Rob Hart

Rob Hart – Editor

Bestselling mystery/thriller author with a love for working with other writers and a keen eye for storytelling mechanics.

Overview

Hi! My name is Rob, and I'm here to help you get your book into fighting shape!


I've got a wealth of experience in publishing—I'm the author of eight novels, including THE WAREHOUSE, which sold in more than 20 languages, and THE PARADOX HOTEL, named one of the best books of 2022 by NPR. I've also published a short story collection, co-wrote a novella with James Patterson, and wrote a comic book with Alex Segura and Joe Eisma. My work has been optioned for film and TV by directors like Ron Howard and Stephen Spielberg. I currently teach in an MFA program, and for seven years I was the publisher for MysteriousPress.com, so I've seen the industry from both sides of the aisle.


My specialty—according to reviewers and readers—is big-idea, high-concept stories that deliver strong characters, fast plots, and pulse-pounding action.


I also love working with other writers, and helping them find those things in their own work. I want to help you take your story, draw out the strongest parts, and make it ready for your audience—whether you want to self-publish, seek an indie publisher, or find the agent of your dreams and swing for the fences.


My biggest goal, though, is to give *you* the tools you need to do it—it's your story, and I want to help you make it the best version of itself, and impossible to put down.

Services
Fiction
Cozy Mysteries Espionage Historical Mysteries Horror Psychological Thriller Technothriller
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Seton Hill University

Jun, 2023 — Present
I am currently a writing mentor in the Writing Popular Fiction MFA program at Seton Hill University. Responsibilities include: leading writing workshops, teaching modules on subjects like writing action and navigating the publishing industry, and mentoring students through their thesis—the completion of a market-ready novel.

Self

Apr, 2018 — Present
I am currently a full-time author and a freelance editor.

MysteriousPress.com

Aug, 2011 — Apr, 2018 (over 6 years)
I was the publisher for MysteriousPress.com, where I was responsible for acquiring and editing work, communicating with agents and publishers, and generally keeping the entire operation moving. It gave me a fantastic view of how publishing works on the other side of the aisle.

Portfolio

One for Our Baby (The Joe Buonomo Mysteries Book 1)

Sandrolini, John

MysteriousPress.com/Open Road

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Jimmy the Stick (Jimmy Quinn Suspense Novel)

Mayo, Michael

Coffeetown Press

Developmental Editing
The Downside

Cooper, Mike

MysteriousPress.com/Open Road

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Battered Badge (The Nero Wolfe Mysteries)

Goldsborough, Robert

Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.

Developmental Editing
Murder in the Ball Park (The Nero Wolfe Mysteries)

Goldsborough, Robert

Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.

Developmental Editing
Archie in the Crosshairs (The Nero Wolfe Mysteries Book 10)

Goldsborough, Robert

MysteriousPress.com/Open Road

Developmental Editing
Condor: The Short Takes

Grady, James

MysteriousPress.com/Open Road

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
A Swollen Red Sun

McBride, Matthew

Open Road Integrated Media, Inc.

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Sleepless

Manibo, Victor

Erewhon Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Fadeaway Joe: A Novel

Lessig, Hugh

Crooked Lane Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Guns and Almond Milk: A Novel

Marwan, Mustafa

Interlink Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

Rob has 4 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Chris B.

Chris B.

Apr, 2025

I've had the opportunity to share my work for honest feedback with Rob twice now, and have been very happy with the dialogue. His insights have been very useful and practical. He's also one of the best thriller writers working today.
Rob H.
Thanks Chris--always a pleasure to work with you!
Marc K.

Marc K.

Apr, 2025

Rob’s feedback was just what I needed to bring my manuscript to the next level. He articulated in detail what my beta readers only vaguely felt. He gave me resources and direction with prompt replies as I asked for clarification. Would recommend!
Rob H.
Thanks Marc--This book was a ton of fun to work on, and I think you've got something really interesting to work with here!
Chris B.

Chris B.

Jan, 2025

I'm glad to have the opportunity to review Rob Hart's developmental thoughts on this book. I've had lots of beta readers and collaborative conversations with two other professional editors, all of which were helpful. But Rob's review was a true game-changers thanks to his careful read and thought...
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Rob H.
Thanks so much Chris! It was a pleasure working on this book.
James C.

James C.

Oct, 2024

Rob was very prompt and had a quick turnaround time. He always responded to any questions and/or notes with good feedback and very quickly. Regarding the edit: Rob had some wonderful insights and offered very valuable notes. He was great at praising the things he felt worked well but also was not...
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