Brenda Novak's Expert Friday, featuring Harlequin Editor Leslie Wainger
I'm excited to report that DEAD RIGHT hit #7 on the Borders/Waldenbooks Bestseller List. Thanks to everyone who went out and bought a copy. I hope you enjoyed the story!
And now, I'm thrilled to introduce you to today's guest. Leslie Wainger joined Silhouette Books as an editorial assistant in August 1979 and was part of the editorial team that launched the company’s first series, Silhouette Romance, as well as numerous series since. Her experience has brought her to her current position as Editor-at-Large, Single Titles. Now she works with a number of MIRA, HQN and Silhouette authors, including Linda Howard, Emilie Richards, Heather Graham, Curtiss Ann Matlock, Dallas Schulze, Rachel Lee, Maggie Shayne, Kathleen Eagle, Candace Camp, Susan Krinard, Beverly Barton and Sharon Sala. She is also the author of “Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies” (Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2004) and the 2005 recipient of Romance Writers of America’s industry award, and a book doctor, offering services ranging from analysis to line editing to co- and ghost-writing.
Leslie will be giving away an autographed copy of her book to one of today's lucky participants, so jump in, say hello, and feel free to ask questions. 
Brenda: What is a book doctor?
Leslie: I imagine every book doctor sees the job a little bit differently, but for me, I’m there (if you’ll pardon my metaphor) to diagnose the books, its strengths and weaknesses, and prescribe ways to strengthen it. Then, if the writer is looking for something more hands-on, I’ll quote a price for a page-by-page analysis (vs. the big-picture analysis – usually 4-6 pp on a complete MS – I start with) or an edit.
Brenda: How are you similar or dissimilar to other book doctors?
Leslie: The easy answer is that a lot of book doctors handle non-fiction/academic work, while I’m a fiction specialist. But I also have a lot more years in the industry (28 and counting, since I still work for a publisher as well as freelance) than many people, have worked with an extensive list of bestselling authors, and have written a well-regarded book about writing fiction.
Brenda: What made you decide to take on this particular sideline business?
Leslie: When I became editor-at-large for Harlequin, working from home (no more four-hour-a-day commute!) three days a week, I realized I had the time as well as the inclination and ability, so I decided to give it a try.
Brenda: Do you still work at Harlequin? If so, what authors do you currently work with?
Leslie: I am (see above). I work with about fifteen authors, among them Heather Graham, Sharon Sala, Maggie Shayne, Emilie Richards, Susan Krinard and Candace Camp, to name just a few. Several of my authors are new, and I’m as enthusiastic about their work as I am about my long term writers.
Brenda: What are your favorite genres at Harlequin? Elsewhere?
Leslie: I'm basically a fiction reader, but I’m pretty open to most genres. I will say that thanks to George R.R. Martin (see next question), I rediscovered my languishing love of fantasy.
Brenda: Who are your favorite authors, regardless of whether you've ever worked with them?
Leslie: I'll list only authors I’ve never worked with. (Hey, I’m not crazy!) I love George R.R, Martin, Megan Whalen Turner, Minette Walters and Martin Cruz Smith, to name just a few.
Brenda: How many hours do you devote to your new business a week?
Leslie: It depends on the week, ie: how many projects are on my desk, life its own self, etc.
Brenda: How many hours are you willing to devote to it? Is there a limit to the number of authors you'd be willing to take on?
Leslie: In theory I have two weekdays that could be totally devoted to book doctoring, but the truth is that I’ve always worked evenings and weekends if necessary, and I still do, both for myself and for Harlequin. I haven’t hit a limit to the number of clients/projects I’ll take on and don’t foresee that I will. I’m simply honest with people about how long it’s likely to take me to get back to them.
Brenda: What, in particular, do you feel you can offer an aspiring writer?
Leslie: I have (or at least I think I do *g*) a good eye for quality, marketability, storytelling and characterization, and voice. In the course of my career I’ve discovered and launched a number of writers, many of whom have gone on to be major names, and I bring all the instincts that helped me then to my side career.
Brenda: What, in particular, do you feel you can offer established writers?
Leslie: Truthfully, my answer is pretty much the same as for #9, it’s just that established authors are generally at a different point, so I may use more of one instinct/ability vs. another. One thing, though, is that established authors can sometimes find themselves stuck in a rut and in need of a push/some guidance to get out of it, and/or an objective eye to help them reach the next career rung.
Brenda: Can you give us an example of a situation where you feel your services made a vast difference in whether or not an author was able to sell her book (or hit a list or whatever the goal may be)?
Leslie: I've only been doing this since the beginning of the year, so it’s too early to answer that. The books I’ve seen are currently being revised or marketed. One, in particular (a mystery with continuing-character potential), struck me as having a very strong shot once the author did some additional work, so I’m very interested to see how things go for her.
Brenda: What is the most common problem you see in the manuscripts you've been working on?
Leslie: All the usual ones, really: writing issues (over-writing, imprecise writing, grammar issues); plotting problems (the dreaded sagging middle, for instance); too much (or sometimes not enough) information, to the point that it gets in the way of the storytelling; unsympathetic characters.
Brenda: What kind of a turn-around do you have and how does the process work? Does an author send you a hard copy of the entire novel, or do you work via chapters and e-mail them back and forth? Must a novel be completed before submitting? Are you paid in advance or once the work is completed?
Leslie: Most of the details are on my site: lesliewainger-bookdoctor.com. I get paid up front, and except for query letters (which I’ll only look at in Word or .rtf format), I ask for hard copy. The book can be a work in progress, if I’m looking at a partial; that’s totally up to the author. And my turnaround time varies, so if someone e-mails me about using my services, I can give them an estimate at that point.
Brenda: If you found a story you absolutely loved, would you consider buying it for Harlequin?
Leslie: Absolutely. This (recommending a project for acquisition) was something I discussed with my Harlequin boss (Dianne Moggy) before starting this venture, and the house is totally open to my making recommendations. As to whether I’d edit the book personally or pass it on, a lot would depend on my Harlequin workload at the time.
Brenda: Have you discovered a new talent via this venture?
Leslie: As I said a few questions ago, there’s one mystery, in particular, that I think has a very strong shot, and I’ve seen other projects that need more work but also have some real strengths and could easily end up selling in the future.
Brenda: Tell us a little about your book, “Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies.” How long did it take you to write it? When did you do it? What gave you the motivation?
Leslie: I wrote it in about three months, counting revisions. I was working full time, so that meant writing on most weekends (not evenings after work, though) and also taking some vacation time to write. I wrote it in fall of 2003, so I took time out for Thanksgiving, needless to say. A Wiley acquisition editor approached me with the idea, but once I started, I got very involved in trying to be practical and thorough and relevant to writers’ needs.
Brenda: What suggestions do you have to help authors edit their own work?
Leslie: Be ruthless. Even if you love something – a scene, a character, a turn of phrase – if it’s not necessary to the telling of your story – or, worse, if it actually gets in the way of the telling – make it go away.
Leslie, thank you so much for your time. I'm excited about your new business and wish you the best of success!
Hi Leslie - Welcome to the Blog (And Congrats to Brenda on the stellar showing on the Waldens/Borders list - Yahoo!) It was great to learn more about you, Leslie. I wrote for Silhouette Romance many moons ago, which I really enjoyed, so I'm glad you started that line. It was one of my favorites.
Your new business venture sounds great and with so much experience in the business I imagine you have tons of great advice to offer writers. I was wondering if you ever see something that's well written but seems like a difficult sell in terms of premise or other things about it. And if you also share that kind of advice with th