Stephanie Lehmann - Editor

For over a decade, I was an agent and in-house editor at the Elaine Koster Literary Agency, where we represented authors such as Khaled Hosseini (THE KITE RUNNER) and David Ebershoff (THE DANISH GIRL). I helped many of our authors revise their manuscripts in preparation for submission to publishers. "Stephanie is wise, funny and one of the nicest people in New York. She not only made LAW OF ATTRACTION a better book, she made me a better writer." --ALLISON LEOTTA

My taste leans toward upmarket commercial fiction -- especially coming-of-age, thrillers, mysteries, historicals, and, I must admit, stories where the main character is a woman. I love a good plot, and I love to help authors puzzle out how to fix a plot that isn't working. As a member of the Historical Novel Society, I've given conference presentations on structuring a novel, identifying theme, and the challenges of creating a heroine when women are missing from history.

As a published novelist and writing workshop instructor, I'm extremely aware of the perils involved with exposing your work. Feedback from an objective person who is not trying to protect your ego -- or destroy your ego -- is key. I aim for honesty tempered with sensitivity. My greatest pleasure is to come up with insights that will inspire you.

My focus will depend on your needs. Perhaps you're struggling with the conception of the book as a whole in terms of plot, backstory, and theme. Perhaps you can need more granular assistance with craft issues such as point of view, prose, dialogue, voice, character, setting, and description. Maybe you're grappling with all of the above.

As a book coach, I'm available to work with you over a sustained period of time on a regular basis. This approach works particularly well if you need motivational support. We can arrange a schedule to fit your needs.

Is the manuscript ready to go? Are you looking for a literary agent? Years of reading submissions at the agency make me an expert on the art of the query letter. I know exactly what goes into a good one.

Everyone attempting to write a full-length manuscript faces three particularly daunting obstacles: 1) Starting the book 2) Sticking with the book 3) Finishing the darn thing. No matter where you are in the process, I can help. When you're ready, I'm here.