Testimonials

“I couldn’t have chosen a more perfect editor. Leslie is highly skilled at sifting through the layers to bring clarity and cohesion to any writing. She’s dedicated. She’s generous. And she helped me shift my book out of the shadow-lands into a brightly shining form. She rescued me from redundancy, crazy punctuation, and too many metaphors that took away from my message. Now my message shines through! I learned so much from her edits, not to mention our long conversations about what would bring the book more alive. I recommend her with all my heart.” –Lily Myers Kaplan– Loss to Legacy: A Stepping Stone Path to Healing and Transformation

“Leslie is enormously helpful. I feel a sense of renewed focus knowing she is at my fingertips. I felt right away that she gets my project; And she clearly has the gift of listening between the lines. I am so grateful.” –Linda Whitlow-currently beginning the dedicated process of writing her first book as of Jan. 2020

“I can’t say enough about how good an editor Leslie is.  I had her review the first chapter of my debut novel, A Thing with Feathers. Her sharp eye caught many things in my manuscript that other more well-known and more highly compensated editors entirely missed!  She has the essential gift of identifying, hearing, listening to, and strengthening the voice of the writer without altering it.  She gets inside the heart and soul of the writing and brings out the very best in the writer’s work.  She helps us say what we’ve always wanted to say, but for whatever reason, didn’t or couldn’t.  She is an excellent writing coach too, motivating me to reach higher than I imagined.  I can recommend Leslie Caplan without any reservation to all writers who need an editor who penetrates to the core. My first chapter, an important part of any novel, stands much improved after Leslie’s edits.  She sees things most writers are unable to perceive because we are too close to our project.  She will help to put that competitive edge on your work that often times can mean the difference between getting published and staying on the sidelines.”  -novelist and poet, J. John Nordstrom

“When I brought my memoir manuscript to Leslie, it was in an chaotic state! The experience I had with previous editors was disheartening. They took my voice and heart out of my story and inserted their own agenda.  I wanted to throw in the towel and give up. I was devastated because all my hard work was destroyed. A good friend of mine introduced me to Leslie. She was empathetic and listened to what I’d been through. She took my memoir and turned an out-of-tune song into a two hundred piece orchestra. I could have never made my book sing without Leslie’s impeccable editing skills. She was relentless in her determination to put my voice back in, and make my book a success. I am so grateful we met. She is one of a kind.”  –Phyllis Lawson, author of Quilt of Souls

“Leslie aims toward a seamless, deeper narrative. Her suggestions, editing and coaching are crucial. She sees the missing shades. Likewise she sees the border outlines. She sees the panorama from atop a 110 story building or a mountain top, and the detail of laying on the grass and inspecting just one square foot. I appreciate her immensely and am guided continuously by her wisdom, precision, and skill.”  –Mark Anthony, aspiring novelist

“The advantage of hiring a talented and discerning editor cannot be overestimated. I was lucky to be guided to Leslie from the onset or I would have spent so much effort spinning in ‘not knowing what I didn’t know.’ I appreciated her approach from the beginning and knew she was the best possible editor/coach for me. She eliminated ‘filter words’ that put distance between me and the reader. She tightened it in such a way that the story emerged from behind unnecessary detail. She asked pertinent and intelligent questions that added so much depth to prominent areas. Leslie a brilliant editor.
Another powerful gift she brought was the coaching. This is my first book and it showed – in both my writing and my lack of experience with the process.  She saw potential and knew I was serious about creating the best memoir I was capable of delivering. Leslie was attuned to where, and how deep, I needed to excavate. She was patient when I stumbled or ran into resistance. I had some amazing revelations during the writing process that can be directly attributed to her expert guidance. I agree with all the praise others have written about Leslie. She is dedicated to her writers. I recommend her highly. In my last correspondence to her I said she was my Alicia Keys – the winning coach who took an ingénue and created a published writer!” –Dee Dee Prince, author of Unmarked Escape Routes, a Memoir of Forgiveness

“I had the wonderful honor of working with Leslie and was elated to have her as my writing coach. Working with her is like having a wise writer-gardener plant the seed of words into one’s being, and then diligently waters that seed until it grows into a mighty oak tree. I have worked with a few writing coaches, and though each have their own unique style, it is essential to find one who resonates on a soul level. Leslie has that impact on me and on my writing. She is genuine and authentic, and those are qualities I admire in a coach. She is not afraid to be vulnerable in her own writing, and not afraid to help writers face their own vulnerabilities  Leslie does this with tremendous grace and compassion, so that one who is fortunate enough to work with her, feels seen and heard. She is a story whisperer; For me, working with Leslie has been a healing experience.  Through her gentle guidance, I had the courage to cull the stories that are hiding within me. I have been able to let go of my fears, and trust my voice, letting my words emerge unashamed, unabashed. She has that touch and that wide-reaching impact so that the buried words slowly begin to see the light of day. Leslie, thank you so much for your guidance. When I write my book, I know you will be an important strength and impetus for its emergence.” –Mahabba Ahmed, ONT, Canada

“I felt an instant connection when speaking with Leslie and mentioned my abandoned children’s book. She offered to take a look at it and I was elated to discover that I was actually excited to welcome someone’s professional evaluation of my material. I knew she was The One…and I was right. What Leslie did with my story was nothing short of amazing. Her process is magical in that she doesn’t just read the story, she connects to it and follows its unique trajectory. In the absence of an overblown sense of self-importance, rather than claiming the story as her own and making arbitrary changes, she offers logical suggestions and incredibly intelligent advice that helps you articulate exactly what you want to say. She brought out the best in me. Non-critical and always respectful, she lifted me to new heights through her wisdom-saturated style of coaching. Clearly, her main goal is to help you find YOUR voice and she lovingly coaxes it to transmit a lyrical melody from a soul level. Leslie Caplan is the only person I trust to edit my writing. If you are a writer, or want to write, allow yourself to be guided by her remarkable editing skills and coaching abilities. It’s a life-changing experience.” –Charlotte Spicer- Executive Producer and Host at Spiritual Insights

