Welcome To Maria’s Corner!

Hi, I’m Maria Acosta Ramirez, founder of MAR Literary Services—a professional alpha reader, aspiring editor, and life coach in training. I created this little corner because I’m tired of seeing promising books fall short, simply because authors didn’t get the guidance they needed.

Here, you’ll find craft tips, behind-the-scenes looks at my alpha reading process, occasional rants (the helpful kind), and free or low-cost tools for authors who are doing this alone. I believe every story has the potential for greatness, whether it was created on a shoestring budget or with professional backing. My goal is to help you tap into that potential. I want to be the bridge between the story you’ve written and the story your readers can’t put down.

Now, you might be wondering—why should you believe anything I say? That’s fair. Writers deserve to know where their advice is coming from. In January 2025 I graduated from an honors college with a Bachelor of Arts in English, where I studied literature from every angle—learning from peers with diverse voices and from professors who devoted their lives to teaching everything from the classics to modernism, romanticism, drama, contemporary fiction, and even horror and terror in literature. I also took specialized creative writing courses in speculative fiction and short stories, and I’ve dabbled in writing fiction of my own, along with my senior thesis, which I successfully defended. These experiences don’t just inform my feedback; they ground it.

Here is what you can expect from this blog. I post regular updates on writing, accountability, and reader engagement. You will see in depth craft discussions, extended editions of my Hard Truths for Writers and The Coach’s Desk series, and practical strategies that help you avoid common mistakes. I will also share resources such as worksheets, toolkits, and checklists. Some will be free. Others will be low cost and designed to support you through planning, drafting, and revision.

Maria’s Corner is here to help you grow as a writer in a clear and steady way. I am glad you are here, and I hope you find something that supports your next step forward.