Ann Leslie Tuttle

Ann Leslie Tuttle – Editor

Over 25 years' editorial experience at a Big 5 publisher and a literary agency, specializing in commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction.

Overview

As an editor for over twenty years at Harlequin Books (part of Harper Collins) and as a literary agent at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret for over five, I've worked with a number of bestselling and award-winning authors as well as debut fiction and nonfiction writers. As an inquisitive and relatively fast reader, I appreciate encouraging new voices and try to align my detailed feedback with the author's vision and expertise.


I specialize in commercial adult fiction, thrillers, romance, historical fiction, mysteries, Middle Grade and Young Adult, and I do some narrative nonfiction. Stories set in the South hold particular appeal--although I do love reading and learning about new communities across the world.


During the editorial process, I'm especially focused on character development, pacing and plotting issues, voice and dialogue. I'm especially skilled at paring down an overly high word count. In my edits and assessments, I try to provide detailed, encouraging and actionable feedback that is gentle but also comprehensive and straightforward. It's my hope that the editorial process also allows the author to grow in their craft and leaves the writer feeling energized about the current project. I am available after the edit/assessment has been received to answer any questions or do brainstorming. I also am happy to help demystify the publishing process for those new to publishing.


I've always had a love of books and appreciation of the writing process. Prior to entering publishing, I earned my B.A. degree at the College of William and Mary in history and English and an M.A. in history from the University of Virginia. I currently live in New York City.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Cozy Mysteries Historical Fiction Historical Romance Psychological Thriller Romantic Comedy Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Editor of the Year, NYC RWA Chapter

Work experience

Dystel, Goderich & Bourret

Sep, 2017 — Present
In my current position, I continue to brainstorm and provide editorial feedback to the clients I represent who write in a variety of fiction genres. I have frequent meetings with industry professionals and that, combined with speaking at and attending writers’ conferences, keep me current on trends in the competitive marketplace.

Harlequin Books

Jan, 1997 — Aug, 2017 (over 20 years)
Managed various lines of books, including paranormals and contemporary romance. Acquired and edited a diverse range of authors writing in all the romance sub-genres, e.g. historicals, contemporary, paranormals, romantic suspense and inspirationals. Worked with several NYT and USA Today bestselling authors, including Sylvia Day, Megan Hart, Julia London, and Lisa Renee Jones.

Portfolio

Kismat Connection

Devarajan, Ananya

Lunar Love

Kung Jessen, Lauren

Hawaii, 1944. The Pacific battles of World War II continue to threaten American soil, and on the home front, the bonds of friendship and the strength of love are tested.Violet Iverson and her young daughter, Ella, are piecing their lives together one year afte... read more
Sylvia Sandon is at a crossroads in her life. A wife and mother of two daughters, she and her city-planner husband grapple with the escalating renovation of their antique farmhouse--a situation that mirrors the disarray in Sylvia's life. Facing a failing marri... read more
A young widow puts her sexy suitors to the test in New York Times bestselling author Julia London's scintillating return to the idyllic Scottish Highlands. Widowed and forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady... read more
Never mix business with pleasure. Never bring politics into the bedroom. In a way I did both when I took Jackson Rutledge as a lover. I can't say I wasn't warned. Two years later, he was back. Walking into a deal I'd worked hard to close. Under the tutelage of... read more

Ann Leslie has 138 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

gerard F.

gerard F.

May, 2025

It was a pleasure working with Ann Leslie T. on this project. Her assessment was precise, professional and well rounded with good points and some that need attention. I can't thank her enough for her advice.
Christina W.

Christina W.

Feb, 2025

Ann Leslie was great to work with, and provided prompt, helpful insights on our work at both a story level and line level. She was able to share broad insights from years of working in the industry, and also recognize places where what we were doing might be slightly outside the mold and therefor...
Read more
Amanda S.

Amanda S.

Jan, 2025

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with Ann Leslie Tuttle on my current novel. The feedback and coaching she has provided me are invaluable. I highly recommend her services.
Alice C.

Alice C.

Dec, 2024

Ann Leslie was professional and efficient from the beginning. She was quick to respond to my initial submission and finished the edit before the allotted time frame. Her comments were absolutely on point, and she has managed to voice the niggling concerns I had and was unable to express myself. ...
Read more
Julia S.

Julia S.

Dec, 2024

I am a first-time author, long time poet, and Leslie's support was invaluable. Leslie addressed all my questions, and her feedback was extremely helpful in transitioning my poetic manuscript into something more commercially viable and providing a much better experience for my readers. I always ha...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Ann Leslie and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Ann Leslie

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Julie Mianecki

Julie M.

Fiction editor with 10 years' experience (partially at a major NY publishing house), specializing in romance, women's fiction, and mystery.

100% reply rate

View profile
Jenna Blum

Jenna B.

NYT bestselling author, 27-year novel workshop leader, and editor dedicated to helping you get your novel/memoir published! #BookWhisperer

Boston, MA, USA

85% reply rate

View profile
Tiffany Tyer

Tiffany T.

An editor specializing in romantic fiction with over ten years' experience. Worked for Penguin Random House, Macmillan, and Entangled.

Fort Worth, TX, USA

65% reply rate

View profile