We were two rookie authors looking for an agent who would embrace our message with the same passion and energy we had, and Lisa Leshne far exceeded our expectations! What we love most about working with Lisa is her honesty, authenticity, and the one hundred and ten percent she puts in, professionally and personally. Lisa made our first dive into writing smooth and fun. She delved into the heart of our work, understood our passion, and helped us to achieve everything we set out to do. She is a trusted guide, colleague, and friend. She is also a wonderful writer, collaborator, and huge creative force. For us, Lisa is ALL IN; she has the grit, persistence, team spirit, and integrity that we were looking for in an agent, and we could not recommend her more highly.
Lisa is hands-down the best literary agent anyone can hope to have. I was highly pursued by several literary agents and Lisa stood out among big agencies and boutiques alike. I could not have been happier with my choice. From the book proposal to publication week and beyond, Lisa went above the call of duty. She was professional and tenacious in every step of the process. If you are a writer, you want Lisa Leshne on your team. She will break down every barrier for you. I cannot sing enough praises for Lisa!
I interviewed one literary agent…Lisa. There was no need for me to meet with anyone after that because I saw a trusting, dedicated and hardworking woman who knew the space. My instincts were right and she over-delivered. Lisa Leshne is someone I trust deeply, someone I like, and definitely someone I know will knock through walls for me. I can’t recommend Lisa highly enough!
I can’t say enough about Lisa Leshne. From the moment she read my submission for A Boob’s Life, she was a passionate supporter of what I was trying to say – and worked hard to help me say it. This book is a hybrid of memoir and pup culture analysis – not an easy sell. In fact, it took several years and over fifty submissions to sell it. But Lisa did not give up. Once she found the perfect publisher, one who shared our passion for boobs and all they represent – during Covid, no less – she connected me with the most amazing team of experts in every facet of publishing. She is all about synergy, and that’s critical today. Now, my book is in People Magazine and has been lauded from Good Morning America to Glamour to the literary podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books. What more can an author ask?
I was very fortunate to find my literary agent, Lisa Leshne. A writer’s greatest needs from a literary agent are that the agent: believes in his writing; is energetic in marketing and promoting his work; is responsive to his inevitable panic attacks and neuroses; and follows through on leads, commitments and deadlines. Lisa gets 5 stars in each of those categories.
As a first time author whose book has an uncommon subject matter, Lisa had more than her share of challenges representing me. Throughout the process I found her to be extremely knowledgeable about the business of publishing, as well as a constant source of support and encouragement throughout. Lisa is energetic, smart, follows through on every commitment she makes, always returns calls and perhaps most important she is very grounded in reality. Her ideas and suggestions to improve the product have been terrific. Bottom line – Lisa Leshne is outstanding.
Lisa was an invaluable part of my process. She helped me every step of the way, from encouraging me to turn my germ of an idea into a book proposal, input on the proposal, communication and negotiations with editors and publishers, and valuable feedback on every draft of my manuscript. She’s the perfect mix of passion, intelligence and integrity. She never stunted my creative vision, but actually encouraged mine – a dream scenario for a writer. I can’t say enough about her work ethic, she ALWAYS promptly returned every phone call, email, snail mail and smoke signal.
From the business side of the equation, she was fantastic. She got me a deal better than I ever dreamed of and fought extremely hard for every penny and deal point.
She’s great to work with on the writing side and the business side. The perfect combination of creativity and professionalism!
Lisa Leshne is absolutely, positively one of the best literary agents in the book business. She has a keen eye for developing projects and coaching her clients to write the best book possible, and is a fierce advocate for their interests. Lisa is the most proactive agent I know and has the media contacts that could rival any book publicist’s. An author could do no better and I recommend her without reservation!
Lisa is a FIGHTER in the best possible way. She pushed hard for my proposals and even tripled my initial offer at auction! Not to mention, she’s a great writer and creative mind herself. And as a newbie, she took the time to make sure I understood what I was getting into every step of the way. Lisa is amazing.
Lisa is the consummate cheerleader and negotiator every hard working author needs. From helping to polish the book idea to coaching on the proposal to strategically pitching it to publishers to getting through the marathon of writing it, she has been there every step of the way offering honest advice, support and guidance. She has both held my hand throughout the process and given me candid feedback along the way. The process of writing a book is deeply personal and you want to share the journey with someone who really understands how hard the journey is and also who can advise you on getting it to market. I am grateful to Lisa for her expertise and her passion for her clients.
Here’s the difference between Lisa Leshne and every other agent out there: when you call, she answers; when you text or email, she responds; when all you have is a vague concept and a desire to see it through, she’ll turn that passion into a three book deal. She also shows up, with enthusiasm and a smile, to every meeting, and fights to make sure both the contract and the book are as good as they can be. Scrupulously honest and direct but also open-hearted and kind, artistically brilliant but also possessing a killer instinct for business, Lisa is the woman you want in your corner, full stop.
I can’t sing Lisa’s praises loudly enough. She’s been incredible from the moment I signed with her and not a day goes by where she doesn’t somehow help or support me me. Although I know that I can’t be her only or top priority at all times, she always makes me feel like I am. I can’t imagine writing a book without her!
Lisa is spectacular! Over the past 25 years I have been represented by some of the biggest names in publishing. Lisa is not only their peer but a true value-added partner in every step of the process. She is tough, creative, persistent, and a joy to work with!
As a literary agent, Lisa is high energy and dedicated to her authors. From writing the best book proposal, to selling the book, to marketing follow-up post-publication, Lisa’s enthusiasm never flagged. When she believes in something, she will do everything possible to make sure the project gets what it deserves.
Lisa worked closely with us to develop an incredible book proposal that we sold to a top publisher. She is smart, driven and will do anything to support you as an author. She is also super personable, down to earth and fun to work with. She is well connected in the New York literary scene. Publishers know her and want to work with her. Lisa is the real deal. If you’re lucky enough to have her as your literary agent, you will reap the rewards.
Lisa Leshne goes the extra mile and then keeps going until there’s no ground left to cover. She is a well-connected, media-savvy, generous connector who is always looking for opportunities for her clients and their publishers. She is a smart, scrupulous, collaborative, and a creative powerhouse who sees every book as a potential bestseller and every author as a friend. An author couldn’t ask for a better agent and a publisher couldn’t ask for a more committed and collaborative partner.
Lisa is the ultimate agent for a busy and absorbed creative professional. She looks after the details, thinks ahead of the game always several steps, and her shrewd negotiations far exceed what I could dream up myself. Always pleasant, inspiring, and fun, working with Lisa is more like having coffee with a friend who knows you very well and whose advice you always carefully consider. With Lisa at the “gate” one can concentrate on creating and let the “big gun” manage business, with style, kindness, and uncanny ability to make success.