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Long Story Short

The Only Storytelling Guide Youll Ever Need

Margot Leitman
When you watch Margot Leitman telling stories onstage, you find yourself laughing hysterically and
somehow feeling less alone in a world where it seems everyone else got some kind of instruction
manual. And now shes literally gone and given you an instruction manual.
Dan Kennedy, host of The Moth Podcast and writer-performer
Did you ever wish you could tell a story that leaves others
spellbound? Storytelling teacher and Moth GrandSLAM champion
Margot Leitman will show you how in Long Story Short: The
Only Storytelling Guide Youll Ever Need (Sasquatch Books;
$19.95; October 2015).
This practical storytelling guide from Leitman, a comedian,
winner of multiple storytelling competitions, and founder of the
Upright Citizens Brigades storytelling program, breaks a story into
concrete components with ways to improve content, structure,
emotional impact, and delivery.
Leitman shows readers how to get past the fear of having
nothing interesting to say and how to strike gold in the universal
truth of shared human experiences. She also addresses common questions like what details can I
fudge? With an easy-to-read layout and plenty of sidebars and tips, Long Story Short helps anyone turn
lifes mishaps into story magic.

The book takes a fun, irreverent, and infographic approach, with personal anecdotes, relatable

examples, and practical exercises to help storytellers of all levels draw in audiences and keep them on
the edges of their seats.

(MORE)
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About the Author

Margot Leitman is a storyteller, comedian, and writer
originally from Matawan, New Jersey. She is the author of the
comedic memoir Gawky: Tales of an Extra Long Awkward
Phase from Seal Press/Perseus Books, which was called
hilarious by New Jersey Monthly magazine, and really, who
doesnt desire to make their home state proud? For television,
she has written for NBC, the Hallmark Channel, and the PixL
network. In print, her writing has appeared in Playgirl
magazine and New York Press, and on websites such as the
Frisky, CollegeHumor, and MyLifetime.com. Margot is a fivetime Moth StorySLAM winner and was the Moth GrandSLAM
champion in New York City in 2011. She travels all over the
world performing her true stories and teaching others to tell their own. She is also an amateur
baker and keeps an avid yoga practice. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. Visit
MargotLeitman.com.

Long Story Short

The Only Storytelling Guide Youll Ever Need
Margot Leitman
October 2015 $19.95 320 pages Paperback
ISBN 978-1-63217-027-9
Available wherever fine books are sold.
Sasquatch Books 800/775-0817 www.sasquatchbooks.com

SASQUATCH BOOKS

1904 3rd Avenue, Suite 710 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101

206/467-4300 TOLL FREE 800/775-0817 FAX 206/467-4301
www.sasquatchbooks.com

Praise for Long Story Short

When you watch Margot Leitman telling stories onstage, you find yourself laughing hysterically
and somehow feeling less alone in a world where it seems everyone else got some kind of
instruction manual. And now shes literally gone and given you an instruction manual. Shesa
former hypochondriac, obsessed with game shows, and asuperfan of hair metaland shell
make you realize your own qualifications and credentials in no time. In a world of experts,
youve found an insightful book about storytelling from an actual human.
Dan Kennedy, host of The Moth Podcast and writer-performer

Margot Leitman is a rare thing: shes a performer, a writer, andin this bookthe teacher you
secretly have a crush on. Sharp as hell, Leitman teaches you how to tell your own story. Through
sharing her process, telling personal stories, and giving practical exercises, she will give you the
tools and confidence you need to share your story with the world.
Elna Baker, author and regular contributor to This American Life

For our improv show ASSSSCAT the success of the performance hinges on how meaty the
story is that the monologist gives us. Margot always delivers a nice thick cut of filet mignon.
Matt Besser, cofounder of The Upright Citizens Brigade and author of The Upright
Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual

Margot Leitman and Michael Jordan are both naturally good at storytelling/basketball. But
theyre not content to coast on their natural abilities; they also work at their craft/dunks. But
where they differ is that Michael Jordan has retired and Margot Leitman continues to hone her
formidable skills on the word processor/court. Long Story Short shows her at the top of her
game/game.
Rob Delaney, comedian and best-selling author

Margot Leitman is not only an incredibly skilled and entertaining storyteller but also a gifted
teacher.She is the person you most want next to you around a campfire, at a grungy bar, or
cheering you on at your first PowerPoint presentation. In Long Story Short, Margot expertly
guides readers through the ins and outs of a craft essential to all who seek to connect more
deeply with the world around them.
Jillian Lauren, New York Times best-selling author of Some Girls: My Life in a Harem

Whether you know it or not, there are great stories inside of you, and Margot Leitman is the
perfect person to help you find them and squeeze every drop of humor and emotion out of them
when you do. Long story short, she rules. Buy this book.
DC Pierson, author of The Boy Who Couldnt Sleep and Never Had To

Margot Leitman is hilarious and vulnerable and real. In Long Story Short, she teaches us, with
great candor and clarity, how storytelling works. This book is essentiala reminder that the
world would be a better place if everyone knew how to tell a good story.
Diana Spechler, author and seven-time Moth StorySLAM winner
SASQUATCH BOOKS

1904 3rd Avenue, Suite 710 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101

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From Long Story Short: The Only Storytelling Guide Youll Ever Need by Margot Leitman

Keep it true.
Change names and identifying characteristics of other
people in your story if you feel its necessary.
Make sure your story has a universal theme that is
relatable, not self-indulgent or overly personal.
Have multiple points of entry.
Dont be heavy-handed with your message. Let the story
speak for itself.
If youre not over it, dont tell it.
Tell us what you were thinking at the time of your story.
Reveal your inner monologue, from A to Z.
Cut the fat when introducing external characters. Use composite characters and
nickname them when you can.
Make sure we root for you. Be an underdog.
Show us your flaws and use them to your advantage when telling your story.
If there are full-circle connections within your story, be sure to use them. But dont
force a connection.
Be the star of your story.
Add nostalgia (songs, television shows, fashion styles from the time of the story).
Keep us on our toes by incorporating the unexpected.
Keep it conversational, not presentational. Cut out anything you wouldnt say to a group
of your friends. You want your story to sound natural.
Make sure you arent just listing things, going on a rant, or making a political speech.
Make sure you get to the meat of the story.
If you care, we care. Passion will take you far. Emotionally respond to the tale you are
recounting, but dont yell at us!
SASQUATCH BOOKS

1904 3rd Avenue, Suite 710 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101

206/467-4300 TOLL FREE 800/775-0817 FAX 206/467-4301
www.sasquatchbooks.com