Leslie Lehr

Home| My Works| Bio| Links| Consultations

Manuscript Consultation

Every story is a translation from the ideas in our head to the words on the page. No matter how brilliant our stories may be, turning them into clear, compelling prose can be an enormous challenge. So how can you be sure you are bringing your story to life in a way that will enthrall your readers? That’s where an experienced and objective consultant can help.

Lehr’s methods are a synthesis of her story training at Truby’s Writer’s Studio, USC School of Cinematic Arts, the Antioch University MFA Program, and a lifetime of reading. She has been editing articles and essays for twenty years, full-length fiction manuscripts of all genres for ten. She has taught private workshops and university-related programs.

Lehr’s goal is to help you make your work sing in your own special voice. She will show you how polish your manuscript in the professional style that will make it easy for top agents and editors to get to the heart of the story.

A full service consultation includes:

Story structure – Examination of the current structure and what opportunities exist to strengthen it. Chronology of events to increase the narrative drive is also explored.

Character analysis – Ways to raise the stakes for each character, increase the conflict and connect the dots of existing relationship. Point of view and story frame are also considered.

Chapter breakdown – By focusing on the events and revelations in each chapter, each part can be strengthened, and lead to the next with stronger transitions, greater suspense, and more compelling hooks.

Thematic concerns – Often, connecting the hidden elements of your story’s true meaning can strengthen the foundation of the plot.

Light line editing – Prose issues that are habit forming can undermine even the strongest story. By pointing out opportunities for change in page notes, the writer can learn how to write more efficiently in the next draft as well as future work.

Summary – Each manuscript will be considered as a whole, not only to promote the story, but also to consider the path to publication. Evaluation of query letters is an additional option.

Satisfied clients say:
I’m tremendously inspired and so excited to move forward… Leslie is smart, tough, talented, experienced, enthusiastic and energizing... Superb teaching and editing skills... Practical step by step advice…