Bio

A Texas native, Leah briefly moved to the East Coast to attend Rosemont College to pursue her dream of working in publishing. She graduated from Rosemont College with a B.A. in English and History and soon after became an agent at Ladderbird Literary Agency. Leah then went on to pursue and receive her M.A. in Publishing from her alma mater. Having accomplished her dream of working in publishing, she has since moved back to the South to begin her next adventure. Leah likes to spend her time enjoying the company of fictional characters more than people. But when not in the company of fictional characters, she likes to crochet, travel, hang out with friends and family, and catch up on the movies and tv shows she is always behind on.

Pronouns: She/Her

MSWL

I’m looking for BIPOC YA/Crossover/Adult across the following genres:

• Contemporary/Romance
• Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

I love diverse and unique work that is fast-paced and has a complex cast of diverse characters. I love a good plot twist and am a huge sucker for camaraderie, banter, and the tight-knit, family-like group of friends trope. I'm pretty much a fan of all the tropes.

I love a good romantic meet-cute, coming of age, and/or self-discovery story, especially in or post-college. Specifically, how one’s expectations drastically differ from reality or how a recent college grad is blindsided after entering the adult world, the working force, and how they slowly manage to navigate it and get on their feet.

I'm also really interested in plots that deal with the struggles of today's online dating culture, about how couples deal with growth and life pulling them in two different directions, or how society’s views can impact interracial relationships. This can also apply to platonic friendships (especially F/F friendships) as I think they are affected in the same ways. I’d also love something realistic, raw, introspective, and family-centered. Think To All the Boys I’ve Loved, Just One Day, Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Someone Great with Gina Rodriguez, Pose, Midnight Library, and The Vanishing Half.

For mystery, thrillers, and suspense, I am here for unreliable narrators and dark academia! I’d also love something along the lines of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, Behind Her Eyes, And Then There Were None, When No One is Watching, One of Us is Lying, and Sadie. I’d also really love a heist in the veins of Leverage, Now You See Me, or Six of Crows.

No's for me would MG, dystopian, legal or spy thrillers, historical, and non-fiction.

Q&A

How can a manuscript’s first five pages make you sit up and take notice?

I look for three things: voice, action/stakes, and worldbuilding. When the character's voice is really strong and is jumping off the page then I'm drawn in immediately. I need some sort of action to stir my curiosity and make me want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. It is also very helpful for the stakes to be evident and clear enough for me to understand the dynamics and rules of the world so that I am not lost moving forward.

What can writers expect from working with you during #RevPit, including communication?

I'm dedicated to helping authors develop and produce their best work. I like to first look at the work as a whole and take stock of the big picture issues in terms of plot, character, worldbuilding, and organization. Then I like to go more in-depth on each and brainstorm ways in which these aspects can be fleshed out and improved.

Partnership is my favorite part of being an editor so I'm more than happy to set up a Zoom call to brainstorm, but on the day-to-day, you can DM me for quick questions and email for more in-depth questions that may require some thought. In regards to communication, I am honest and transparent and welcome questions so feel free to ask them. And I aim to respond within 1-2 days!

What do you expect from writers during the #RevPit revision process, including communication?

Flexibility, openness, and enthusiasm! They should be open to and willing to act on constructive criticism and feedback. They should also know what areas in which they both need and want improvement. It is going to take more than one round of editing to get your novel ready so someone who understands that and is ready to get to work. I also appreciate clear, honest communication about your expectations and goals.

What hobbies do you have outside of writing and editing?

Reading of course, haha! But in addition to that, I love crocheting, trying out new recipes, going on hikes, traveling, and catching up on all the TV/movies I'm behind on!