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Because stories matter
I help writers create the best Speculative Fiction possible because I believe that will make the world better for us all. Science Fiction and Fantasy allows us to work through thought experiments, model possible futures. It makes us see the possibilities. I will help you by inspiring you and giving you the confidence to believe in your work from the start of the process to a finished manuscript.
I want to see into the heart of your story and help you to make it soar. I can help you to make your dream of becoming a successful author a reality.
Whether it is working on developing a first draft, evaluating a finished manuscript or beginning at the very start of the planning journey, I am here to support, inspire, encourage and challenge you.
I have more than two decades of experience in a variety of strategic supportive roles.
I have a solid knowledge of craft, experience in strategic planning and project management and two decades of providing high quality feedback and inspiration. I have a tough love ethos which leads to supported improvement.
Are you ready to start your next great adventure?
I have more than two decades of experience in a variety of strategic supportive roles.
I have a solid knowledge of craft, experience in strategic planning and project management and two decades of providing high quality feedback and inspiration. I have a tough love ethos which leads to supported improvement.
Are you ready to start your next great adventure?
Coaching Packages
Contact me here for a free 30 minute consultation call to discuss your needs and decide which package is the right one for you.
Mini Roadmap Taster package
A one off session for the author who wants to see if they need a book coach. You will work through a Roadmap to gain a clear picture of your book and the direction you are travelling.
You will receive:
- A 30 minute call to discuss the Roadmap and action plan
- A clear action plan outlining your next steps
Investment of £150 plus VAT
Extended Roadmap Package
Do you have an idea but you don't know what to do with it?
With this package, I will help you establish a clear and comprehensive roadmap to follow.
I love helping writers to see their book as a reality. Starting out can seem very overwhelming and I can help you through that challenging process so you feel confident and ready to move forward.
By the end you will have a clear plan forward and momentum to continue. You will have a completed map and a first chapter.
You will receive:
- A 30 minute call to get clarity on your project
- Weekly email support
- Written feedback
- An action plan outlining your next steps
- A 45 minute call to discuss the feedback and action plan
- Investment of £500 plus VAT
First Draft Package
This package is designed to get you well on the way with your first draft. Writing a book is hard. I will be there by your side to make sure that you stay on track and have a cheerleader in your corner.
You will receive:
- A 45 minute pre-coaching call to discuss your book
- A 30 minute coaching call each month to discuss progress, submissions and next steps
- 2 deadlines per month, fortnightly submission of up to 20 pages (12 pt Times, double-spaced, first line indent, 1” margins)
- Inline editorial comments
- An action plan outlining your next steps
- A 45 minute phone or video call to celebrate the progress you have made and discuss comments and the action plan at the end of the coaching process
When we have finished, you will have not only a huge sense of achievement but also a first draft in your hands.
This package is available for 3 months minimum for about 6 months
Manuscript Evaluation
If you have completed your manuscript and you want feedback on what works and what doesn’t, this is the package for you. I have a great depth and breadth of storycrafting expertise to help you with any issues and how to solve them.
You will receive:
- 6-8 page report within 4 weeks
- Prioritised plan
- 45 minute call to discuss the report
Maximum submission 75K words
Investment of £1500 plus VAT*
*Double price for rush job of 2 weeks
When we have finished, you will have confidence that you have a quality product to be proud of.
If you feel you need a more bespoke package please contact me.
Testimonials
"Leyla is amazing and 1000% recommend her to any YA writer who needs help with their subs.
I've been working on my YA portal fantasy novel for years and I've probably subjected my writing critique friends to multiple edits and revisions over those years as well. I felt as though I was in a solid place with my submission package after working on it yet Leyla continued to give me extremely strong pushes and solid feedback. Her advice and recommendations not only made my entire query better overall but she's also helped me hone how I articulate my story on one page (which I thought would be impossible at the start of this journey).
Leyla brought both the emotional and objective eye to my writing to ensure that I was bringing my protagonist's needs and motivations to life while staying true to my truth as a female novelist of color. Her genuine love for stories, especially YA fantasy, shone through in every interaction and I've found myself re-gaining confidence in my book after going through years of emotional ups and downs.
