Collaborist | Editing and Writing Services

You've got a story to tell.

We're here to help you tell it.

We provide editing, writing, coaching, and consulting services for writers in all genres. Whether you’re a first-time writer planning your first manuscript or an established author wondering why your latest draft isn’t quite working as well as it should, our bespoke services will help you attain your goals.

Novels. Memoirs. Book Proposals. Query Letters. Ghost Writing. Book Doctoring. Advice. Support. Empathy. Intuition. Professional Experience. Accountability. Collaboration.

Who we are, what we've done, and what we love doing.

Jason Buchholz

Jason Buchholz’s acclaimed debut novel, A Paper Son, was published by Tyrus Books in 2016. He has ghostwritten books and book proposals for a variety of authors and as an editor he has fostered the development of dozens of manuscripts, both in fiction and nonfiction. He has also worked as a journalist and a travel writer. A current nonfiction project has him hiking and kayaking deep into the quiet landscapes of the many wilderness areas of Northern California, where he lives. When he’s not writing or reading he spends his time playing and traveling with his son and daughter. Jason graduated from UC Berkeley and holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco.

Ben LeRoy

Ben LeRoy began his publishing career in the early 2000s as the publisher of Bleak House Books (2000-2009) and then Tyrus Books (2009-2017) until the latter was acquired by Simon & Schuster. During his time as publisher, Ben worked on a variety of critically acclaimed and award winning titles. He was also a regular panelist and speaker at writing conferences. Since 2017 he has continued to work with writers to help them understand and best tell their stories. He has extensive relationships within the publishing and bookselling community and is a mindful observer of current trends and artistic integrity. He is continually exploring new ways of approaching editing.

Endorsements

Bronwen Hruska

author of Accelerated and Publisher of Soho Press

“Whether I’m stuck on the logic of a story’s structure, looking for a character’s motivation, or in need of some muscular brainstorming, Ben has been a tremendous resource for me in my writing. Smart and emotionally intelligent, Ben has an excellent knowledge of the craft of writing and is never afraid to provide an honest gut check. I’m not sure how I’d attack a new project without him.”

Deborah Johnson

author of The Secret of Magic & The Air Between Us

"Jason and Ben were instrumental in helping me move my novel from what it was saying to what I wanted it to say. Their knowledge of craft is deeply intelligent and well articulated. I found their recommendations to be spot on and look forward to working with them on future projects."

Mark Stevens

author of The Fireballer and The Allison Coil Mystery Series

"When you are ready to bring fresh eyes and rich experience to your writing project, what you want is not only the predictable 'deep dive,' you want editors and writers who connect with your words and ideas at the most soulful, emotional level. That's what you get at Collaborist - two bright thinkers in Ben and Jason who get inside what you're trying to do and who will help you execute your story at a high level."

Alexander Nader

author of the Beasts of Burdin series

“I worked with Collaborist on the opening chapters of my psychological thriller. Ben took the time to read the chapters and responded with well thought out feedback on how I could improve the story. The comments pushed me to dig deeper into my own story and as a result they helped me tighten up the subplots of my novel which lead to a more complete conclusion. Ben was easy to talk to and even followed up with me to see how the story was going after our conversation. I would recommend Collaborist to anyone who needs guidance from people who truly understand what it takes to make a great novel.”

Allison Klein

Author, What Would Murphy Brown Do?

"You guys truly have been a godsend. I no longer feel alone in this process and I am so thankful."

Madelyn Postman

"I was delighted to discover Collaborist when looking into Jason Buchholz after reading his debut, A Paper Son. Jason assessed my manuscript (a narrative nonfiction family saga and memoir) and provided invaluable advice right when I needed it, also referencing a couple of books which have helped me unpick some structural tangles. I highly recommend working with Collaborist."

Collaborcast is a podcast for writers and storytellers at all stages of the journey. We talk the craft of writing, provide insight into the mysterious world of the publishing industry, and examine the importance of storytelling as a community building block. Hosted by publishing industry veteran Ben LeRoy and critically acclaimed author Jason Buchholz.