, though I’m not letting it build false hope. I’m looking to breed success from success.

Thank you all for the support, both that which I am paying for and the sincere personal support which I have no reason to expect from you professionally. I love it. I feel like I already have a fan club.

A. Benson

April 18, 2012

I left a business career and, among other things, decided to attend divinity school, and later to write a book. In an effort to gain some credibility for future publishers, Writer’s Relief came highly recommended to me as a firm that could assist me in publishing some of my essays prior to promoting myself to prospective publishers.

That strategy has worked well as Writer’s Relief did, in fact, enable me to publish seven of my essays over a two-year period. Their systematic submission process and their research of potential periodicals and online markets made the process quite simple for me, at a reasonable cost, and produced very good results.

Fred S. (as posted on LinkedIn)

April 15, 2012

As a professional musician who took to writing poetry later in life, I had no idea how to go about submitting my work for publication. Late one day I called Writer’s Relief for information and by chance Ronnie Smith answered the phone. Her clear dedication and enthusiasm convinced me that Writer’s Relief was worth trying. Having been a client now since 2005, I’ve long since known that my first impression was right: Ronnie and the staff at Writer’s Relief are smart, trustworthy, personable, and, above all, effective.

Mark Belair

March 24, 2012

Dear Ronnie Smith,

I have been a client of Writer’s Relief for many years. I appreciate that this service takes the toil out of finding proper places to submit my work. I’d much rather be writing. Working with WR also gives me a schedule for polishing stories and getting them out into the world. Their editing assures that my work meets current standards regarding punctuation, which is always tricky for me (to comma or not to comma?). And, happily, I have had many stories published during my time with WR.

Kathleen G. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 23, 2012

Ronnie Smith, as President of Writer’s Relief, helped open the doors of publication for me. I boldly sent her three stories, my first stories ever written, and through her service and recommendations, all three stories were accepted for publication in literary magazines. Later, through her service, a story published in The MacGuffin literary magazine brought me to the attention of the literary agent Nat Sobel. Without Writer’s Relief and Ronnie’s attention to detail, I would never have had such early success.

I recommend Ronnie and her staff at Writer’s Relief to writers, old and new, and to those retirees who take my adult education classes at Brevard College in North Carolina.

Nancy P. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 12, 2012

Writer’s Relief has been my writing coach, agent, and conscience. Without deadlines and expert advice, I would not have attained the success I have achieved in a short period of time. For anyone who seriously wants to get published, Writer’s Relief is the only way to go without suffering defeat, frustration, and confusion. Thank you, Writer’s Relief.

Loren Stephens

March 2, 2012

Dear Writer’s Relief,

Without your advice and guidance, I would not be able to have all these acceptances and, therefore, have such a stimulus to write more!

Andrey G.

February 29, 2012

Dear Writer’s Relief,

I just received my second short story acceptance today. You should know that this whole concept of writing a short story began when it was suggested to me in a conference session that I take my novel, Reunion, and search it for possible leads for submitting a short story for publication. Frankly, that idea would never have occurred to me. Both “The Cowboy” and “The Closer” came directly from that novel, and in slightly less than a year, both stories have been accepted for publication. I love you guys!

Best,
Dan H.

January 30, 2012

I write. I devote my creative energy to producing publishable work. Writer’s Relief, in partnership with me, deals with the business of publishing my poetry and essays in appropriate journals. This is an active partnership, requiring equal energy on both sides. It works for me because I see it as a partnership—I produce high-quality work, I know the caliber of the journals and publications I want to publish in, and we work together to make that happen. I’m in continuing dialogue with my specific contacts, who respond to my needs and inclinations and gauge the appropriateness of my work for specific publications. The result has been an ever-increasing number of publication credits in noteworthy journals—and with every acceptance comes a fresh surge of creative energy.

Paula B.

December 19, 2011

Dear Ronnie and the Writer’s Relief magicians, strategists, proofreaders, angels, troubleshooters, and miracle makers~~

Happy holidays and sincere thanks for your support, dedication, and expertise. Without you, my work would still be in bundles and drawers…dusty and homeless. Now it is combed, polished, and ready to go. I have you to thank for the many publications in which my work is appearing, from Honolulu to Seattle to Memphis…and for my professional cover letter.…and for helping me decipher contracts…oh, and for the deadlines…how we (some of us) need deadlines!!

I hope this year brings all of you joy, health, and much fulfillment.

Please know how deeply you are appreciated.

All best,
L.S.

December 15, 2011

Dear Writer’s Relief Staff,

Happy holidays to you! You have helped me so much over the past few years—eight stories published! I could not have done it without you. You provide an excellent service to writers, and you should feel proud of that.

Hoping for a prosperous new year for all of us,

Margaret H.

November 1, 2011

The 255 poems I’ve seen accepted in the ten years since discovering Writer’s Relief also spawned over 2,000 rejections. Why haven’t I jumped off a bridge? I know it sounds like a cliché to say you shouldn’t let rejections bug you, but it’s true that they mean absolutely nothing beyond that particular editor’s orientation the split-second he or she scans your work. The day I received my first acceptance in July 2001, my first reaction was that this editor must’ve been drunk. It wasn’t until my third acceptance later that year (after another 20 or so rejections) that I turned to my kid and said, “It’s not a fluke.” Meanwhile, of the poems I’d been circulating up to that point, in the ensuing years 70% of them were accepted. Did the culture change so that I, being clairvoyantly ahead of my time when I first submitted, eventually backslid into editorial fashion? No way. It was just a matter of finding the right editor at the right time.