Even though we were physically separated by an ocean (US vs UK), she is incredibly knowledgeable about the industry as a whole and even broadened my opportunities by opening my eyes to international pitching opportunities and strategies! I genuinely can't say enough of how much energy and time Leyla gave back to me by simply helping me with the most difficult part of being a writer for me: pitching." C Song (Califonia, USA)
Leyla brought both the emotional and objective eye to my writing to ensure that I was bringing my protagonist's needs and motivations to life while staying true to my truth as a female novelist of color. Her genuine love for stories, especially YA fantasy, shone through in every interaction and I've found myself re-gaining confidence in my book after going through years of emotional ups and downs.
Even though we were physically separated by an ocean (US vs UK), she is incredibly knowledgeable about the industry as a whole and even broadened my opportunities by opening my eyes to international pitching opportunities and strategies! I genuinely can't say enough of how much energy and time Leyla gave back to me by simply helping me with the most difficult part of being a writer for me: pitching." C Song (Califonia, USA)
"I recently started Book Coaching with LB Crosher. I can be honest that I was not sure what to expect, as I had never done any type of creative writing course before.
The coaching helped me immensely. Not just with our dynamic fortnightly sessions, but with my whole thought process towards my book, the characters and ideas. I had previously struggled to plan my writing and understand what I even wanted to say. This coaching gave me the opportunity to learn the planning process, insider tips and tricks as well as concreting my own personal thoughts and therefore being able to put pen to paper.
From start to finish the process was enjoyable. It was like meeting a good friend when we discussed my book. I have learned a lot and hope to continue to work with LB Crosher in the future." L Andrade (Lisbon, Portugal)
The coaching helped me immensely. Not just with our dynamic fortnightly sessions, but with my whole thought process towards my book, the characters and ideas. I had previously struggled to plan my writing and understand what I even wanted to say. This coaching gave me the opportunity to learn the planning process, insider tips and tricks as well as concreting my own personal thoughts and therefore being able to put pen to paper.
From start to finish the process was enjoyable. It was like meeting a good friend when we discussed my book. I have learned a lot and hope to continue to work with LB Crosher in the future." L Andrade (Lisbon, Portugal)
"Working with Leyla helped breath new life not only into my manuscript and query, but my enthusiasm for the querying process.
When we started working together, I had a ho-hum query, no synopsis and no idea where to start pitching agents. She took the time to listen to what I want in an agent and where I feel my strengths are in terms of my manuscript. She provided just the right amount of guidance to help me improve my query, gave me resources to figure out how to write a synopsis and then supportive coaching to nudge it along to the final product.
When she researched potential agents to pitch to, there were excellent matches with what I'm looking for. She also helped me find the confidence to query some who I likely would have just crossed off my list as being out of my league. I have just started the querying process she helped me put together and I'm excited to be able to write that email telling her I found one. I would recommend Leyla to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable writing coach." L. Littleton (Ontario, Canada)
When we started working together, I had a ho-hum query, no synopsis and no idea where to start pitching agents. She took the time to listen to what I want in an agent and where I feel my strengths are in terms of my manuscript. She provided just the right amount of guidance to help me improve my query, gave me resources to figure out how to write a synopsis and then supportive coaching to nudge it along to the final product.
When she researched potential agents to pitch to, there were excellent matches with what I'm looking for. She also helped me find the confidence to query some who I likely would have just crossed off my list as being out of my league. I have just started the querying process she helped me put together and I'm excited to be able to write that email telling her I found one. I would recommend Leyla to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable writing coach." L. Littleton (Ontario, Canada)
About
I have always loved stories. I was the child walking home from school with her nose in a book - usually one about dragons or spaceships. I love reading, watching or writing about different worlds. From Dune to Masters of Space by EE Doc Smith, from Dr Who to Starwars, from Harry Potter to Deadly Education by Naomi Novik, I love the imagination and optimism that Speculative Fiction brings us. It teaches us that the world can be a better place.
I was born and educated near Edinburgh, Scotland and now live on the South Coast of England.
As a Certified Book Coach, I am excited to be able to use my decades of experience in delivering motivating and inspirational feedback to support writers.
I love hearing from readers so please feel free to contact me on Facebook or via Twitter.
I was born and educated near Edinburgh, Scotland and now live on the South Coast of England.
As a Certified Book Coach, I am excited to be able to use my decades of experience in delivering motivating and inspirational feedback to support writers.
I love hearing from readers so please feel free to contact me on Facebook or via Twitter.