Jeff Hart

Jeff Hart – Editor

Author of EAT BRAINS LOVE and UNDEAD WITH BENEFITS (Harper Teen). Freelance editor and consultant.

Overview

I'm the author of the YA zom-rom-coms EAT BRAINS LOVE (now a movie!) and UNDEAD WITH BENEFITS, both published by Harper Teen. As a ghostwriter, I've written several other young adult novels, many of which have appeared on the NYT Best Sellers list. As an editor and consultant, I've helped craft numerous book proposals that were sold on spec to major publishing houses and shaped many first drafts into publishable manuscripts.

As an author and an editor, I've experienced all sides of the publishing process. From coffee-soaked mornings when it seems like that first draft will never get finished to those late nights feeling like a pincushion while poring over an editor's brutal notes -- I've been there. Beyond a keen eye for the market and an incisive red pen for what works on the page, I've found that what's often most valuable for a writer is a confidant. It's important to have an editor that's been through the process, who you feel comfortable bouncing ideas off, and who will share in both your blunders and successes.

Wherever you are with your manuscript, I can guide you to the next level. I'm available for query critiques, assessment reads, and more in-depth edits. Looking for someone to take a pass at your first draft? Need help sculpting an idea into an outline? Want someone to punch-up your dialogue? I'm ready to assist on projects big and small.

The most fulfilling moments of my career have been when the inherently lonesome writing process gave way to a feeling of community. It takes a team to bring a book into the world and I want to be part of yours!

A NOTE ON REQUESTS: When sending me a request, please attach the first 2,500 words of your manuscript. It's easiest for me to assess where your project is at by starting from the beginning. (These pages also tend to be the most polished!)
Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Contemporary Fiction Epic Fantasy Gaming & LitRPG Horror Middle Grade Science Fiction Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • NYC Midnight Screenwriting Championship runner-up
  • Two-time semi-finalist in The L Magazine’s Literary Upstart
  • Eat, Brains, Love shortlisted for YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers
Certifications
  • University at Buffalo B.A. in English

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2011 — Present

Published two books of my own: EAT BRAINS LOVE and UNDEAD WITH BENEFITS.

Creative consultant on a NYT best-selling YA series; edited or ‘punched-up’ in progress manuscripts prior to publication; authored book proposals that sold to major publishing houses; collaborated with editors on creative direction for various IPs and brands.

Portfolio

Ashfall Prophecy

Lore, Pittacus

Ashfall Legacy

Lore, Pittacus

With its heartwarming blend of guts, romance, and humor, this road trip–ready sequel to Eat, Brains, Love is The Walking Dead meets John Hughes.Jake and Amanda are in love, on the run—and undead. They've picked up a new psychic friend, ex-government-zombie-hun... read more
A laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly romantic, zombie road trip novel filled with heart—and brains. Eat, Brains, Love is perfect for fans of Isaac Marion's Warm Bodies.The good news: Jake's dream girl, Amanda Blake, finally knows his name.The bad news: it's be... read more
Made with Reedsy
God, Incorporated

Taunton, Steven

Steven Taunton

Copy Editing
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Goliath: Book One of WorldSim Trilogy

Hall, C. S.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
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Millions of Little Threads

Pantano, Robert

Developmental Editing
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Rolo the Pet Earthling

Ness, Hans

Copy Editing
Dorothy Must Die

Paige, Danielle

Jeff has 24 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

MaryElizabeth R.

MaryElizabeth R.

May, 2024

Pinned
Jeff went above and beyond with his copyedit, focusing on clarity and keeping the pacing snappy and spot on. His comments were clear and pointed out spots that could use some fleshing out, or could be cut or reworked for pacing. He's also been communicative and available to explain or discuss elements I had questions about. In total, he left my manuscript reading like a book that hooks you and ...
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Robert P.

Robert P.

Jun, 2023

Pinned
This was my second time working with Jeff, and it was another outstanding experience. Jeff is incredibly thoughtful and accommodating. It is clear he not only cares about his work but is also incredibly talented. His edits and notes didn't only rightly point out potential weak points and inconsistencies, but he also provided legitimately helpful, good ideas to consider to resolve the issues. Co...
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Cody W.

Cody W.

Sep, 2022

Pinned
Jeff was really amazing to work with. He went above and beyond, answering so many questions that were technically outside the scope of work. He is really knowledgeable about the industry and has so many insights about writing, agents, publishing, and everything in between. Highly recommended.
Hans N.

Hans N.

Oct, 2024

Jeff has helped me with 3 books now. I keep coming back because his feedback and suggestions are extremely helpful, for both Developmental Edits and for Line Edits. Frankly, I get more usable feedback from Jeff than other editors I've worked with.
Mike S.

Mike S.

Oct, 2024

Jeff knows his stuff. He is skilled at recognizing the superfluous, weak phrasing, and inconsistencies in tone. He understood my sense of humor and seemed to know just what I was going for, pointing out my strengths and areas for improvement. I worked with Jeff on a query package, but I would definitely enlist Jeff for developmental or line edits on a future manuscript. On top of his actual w...
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