That’s where Writer’s Relief comes in, knowing who’s reading where, when, and what. After 30 years of sporadic submissions and total rejection, I stumbled upon Writer’s Relief in Poets & Writers magazine and wrote them the very same day. If Writer’s Relief screens your work and pronounces it publishable, it IS publishable. It’s just a matter of time and circumstance at that point before you receive your first acceptance.

Fred Y.

October 28, 2011

Yes, it is five for five, but it has only a little to do with me—it has overwhelmingly to do with you and with Writer’s Relief. At the risk of sounding like a commercial—it really works! I am not only grateful for the professional and efficient service but for your precious kindness and encouragement.

Alfredo F, Short Story Author

October 21, 2011

According to Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, it takes three things to become a successful writer: talent, luck, and audacity.

I’ve been writing and publishing poetry and prose for the past 25 years. All throughout that time, I have labored hard to improve upon and hone my talents. As for luck, it comes and goes, comes and goes. I don’t have any control over luck. And, as for audacity (and tenacity), in addition to networking, self-promoting, and all that jazz, I know it is critical for me to be submitting work all year long—“3”-“6”-“5.” Publishing is a low odds game. I know you have to accept this if you’re going to play to win. Good gracious, it took me 10 years and over 400 rejections to find a publisher for my novel, Drums.

Though I love doing all of the other parts, I confess: It is the submission part of being a writer that wears me down and presents itself as something I dread. That is why, in addition to using a literary agent, I now also use Writer’s Relief for my individual poems, essays, and stories. Their service is wonderful.

For example, this summer while I was on sabbatical from my teaching job, I went into the proverbial woodshed to focus exclusively on the writing of a book manuscript. I was extremely busy. Yet all the while, thanks to Writer’s Relief, my poems were circulating around to journals and magazines and getting picked up—one here, two there, and so on. Meanwhile, I wrote. Not having to worry about submissions was a magnificent relief.

Brad H.

October 21, 2011

I would be happy to recommend Writer’s Relief to anyone who would like to increase (or begin) his or her list of publications. They taught me some valuable lessons, and I am a seasoned writer. I liked the format assistance, and they talked me down from the ledge more than once when I was trying to learn how to submit online, which more and more is getting to be the submission preference of many literary journals. Also, I liked the help with selecting the right markets for my work, places I wasn’t really familiar with and didn’t know would be interested in what I write. Out of fifty submissions I got four poems published in two journals and got some interest from some other journals wanting to see more of my work. Most journals take very little of what’s submitted, so I was really pleased with what Writer’s Relief could do for me. I am a very motivated writer, but submitting enough is sometimes a problem. Writer’s Relief gives you a little push to get going and, as we know, life can be pretty demanding. So if you are wondering what’s a writer to do? Seriously consider (but don’t ponder it too long) giving Writer’s Relief a try.

Blair D.

October 17, 2011

If it weren’t for Writer’s Relief I would still be an unpublished writer with no idea of what to do with my work. Through them I’ve not only gotten several journals to publish my short stories, but I’ve also managed to land one of the top literary agents in the country to represent me for one of my mystery novels. I would never have had the time or the ability to make any of that happen on my own. I will always be grateful to Ronnie, Kieron, Kristin, and all the people at Writer’s Relief who work so diligently on my behalf.

Lenny L.

October 3, 2011

Writer’s Relief has been sensational all the way through the process of finding an agent for my first novel. From compiling a list of potential agents, to smoothing out the synopsis and query letter, to providing valuable input on the agent deal, Writer’s Relief has been professional, prompt, and above all, effective. I found a terrific agent in less than six months after I signed up with Writer’s Relief. The results speak for themselves.

Nina H.

September 6, 2011

I, too, have had my work published in a variety of venues, mostly due to my connection with Writer’s Relief. They have made it possible for me to have time to write instead of constantly searching for places to submit. Thanks to all of you there!

Carol B.

August 15, 2011

When I began to write in earnest, Writer’s Relief became my editor, cheering squad, and agent all rolled into one. To my amazement and delight, I received five acceptances in the first year.

My manuscripts are corrected and ready to go, and my work is submitted to appropriate publications.

Writer’s Relief and I have been working colleagues for almost twenty years, during which time I have had many acceptances, published many pieces that are included in my two published books.

The people I have been lucky enough to work with have all been a delight. Although we have never met, each and every one of them has become a friend who rejoices in any success I have. Hooray for Writer’s Relief.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Kaplan Cohen

June 30, 2011

Dear all of you at Writer’s Relief,

How grateful I am to you for shepherding my stories into print—and (I hope) to readers’ eyes! Without you, they might have sat, unread, in manila folders. It was a lucky day when I spotted your ad in Poets and Writers.

