Leslie Lehr
Novel Consultant for Truby's Writers Studio
Story Consultant, Developmental Editor
Clients say Leslie Lehr has Xray vision when it
comes to identifying what’s broken, missing, or finding
the path that helps make a story strong.
Benefits of Working with Leslie
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Highest level of professional feedback
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25-years’ experience teaching and working with writers
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Limited number of clients
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One on One interaction
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Package options tailored to each client’s specific needs
Services
Are you stuck on a story problem? Torn between ideas? Frustrated with a work-in-progress? Translating the vision in your head into words on the page is harder than it looks. A one-on-one discussion can save you months of struggle. Together, we can shape the story that you want to tell.
Do you have a story idea, but aren’t sure where to start? A rough draft that could go a number of ways? A manuscript that went off the rails? Jumpstart the writing process with expert focus on your story and several rounds of feedback. First, we’ll discuss your goals, refine your premise, and examine what you have so far. Next, I’ll suggest ways to develop your characters to create plot, hit the genre beats, and strengthen the structure. Finally, we'll discuss how to increase the narrative drive, solve prose issues, and outline your next steps. Ultimately, you'll have the tools - and the confidence - to continue on your own.
My goal as a developmental editor is to help shape your story to be as strong as possible. This includes both plot and prose techniques that add clarity, depth, and narrative drive. By analyzing what you already have, I can spot opportunities, connect the dots, and prompt solutions that enhance your style. If your manuscript runs too long or too short, I can show you how to reshape it to attract today's readers. A detailed contract will outline the specifics including an in-depth written report, light line editing, and the one thing most editors do not provide – a potential outline for your final draft. Price is based on word count/estimated hours.
Want to land an agent or indie publisher? Successful query letters are sales tools with a style of their own. Save time and skip the learning curve so you can focus on the important part: the manuscript.
Traditional publishers require full book proposals for non-fiction, including memoir. A strong proposal can not only sell the project, but streamline the writing process. But it's a completely different skill set. I can help you skip the learning curve, save time, and nail yours.
Why Work With Leslie?
In this interview with Literary Agent Expert Mark Malatesta, Leslie shares her backstory as an author and consultant. Discover how she helps writers at every stage, her super power of story structure, and what to look for in a consultant. Hear about Leslie’s client success stories, and what makes her unique. And click here to see the text transcript of this interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Yes. This is a critical marketing tool very different from the actual writing. I can cut through the learning curve to help you create a polished, professional proposal. Agents use them to sell memoir as well as straight nonfiction. I sold my last book this way, so I know exactly what publishers want to see.
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.