Leslie Lehr Prize-Winning Author | Writing Consultant | Activist

As a working writer, I understand both the personal struggle and the professional skills necessary to succeed. My experience will save you time and frustration.

Clients say I have Xray vision. I can see the bones of the story - the structure – and help you create a bulletproof plot. This is where most writers falter. Second, I can see the heart of a story, the part that has unique value and makes it stand out. This will help you maintain the passion needed to finish it. Finally, I can see opportunities to make the writing stronger. I’ll show you how to apply advanced prose techniques that will increase clarity, make readers root for your characters, and strengthen your narrative drive to make it a page turner.

As a consultant I’ll help define your premise line, fix problems, and strengthen the story elements to establish everything you need to write, or rewrite, your story. As a developmental editor, I begin with a discussion, but focus on the words on the page, from the themes to characters, the plot to the prose, to help you make your story the best it can possibly be.

The Jumpstart. It’s a package of four hours with several rounds of feedback to provide you with specific tools to move forward on your own.

Once I begin, it’s 4-6 weeks. I only do one at a time to be fully immersed, so there is often a wait list. I’ll provide a detailed contract and we’ll discuss your story goals and concerns before I begin. Then I’ll study your manuscript and do an in-depth report that includes a potential outline for your next draft.

Sure. If you believe it’s ready to go or you are an experienced writer who can do the heavy lifting of revision, I can do a quick read, discuss it with you by phone or zoom, and provide a page of my notes. If this is your first novel and you simply want to know if it’s working, I can tell that by reading a sample and a synopsis, so you’ll be fine with a one hour consult. Most clients with a finished manuscript prefer the deeper analysis and guidance that comes with a full consultation.

Yes. Typically, this is with existing clients who want to continue, or new clients who want a chapter by chapter review. As long as I know that the structure is solid, I’m flexible as to the frequency and length of submissions.

Yes. I work with screenwriters to expand the story and avoid common prose mistakes.  As a produced screenwriter as well as an award-winning author, I know both sides well.

Now. Whether you have a new idea to develop, can’t decide which story to write, are halfway through a manuscript, or have a finished draft and need a professional eye, I can help. I offer a complimentary call to help you decide which service works best and make sure we’re a good fit.

Yes. For a full manuscript consultation, we can have short chat about your goals, then I’ll review five pages. That will give you a sense of how I work and give me the opportunity to fall in love with your story.