Most of all, I want to thank you for your support, your patience with my inability to grasp computer fundamentals, and the civil, caring personality of your organization. I send you all my thanks and good wishes for continued success—and a good summer.

Sincerely,

Susan B.

June 20, 2011

Hi Ronnie,

I’ve been thinking lately how good you guys are and decided to let you know.

I’ve gotten to be a better writer and you guys have become the most professional, helpful, pleasant, supportive, knowledgeable group. You’re amazing. I love dealing with Jessica, she’s so on my side. And the best is the fact you’ve offered the service of online submissions. What a boon.

I congratulate you for how you’ve moved ahead, knowing the market, offering more and more services.

Thanks,

Shirley Sullivan

May 23, 2011

I learned four things along the way to having over twenty of my poems accepted in the last three years thanks to Writer’s Relief. I think there are four principles upon which writers can continue to build success:

• Work hard
• Follow your intuition
• Don’t be afraid to fail
• Don’t be afraid to succeed

I have written poetry for over three decades, but until just a few years ago I had not published since my college days.

Why? I didn’t send anything out!

That’s a blinding glimpse of the obvious, but I was surprised at how the whole submission process could be handled so effectively and painlessly when I started working with Writer’s Relief. As Dennis Hopper says, “You need a plan, man.”

Writer’s Relief had a plan that changed everything for me. I worked harder because I had a goal every submission cycle and great people who held me accountable. I worked faster, following my intuition, making more leaps of faith in my poems. I was afraid of rejection at first, but with the volume of publications that WR was targeting for me (about 25 per cycle), I got used to it, and soon I learned to let “Thanks for your work, but…” roll off like water off a duck’s back. Quack!

And I became a believer in my own success. That’s a big one. I started to see my work in print with other great writers. I became more confident and everything else flowed from that confidence. So my advice is to get out there and give it a try. And the best place to start, in my opinion, is Writer’s Relief.

Robert Guard

May 16, 2011

My first published piece appeared in a small ’zine called Diabolical Clits back in the early 1990s. (Don’t worry, Writer’s Relief had nothing to do with that!) When I began to build a body of work and wanted to try publishing on a more mainstream level, there were very few resources that sorted out journals and markets, and I found myself spending more time researching publication opportunities than actually writing.

Also, I’m the kind of writer who needs a deadline to keep me motivated. Without a deadline, I will do anything and everything but write. Writer’s Relief’s bimonthly submission cycle keeps me thinking about starting and completing new work. Plus, while I was working on my novel for years and feeling discouraged, having a shorter piece published here and there would get me back on the stick.

Writer’s Relief has helped me publish over 50 poems, short stories, and flash fiction in as many or more journals. They’ve always been there to encourage me, proofread my work, strategize over acceptances, and suggest alternate ways of presenting a piece that wasn’t getting accepted. And when my computer crashed last year and all my data was destroyed, Writer’s Relief had all my work archived in their files. Talk about a lifesaver!

Tracy DeBrincat

May 2, 2011

With Writer’s Relief, the process of sending work out is more clinical and compartmentalized. The WR staff has a professional perspective and experience light years past any scope I would ever be able to attain. Their expertise and encouragement allow me to stay in my world of writing from within without getting snagged and tangled in the worries of the outside “business.”

Acceptances and rejections get to be part of the process and not something to be taken personally. The work is personal and the outcome is out of my hands and easier to let go, knowing that it will be in the hands of Writer’s Relief.

Cathy Allman

April 28, 2011

Dear Ronnie,

After a year and a half of bimonthly submissions and scores of rejection letters, I finally received an acceptance for one of my essays two months ago. Since then, two more works have been accepted. In addition, two short pieces of mine have appeared in an anthology that I learned about from your listings. Without Writer’s Relief, I would still be writing, but my work would be lodged in my computer read only by my family and my writing group. Thank you for giving me a systematic way to submit to the vast array of journals I had never heard of. Most of all, thank you for enabling me to feel the success of publication!

Sincerely,

B.J. Yudelson

 

April 28, 2011

I’ve had several publications, thanks to Writer’s Relief. I have no time for researching magazines either, and their editing is fine, thorough, and prompt. Yes, we do pay for the service, but it’s worth it, because we can then present a professional piece of work to an editor, free of typos or spelling mistakes, faulty punctuation, etc. We are all free to try publishing without help. It’s a very slow process, frustrating more than rewarding. Our good writing friends can help with suggestions, but the perfect manuscript is not produced by friends, however good they may be. It’s not their job to make our work perfect…

If in doubt, give it a try to see how it works. I, for one, do not regret having joined Writer’s Relief.

Antoinette C.

April 27, 2011

I can vouch for your wonderful, professional services including WR’s willingness to speak on the phone and communicate via email whenever I’ve had questions or concerns. It’s amazing having a group of folks who encourage throughout such an arduous journey and having your support and the support of your company has truly made all the difference.

Lorie W.

April 26, 2011

Dear Ronnie,

I write to thank you and all at Writer’s Relief for the great work you have done for me! Three acceptances in three submissions! I can hardly believe it! All from journals I was previously unacquainted with and would never have found without you.

As you know, I was highly skeptical during the first round of submissions. I write about spirituality, and I thought that literary journals would never be interested. I am happy to say that I was entirely wrong!