“Every writer needs a good editor. Leslie is not just a good editor, she’s a great one. She gets right to the soul of your manuscript, edits with full attention to detail, and highlights the very heart of your work.” ~Dan Buri, Author of Pieces Like Pottery & 40 Tips on Creative Writing

“Leslie’s presence and support in coaching me to find my voice and use it to write my story were magnanimous.  She clearly and with gentle fierceness guided me to sleuth out the difficult questions that were not only blocking the flow of ink but also the flow of life force energy through me. I will remember with a grateful heart how she supported me to write through a pivotal life transition with unwavering kindness, compassion and the honed skill of deep listening.  Her ability in this is reflective of her dedication and commitment to the transformational and alchemical process of writing. I strongly recommend her work to anyone stuck in their process of “telling their story”;  beware…working with Leslie  could result in major life changes!” ~Linda-Grace, Ashland, OR

“I had the pleasure of being referred to Leslie by a colleague who had used Leslie’s services to complete her first book. I didn’t know what to expect; Once we spoke on the phone, we clicked immediately. Leslie listened to every word I said concerning the direction I wanted the book to go and what I wanted the readers to get out of it. Whenever I stray from my original intent, she is quick to remind me of what I told her in our first phone call, but also gives me other alternatives from what I submit to her.  Every time I review her edits, over and over again, I am amazed at what she does. She catches things that astounds me, never missing a beat. I appreciate the points she makes on the things that don’t work or fit, or are confusing.  I’m really enjoying the experience and she is a huge reason.

Since this was my first book, I needed guidance on pretty much everything about writing.  Anytime I got stuck (trust me, it does, and will happen!), she would either phone me or send me an email with words of encouragement. I feel like I have known her forever as we have connected in a special way. Her guidance has made a lifetime dream come true.” –Gary Richardson, Diversity Consultant

 “Some people elevate the energy of a room simply with their presence. Leslie is one of those people. She is an exquisite blend of grace and charm and raw earth. She is one of the most accessible people I have ever met. In person and in the groups she facilitates, her presence creates a palpable synergy; an atmosphere of safety, inclusion, discovery, exploration and deep authentic appreciation. It is in this beautiful container that she creates that I found not only the courage to dive back into writing but also the passion I have for writing. I love knowing her and am excited to work with her again.” Isha Haddigan, Ashland, OR

“Working on my memoir with Leslie has been like engaging with my own self in another body. She becomes the self that can see perspectives I feel blind to, can hear a deeper story that I am too scared to birth alone, and can spot the undotted i or uncrossed t that eludes me. She has the skill to be present to all of these arenas a writer traverses. And she does it with such heart and wisdom. I wholeheartedly recommend her for your writing project.” ~Sarah Rose, author of Being Selfish

“If you want to write and I mean REALLY get to the heart of the matter, Leslie  is the editor and coach to hire. She doesn’t let go until the word fits exactly. She encourages and evokes going deep. Then deeper still. My writing has soared since we’ve been working together. Because she holds me strong and raises the bar, I’ve stepped up and out to reach in and claim my authentic voice. Thank you, Leslie for putting yourself out there for others. Writers need you. Humanity needs you.” ~Carola Marashi, Portland, OR

“I was only given three options for Leslie’s strengths on Linkedin. Three does not encompass all the good qualities she has. I gave her a tricky assignment, and she came through with flying stars. If you want writing with a heart, go no further.  Leslie brought the spark and strength into the piece that desperately needed it.  What she helped craft  was articulate, concise, and expressed exactly what I needed it to.” ~S. Posey, Ashland, OR

“The things I like most about Leslie are her sensibility, precision, and speed with which she is able to bring harmony to words on a page.  She’s the kind of person that isn’t finished with a job until it’s perfect.  Her process unfolds like the petals on a flower; each new iteration bringing more color and delight to the landscape of creative expression.” ~Amari Gold, Ashland, OR

“When I write to a prompt specifically catered to me in my sessions with Leslie, I keep the pen moving, pouring out whatever makes its way to the surface. Just after writing, I read it back aloud and it’s not only the first time my conscious mind hears what’s on the page, my uncensored scrawl is witnessed by Leslie with deep respect and uncanny insight.  She offers a careful ear, tracking the issues and bringing attention to clues that become new prompts to lead me in deeper.  This process is giving me access to challenging details and events that have been elusive for a long, long time. She is a powerful coach and facilitator.” ~Suzzi ViTaris, Ashland, OR

“I highly recommend Leslie for her expertise as a writing coach and as an EPIC editor. She is amazing to work with. She has a huge compassionate heart and her wisdom is spot on. Call her up if you want to go further with your writing or further into your own inner process.” ~Mark Dobkin, Santa Barbara, CA

“Thank you, Leslie, for your focused attention to detail and your astute questions that guided me to the answers I needed to go deeper into my project.  You have an incredible gift of being able to allow my writing to still sound like me, while at the same time, making the necessary changes for the piece to flow and have impact. Your precision and skill are impeccable.”  ~Monica Port, Ashland, OR