“Sharon Bala's thoughtful reading, clear-eyed questions, and deep dedication to her role as a mentor transformed my novel into a truer, stronger version of itself. Sharon offered me fresh ways of seeing my project--a challenging and crucial part of revision--as well as craft tools that I continue to use in my writing today. With profound precision and sensitivity, Sharon gave language to what I was yet unable to name in my own writing. She is a deeply attentive reader and listener who challenges, motivates, and breathes new energy into the writing process with humour and care. I truly believe any writer would be lucky to have her eyes on their work.”

— Janika Oza, author of A History of Burning, and former Diaspora Dialogues mentee

I had the privilege of receiving Sharon Bala’s feedback on several short stories in the early stages of editing my manuscript. Sharon has a keen understanding of the shape of a story—finding the kinks and knowing what can be done to smooth them out. Her feedback about arc, character and voice was invaluable to my manuscript and helped me work through sticky spots that weren’t working at a crucial point in my revision process, between an early draft and the draft I ended up submitting to land a publisher. Her understanding of the mechanics of storytelling not only guided me through revisions of the stories we worked on, but has helped me read my own work with a more honed critical eye.

-Carmella Gray-Cosgrove, author of Nowadays and Lonelier

“Sharon has a gift for uncovering a manuscript’s potential while perceiving a writer’s strengths, resulting in feedback that is both meaningful and deeply empowering. Over the course of several months, Sharon provided me with increasingly personalized guidance, compounding my growth from week to week. She took the time to understand my story ambitions and individual needs, asking eye-opening questions, providing detailed notes, and sharing various articles, short stories, and craft books to best facilitate my novel’s development. Her encouragement and extensive insight have given me the tools to revise my manuscript with renewed enthusiasm and confidence.”

—Monica Nathan, former Diaspora Dialogues mentee

“When I approached Sharon, I had an overcast idea of what I wanted my short story collection to be. I knew what the structure would be, I had some stories written, but they weren't shining. A lot of the good stuff was hiding from me, in the shadows. I wanted a road map for where to take them next. Sharon's empathetic guidance and meticulous, thorough, clear critique gave me many ideas for how to make the work shine, and the confidence that I can make it happen. I was pumped to get back into the stories, make them better, and write more. Sharon made the process fun again. She is worth every penny!”

—Heidi Wicks, short fiction evaluation client and author of Melt

“I cannot recommend Sharon Bala's manuscript evaluation services enough. Her attention to the details of your work will bring out the best in your story. Sharon's thoughts on character development, story arc, pace and plot were critical, nurturing and insightful. Her in-depth notes helped me craft a more complete and contained story world for my characters. If you need another set of eyes to guide your work in a positive direction, look no further than Sharon Bala.”

— Xaiver Michael Campbell, manuscript evaluation client