I also wish to thank you for the lovely way you have all been nurturing and educating me about the publishing process. I’ve learned so much and all in the most interesting way.

Best wishes to all of you at WR!

Elizabeth W.

April 19, 2011

I am writing to express my great satisfaction and pleasure with my collaboration with Writer’s Relief. The excellent and insightful work of my strategist Jessica has resulted in a signed contract with a prominent literary agent. I could not be happier.

WR provided a straightforward, effective submission process as well as individualized interaction. Throughout – from initial questions, to crafting the query package, to advice on choosing an agent – I felt like I was part of a team organized to address my needs and geared toward my success. WR’s model strikes an effective balance between proven approaches on which an author can rely and the flexibility to work with the unique strengths of each property.

I would recommend WR to any author, aspiring or experienced, who is looking for top notch submission management.

Mary V.

March 28, 2011

Writer’s Relief is aptly named.  It has been a true relief to know that my finished work is being widely circulated — I could never put in the time to research and write to all the journals that have now seen my work. I have published two essays in the year that I have been working with Writer’s Relief and had many positive communications from editors of other journals inviting me to submit again.

Aside from getting published, one of the best things about being a client of Writer’s Relief is the armor I have developed.  When my work is submitted to a minimum of 25 journals every two months there are bound to be rejections–lots of them.   In the days before I used Writer’s Relief each submission was very precious and the rejections hurt.  But I’ve become inured to those little anonymous scraps of paper because I now receive so many. Often I don’t even know what is being rejected unless I check out the records that the service keeps for me.

The staff is both professional and friendly, and I highly recommend Writer’s Relief to writers who would like to see their work in print in respected journals.

MB

March 24, 2011

I just want to say how much I love Writer’s Relief. I have used them a lot…had stories published because of them…and recommended them to many friends. Thank you for all you do for writers.

Donna B.

March 21, 2011

Writer’s Relief has been a tremendous support for me over the last ten years. I have had 18 acceptances in that time and Writer’s Relief has helped to make that possible. They understand the writing market and have targeted my work to the right journals. The staff at Writers Relief is warm and trustworthy. I highly recommend Writer’s Relief.

Corie A. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 20, 2011

During the two years I’ve been with [Writer's Relief], they have, so far, found an agent for my novel From Every Bitter Thing and have found literary journals to publish all the stories I’ve written during this time—a success rate I hadn’t come close to matching when I was handling my own submissions.

Most importantly, they give me time to write. Writer’s Relief is a good name for these people—knowing they’re in my corner is an immense relief. They know what they’re doing. They’re professional. I recommend them highly.

Robert Rice

March 17, 2011

March 18, 2011

I strongly recommend Writer’s Relief to anyone looking for a more effective (and easier!) way to submit literary material. I joined WR about three years ago, and I believe my high acceptance rate (just about all of my short stories have been accepted for publication, most with multiple acceptances) can be attributed to WR’s targeting strategies. My very first submission was accepted for the Winter ’09 issue of Fiction International; the issue’s theme was “The Artist in Wartime,” and I am 100% sure that this never would have happened without benefit of WR’s comprehensive knowledge base, as continuously updated and diligently applied by my always-helpful submission strategists.

Ron D.

March 15, 2011

Dear Ronnie,

I will admit that when I first tried your service, I was skeptical. I imagine everyone says this. It actually sounded a bit too good to be true. After I got my MFA, I did send work out but didn’t get great responses. I’ve been a writer for a long, long time but finally had to come to terms with the fact that there are a lot of things I don’t do well. First, I’m not a good line editor of my own work. Second, when it came to sending work out, I always felt a bit lost. I had no clue what a good cover letter should say, and I never seemed to have enough time to look up publications, match them to my work and then get them actually into the mail.

The friend who referred me to your service took several submissions before she found a home for her work. I was absolutely astounded that I got an acceptance with the first round of submissions that you all chose for me. When I got the acceptances for my second and third submissions, I realized that this was a perfect arrangement for me. And the deadlines actually help me get work finished. The associates I’ve worked with have all been great to work with and understanding of what it feels like to put your work out there, to actually be in my situation.

And now, I have publications to put on my resume. I’m moving ahead on my novel, and I now have a presence. You Google me and now my work comes up, one of the key things my prospective agent told me he’d look for.

So, thank you, Ronnie. And many thanks to Tawana and Kriste and all the other folks I’ve worked with. You’ve made a huge difference for me and for my work.

Sincerely,

Barbara G.

March 15, 2011

Several years ago, a writer friend of mine urged me to contact Writer’s Relief. I drug my feet for a while. But once I made the decision to try working with them, I understood his enthusiasm. It has been a pleasure to work with professionals and a good learning experience too. And such a joy to have my work accepted by various journals, both online journals and traditional journals. Tawana and Kriste, my submission strategists, have been most patient and wise, and I’m looking forward to continuing my association with Writer’s Relief.

Carol B.

March 14, 2011

Hi Ronnie,

I’m so pleased with the level of professionalism at Writer’s Relief. The staff is organized, consistent, and thorough. Tawana is just the sweetest and sharpest submission strategist. I am lucky to have her. Writer’s Relief is one of the best parts of being a writer because they help you get published!

