I have recommended several clients to Leslie and they have been delighted with her quick mind and strategic ability to produce a quality non-fiction book in record time. Leslie captures your “voice,” has a get-it-done work ethic and is a joy to work with. Perhaps most importantly, you can trust her to keep deadlines and commitments (what a concept.) I only recommend consultants who have a sterling track record. Leslie is in that category.
You are absolutely wonderful at being an editor. I am on page 19 of your revisions and I couldn’t agree with you more. You are cleaning up my work and making it so much more definite. This is a book I would buy, (when we get finished with it, that is). There are very few changes I disagree with. I did shorten where you said to shorten, and the content is cleaner. It all makes so much more sense. Thank you for your “cold hand and warm heart.” I love it!
Leslie Charles is without doubt the most gifted writer and editor I have had the good fortune to work with. She has a unique an ability to use words in a way that can turn a ho-hum manuscript into an excellent, interesting read. I will always have fond and lasting memories of how wonderful and exciting it was to work with Leslie. She is that good!
Leslie, I’m in the middle of revising chapter 2 based on your comments and I am so deeply touched at your care in crafting these rewrites. You’ve made this SUCH A BETTER BOOK, and me a BETTER STORYTELLER! I’m going through the dolphin story and am inspiring myself!
Here I am again, reading and incorporating your edits and once again I am in awe of what you have done for me and for this book! As I read your changes, I realize how good you are at this editing thing. I couldn’t begin to fathom what you are able to see in between the lines. I love what you did here: “Once again I left the shoe store in tears, gazing resentfully at my size 10 ‘gunboats.’” Oh, that is so good! “Gazing resentfully,” perfect addition!
Leslie Charles is a patient and gentle critic with a keen eye for detail. She puts her entire heart and soul into every book project. A consummate professional, she can take even the most mundane paragraph and make it come alive! While working with her, I learned more about the process of writing than I could have ever learned in school. She was able to capture the essence of my thoughts and help me turn them into a body of work for which I am extremely proud.