Sincerely,

Tamara A.

February 28, 2011

I found Writer’s Relief to be invaluable. In fact, it’s one of the greatest tools I’ve discovered in my decades of writing. I may be an unrelenting writer, but I’ve always been a tepid marketer. Writer’s Relief has forced me to become as disciplined at marketing as I am at writing. Twenty-five publications later, my short story career is flourishing. And I’m excited to send out my recently completed novel, The Protection of Salt, with Writer’s Relief’s clear eye for placement and unfailing advocacy.

My friends at Writer’s Relief are not simply my proofreaders (although we’ve had lovely discussions about comma use). From time to time, I’ll timidly ask: “What did you think?” When the response is “Wow,” or even, “We don’t like the title,” I know I’ve found more than a marketing service. Writer’s Relief takes real pride in my success.

Phyllis Carol Agins

February 7, 2011

For me, Writer’s Relief is a crucial part of the writing process—the creative process. Trying to publish requires making myself terribly vulnerable, but it also touches on my deepest intentionality because the moment I contact Writer’s Relief with a new piece of work—that’s the moment the individual solitary act of writing based on my own inner necessity becomes a shared communal object of offering based on a desire to connect with others.

Wally Levis

January 24, 2011

Without Writer’s Relief, none of this would be possible. I lack the skills of proofreading, spelling, grammar, and word processing. I don’t type well. Writer’s Relief understands the markets and how to assess them in an efficient and comprehensive manner. The drudgery is removed. I have been with Writer’s Relief for four years and plan to be a lifer.

They are as advertised and more.

Olaf Kroneman

Get to know Featured Client (and Pushcart Prize nominee) Olaf Kroneman.

January 17, 2011

Your service, during my two separate stints as client, has been invaluable.

All best wishes,

Charles W.

January 13, 2011

What if you submitted your novel via Writer’s Relief (as I did) and got two offers of representation from respected NY literary agencies?

What if you signed a contract with one of them? What if you developed a terrific relationship and worked with your agent on polishing for submission to publishers? You would be smiling. (I am.)

Joanne W.

January 4, 2011

Thank you for the recurring deadline—which is, for me, the most important service—deadlines DO keep us sending stuff out.

Thanks to all of you again,

Terry

November 22, 2010

Hello Ronnie:

I wanted you to know that I always feel well cared for when I am working with Writers Relief…and believe me when I tell you that you provide much relief to your clients!

The proofreaders for my book manuscripts have been excellent. They are efficient, hardworking, professional, and not afraid to offer advice when needed. As an example, your proofreader for my last book told me that I was using too many –he said/she saids in my dialogue so we went through the entire book and eliminated a significant number of them.

Thank you again,

Dan H.

November 4, 2010

Thanks to Writer’s Relief for the guidance, journal targeting, and labels you provided. And how nice to have an acceptance in the first batch of poems mailed out! I especially appreciated the quick personal responses when I had questions. Keep up the good work… We writers need all the help we can get!

Nancy N.

October 7, 2010

Ronnie,

Yesterday I was telling my husband how glad I am to be with you guys—because of you, I’m being published. And I decided to let you know how much I appreciate your professionalism and friendliness. My submission strategist is a sweetheart.

Shirley S.

September 27, 2010

Hi Ronnie,

For years, I spent my time writing instead of sending out work. Writer’s Relief made it possible for me to do both. Thanks to you and your staff, my first piece has been accepted for publication.

Best,

Liara M.

September 25, 2010

Ronnie,

Writer’s Relief has gotten one of my stories published, and I am in contention to have a couple of other stories published as well. The publishers have all been either unknown to me, and in one case, the “maybe” was from a magazine it wouldn’t have dawned on me to query. Even though I have received numerous rejections, many have encouraged me to send other works to them.

Thanks for your help,

Bert H.

September 22, 2010

Ronnie,

I’ve had five acceptances through you and couldn’t be happier!

Margaret H.

September 22, 2010

Ronnie,

Writer’s Relief has been invaluable in my submission process. I believe their assistance in targeting the “right” journals has hastened the publication of several of my poems. The staff is always professional, responsive, and a pleasure to deal with. Thank you, Writer’s Relief, for your part in helping to make pursuing my passion a much easier highway to navigate.

Karol W.

September 21, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

Writer’s Relief has far exceeded my expectations (and hopes!). After just a few months of your assistance, two of my short stories were accepted for publication. One of those stories was even requested by two different magazines! I know I would never have found the time to research and approach appropriate and well-regarded literary outlets. Writer’s Relief made that possible for me. The staff members are superb—knowledgeable, eager to help, and professional. It has been a pleasure working with all of you, and I plan to continue!

Best,

Julie D.

September 17, 2010

Dear Ronnie and everyone at Writer’s Relief,

Thank you for your help. You have professionally formatted my work in such a manner that my first piece has been accepted for publication. This has profoundly changed the way my wife now looks at me. I would recommend your services to every writer who had not yet memorized the Chicago Manual of Style. Who has?

Ralph G.

September 17, 2010

Ronnie:

Thank you, Writer’s Relief. In my second round of submissions, I had acceptance for one of my short stories to appear in the Spring 2011 issue of RiverSedge, a University of Texas literary journal. Exposure through Writer’s Relief is introducing my work to new publications and new opportunities. Even though some magazines or journals may not have accepted a submission, they have put me on their mailing lists for contests announcements and chances to submit other pieces of work.

The team at Writer’s Relief has been professional, courteous, and fun to work with. They are flexible with my personal schedule and do quick turnarounds for my draft reviews and submissions lists.

Rochelle W.

August 18, 2010

Ronnie,

Thanks! I was stunned: the story that was picked up by Quiddity was only out for two months.
Pretty amazing. Kudos to Writer’s Relief for helping to make that possible.

Sincerely,

Lucian C.

August 10, 2010

Hi Ronnie,

I’ve been very happy with the services Writer’s Relief has provided. They’ve taken the time-consuming business of preparing and sending submissions off my shoulders and given me more time to do what I enjoy—write. My novel From Every Bitter Thing was submitted to about 25 agents and received offers of representation from three. The agent I chose to go with was an agent I would never have thought to send the manuscript to, if I had been doing my own submissions. I’ve also had a short story accepted by a literary journal, thanks to Writer’s Relief. Again, it was a reputable print journal, but not one that I had been aware of. I recommend Writer’s Relief to all serious writers.

Bob R.

July 29, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

Who else would keep track of my writing and me for the last decade plus? Without Writer’s Relief I’d still be licking envelopes, tilting at editors, and certainly publishing less in the literary marketplace. With the credits, momentum, and confidence you’ve nurtured in me, I’ve collected and published my first book of short stories. The second is on the way. Thanks, and let’s keep it going!

Gary M.

July 9, 2010

Hi Ronnie,

Writer’s Relief has made a tremendous contribution to my publication credits, for which I will always be grateful. I am so very pleased with the wonderful service you have provided me and have many fond memories of the cheerful and resourceful support I received from so many there at Writer’s Relief.

Best of luck to you and all the staff.

Ron T.

June 25, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

When I began, I was unfamiliar with the publishing world. I had no idea how to go about finding an agent. Thanks to your company, the employee’s professionalism, know-how and personal support I have found an agent for my book, Charlemagne, the Stolen History, an excellent agent at that. The contract is signed!

It has been a pleasure. I will let you know when I have signed a contract with a publisher.

Elisabeth dM.

June 22, 2010

I am convinced that Writer’s Relief is worth every penny. Thank you for working so hard to help me get my work out there.

Trenee S.

April 30, 2010

Dear Kriste,

A special thanks to you and the other fabulous folks at Writer’s Relief who proofread my chapbook, Sex Education. You found several things that I and other readers and editors had not seen. I’ve entered all the edits on my copy of the chapbook. Please share this note of thanks with those who worked on the book. I love your proofing service.

Best,

David S.

April 22, 2010

Thanks so much for your help with my last two submissions. I had only published a little before I got my MFA, and two years have passed since then, with nothing to show for it. I knew I wasn’t submitting my stories enough, but I wasn’t sure what to do about it. What free time I had was spent writing. Then I heard from a friend about Writer’s Relief and put it on my Christmas list. Thanks to Santa, I was able to use the A La Carte Plus service with one story and A La Carte with the other. Within two months, both stories had been accepted! I appreciated the personalized attention, as well as the time saved. I’m grateful, too, for the perspective you brought to bear on the questions I had upon acceptance. The collective experience of your client base is, by definition, much greater than my own. Gaining access to that in the form of your good advice is a real help. Thanks again!

Thanks,

Karyn W.

April 16, 2010

Hi Ronnie,

I signed on as a full service client a few weeks ago in connection with my memoir, Pinstripes & Needles. I feel compelled to write and tell you about the extraordinary service your staff has provided. I have dealt with Meg, Wendy, Simone, Maria, Tawana, and Oby, and all have been models of professionalism and courtesy. Oby, in particular, has gone far beyond the call of duty in helping me craft a query letter, in formulating the best way to respond to an agent’s request for a complete manuscript when the query letter made it clear that the work is not complete yet, and in everything else she has done for me.

You are lucky to have such dedicated people working for you! If I ultimately obtain representation for my book, it will be in no small measure due to your awesome staff.

Just thought you should know.

Peter D.

April 5, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

Today I mailed 26 envelopes to various literary journals and completed two online submissions, as instructed. I will admit that I complained about the high cost of Writer’s Relief services to my boyfriend. I even had the nerve to say that I could have done everything myself. The truth is I couldn’t have done any of this (except write my story) without your help. I am a believer…a believer with more stories for Writer’s Relief to submit.

I appreciate the time and effort that your staff puts into this process, and I look forward to working with everyone again in the next cycle.

Best,

Trenee S.

March 31, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

I just received an email earlier tonight nominating one of my poems to be included in Best New Poets 2010! I am stunned! I clearly recognize that none of this would be happening without all the support I get from Writer’s Relief. Thanks for everything that you do.

All the best,

Christy F.

March 29, 2010

Dear Ronnie and all the WR Staff,

The longer I am a client of Writer’s Relief, the more I come to appreciate their friendliness, their expertise, and their downright rooting for me. Their service is timely and personalized, not hand-holding, but specific, researched professional advice about my particular submissions. Their online records of my groups of submissions, of who received them, and of the responses to them—including the occasional comments—are invaluable. Because they ferret out the best targets for my work at the best time, and because they provide a dependable, inexorable deadline, I can and do write. Kudos and thanks, Writer’s Relief!

Pat M.

March 18, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

As a busy professional, Writer’s Relief has freed me from much of the administrative burden that is required to get my work out there for publication. As a result, I have more time to do what I actually love…write. And the strict schedule of submissions pushes me to continue writing and submitting month after month. I consider Writer’s Relief to be a great value, and I hope to continue with them for many years to come.

Patrick O. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 17, 2010

Ronnie and her associates promise results and achieve them; provide an amazing service using a process both efficient and motivational. I am a regular subscriber to her services.

Don P. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 16, 2010

I’ve used Writer’s Relief for over two years. Never had a problem with service or efficiency. Had two stories published using Writer’s Relief, plus the submission process was quite painless. I’d highly recommend Ronnie and the staff at Writer’s Relief for relief from much of the drudgery of the submission process.

Eric T. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 16, 2010

I didn’t know anything about how, or where, to send poems until I learned about Writer’s Relief. The help Ronnie and her staff give has proven invaluable and has let me get many poems accepted by literary journals.

Alita P. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 16, 2010

Ronnie Smith and her staff are unequaled—with kindness, ready advice, and gentle prodding, they’ve helped me achieve writing goals far beyond expectation. And along the way their newsletters and updates have proved invaluable. I can’t imagine where I’d be at with my writing without their assistance!

Dwight H. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 16, 2010

Ronnie Smith has impressed me as a tireless advocate of writers of all categories, from unpublished to very successful. As a client for over three years, I know she manages an efficient, knowledgeable, and effective organization, Writer’s Relief, that helps writers find markets for their work. Her staff is always responsive, courteous, and helpful. Over my period as a client, they have guided me from an unpublished writer to a published author—the best testimony I could give to Ms. Smith’s leadership.

George S. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 16, 2010

Ronnie and her outfit do an excellent job helping me seek (and secure) publication of my literary work. I couldn’t be more pleased with the consistent high-quality support her organization provides to help me fulfill my publishing objectives!

Jed M. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 15, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

I’ve always written creatively, but it wasn’t until a friend suggested Writer’s Relief that my poems started to be published. At that time, I barely had enough time for writing because of work and family obligations—never mind sending my work out! But it wasn’t just about scarce time; I also didn’t have the experience or knowledge of the markets. Thanks to Writer’s Relief I got a dozen poems into print, felt validated about my work, and learned which journals were appropriate markets for me.

They lived up to their promise.

Linda S. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 11, 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

Ronnie Smith and her superb team at Writer’s Relief have provided me with invaluable guidance for over 10 years. Their advice regarding presentation and their knowledge of the markets would have been almost impossible for me to acquire on my own. As a result I have found many outlets for my work.

Ormond F.

March 10, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

Love writing? Want to be published? Hate trying to figure out which outlets are right for your work? Writer’s Relief and their great staff will help with all the details. And their copy editors are professional and great to work with. Since signing on I’m averaging three published stories per year. My portfolio is growing. And I have lots of time to write.

Robert M. (as posted on LinkedIn)

March 9, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

Writer’s Relief provides an extremely valuable service to writers. Its organization and efficiency are remarkable. Even more remarkable, however, is the genuinely personal interest, helpfulness, and concern shown by the staff for the clients. This is truly top-quality, five-gold-star service.

Eileen H. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 17, 2010

Ronnie had the vision to provide an exemplary service to writers who struggle with the process of getting their work published. With her helpful staff she leads you through creating a great cover letter, finding markets for your work, proofing the work, and then following the history of the submissions. I like that the schedule keeps me motivated to have work ready every two months. I also feel very supported by her wonderful staff. Yesterday I logged another poem accepted in a great journal which I think is around my 50th acceptance since joining Writer’s Relief.

Marilyn R. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 10, 2010

I’m still in the process of writing my first book but already have an agent in mind thanks to a Writer’s Relief Newsflash. Thanks for all your help and advice.

Karen S.

February 10, 2010

Ronnie and her gang of proofers are fabulous! I can’t say enough good things about them. They are knowledgeable, hardworking, and personable.

Rosalia S. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

In a little more than a year, Ronnie and her staff at Writer’s Relief have helped propel me from an unpublished poet to having my work accepted by 20 publications. She has a deep understanding of literary publishing, including an up-to-the-minute knowledge of editorial changes, submission standards, and the evolving nature of that world. Her firm is ahead of the curve on the changing dynamic between print and electronic publishing. They constantly research new and emerging markets and are quick to put their clients’ work into reputable publications. The team Ronnie has assembled at Writer’s Relief are unfailingly professional and responsive. In addition to proofreading and preparing submissions, they target their clients’ work to specific markets, making sure the submissions get to the right editor at the appropriate publication on time. Writer’s Relief allows me to devote my time to writing, instead of the tedious and time-consuming task of tracking submissions. Whether you are a new or established writer, Writer’s Relief is a wonderful resource at a reasonable price.

Pam D. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Ronnie is a very experienced and excellent editor and her knowledge of the writing and publishing field is a benefit to any writer.

John P. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Writer’s Relief helped me place my poetry in top literary magazines—for example, my work was in the same magazine with a poet who regularly appears in The New Yorker and with a poet who was guest editor of Best American Poetry. The company was efficient, creative, responsive, and fun to work with. I would unreservedly and highly recommend Writer’s Relief for any writer who wants to further their career.

Bill G. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Ronnie’s service offers exactly what the name of her company (Writer’s Relief) claims: relief for writers. All of the distracting details of getting those manuscripts in the hands of potential publishers and agents are handled with meticulous care and in a timely manner, allowing the writer more time for writing! Manuscripts are scrupulously prepared for mailing, address lists printed on label sheets, query letters presented ready for a signature. Her service makes the submission process almost automatic and removes the drudgery in a most professional manner. The Writer’s Relief Web site also provides advice and interesting articles for writers. Ronnie’s service provides the personal secretary/assistant every writer craves.

Joanne W. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Ronnie Smith’s Writer’s Relief is just that—an incredible relief for writers who say about publishing: I’d rather be writing OR I just can’t figure out where to begin. Crisp professional packages with the kind of cover letter you wish you could write, with letter-perfect samples of your work go out methodically, each month. How much is it worth to be DOING something correct about seeing your writing in print? I recommend Writer’s Relief to poets, especially who want to experience a lot of success.

Destiny K. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

I have worked with Writer’s Relief in recent months and am deeply impressed by their rapid response, attention to detail, knowledge, and commitment. I’ve had three poems accepted since working with them. In no small measure, I believe, because of the very professional advice they were able to give me.

Freddy F. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Ronnie Smith from Writer’s Relief is very detail-oriented and has provided me with expert editing and proofreading for the writing market. She has always been professional and friendly in assisting in my writing endeavors. She and her team are invaluable in getting me published, and I hope to find national acclaim with her assistance.

Alphonso J. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Writer’s Relief has targeted literary agents and assisted greatly in polishing my query and synopsis. Ms. Smith’s organization is knowledgeable and dependable, and I will contact Writer’s Relief in the future whenever their particular expertise is needed. I recommend this organization highly to other writers.

Melinda S. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Ronnie is the best. She has been absolutely indispensable to me in my pursuit of writing success.

Stan B. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Ronnie knows the ropes of the publishing world and does a great job of directing her clients’ work to the right publisher. Her staff provides excellent proofreading and submission tracking.

Eli L. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

For the last decade, at least, Ronnie has been my route to publication in literary magazines and journals. She and her staff have given me an organization and expertise to rely on, and I know I’ve gotten fair treatment and fair charges. But beyond services as paid for, I’ve had many personal phone conferences with Ronnie and her staff that have bolstered me psychologically with personal and well as professional endeavors. Writer’s Relief has enabled me to collect my work and to publish it responsibly. That’s what I paid for, but I feel it’s more than I could expect. Thanks, Ronnie.

Gary M. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Ronnie Smith has a deep and detailed knowledge of writing and editing. She gives expert information on how to get published. I am taking her advice on writing and will soon send my book to her to get polished for publication. I haven’t hired her, but soon I will be.

Shirley P. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 6, 2010

Writer’s Relief has been a godsend to me. The service is expert, professional, empathetic, affordable and, most of all, effective. In a few years I have gone from being an unpublished novice to having over 50 poems published and a collection coming out. Writer’s Relief has been a life-changer.

Mark B. (as posted on LinkedIn)

February 1, 2010

Greetings:

To anyone considering joining Writer’s Relief, the numbers speak for themselves.

Two years ago I joined Writer’s Relief, and in that time I have had five stories published in credible, print literary journals, including The MacGuffin, Quiddity International Literary Journal, Williard & Maple, and Rio Grande Review.

And just recently, I have secured agent representation for my debut novel. In fact, I was able to have my pick between three agents who were all interested in my manuscript, and I ended up signing with the agency that had the most passionate vision for my novel.

Writer’s Relief lets you do the one thing you really want to do: write. They take care of the rest. They professionally proofread your work (a must-have for any serious writer). They research appropriate markets and agents that your work fits with. And they keep you motivated to never quit the marathon that is submitting, waiting, submitting, waiting…

If you take your writing seriously, then take your writing career seriously. Thank you very much to all the passionate, hard workers at Writer’s Relief. I can now call myself a professional writer, and for that I will forever be grateful.

Many thanks,

K.B.

January 29, 2010

Dear Ronnie,

Without Writer’s Relief the words I had been putting on pages for decades were stuck in closed personal journals or drawers. Now my efforts find their way onto editors’ desks.

Although I had been working religiously in classes or groups for what seemed like forever, left to my own devices, I always skipped the last step, sending the pieces out for publication. I needed a team to help me clear that daunting hurdle. Having projects find their way to publication is a dream come true. Thank you for taking me to the higher place on the writing road that I had always hoped to reach, but couldn’t quite get to by myself.

Your grateful client,

Cathy