Sara Jafari - Editor
Former editor at Penguin Random House with a wealth of experience editing a range of books from contemporary romance to children's fiction.
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Overview
I work as a freelance editor for some of the major publishing houses in the UK.
Up until very recently, I worked as an editor at the largest children's publisher in the UK, Penguin Random House Children's, across a range of ages from young fiction to crossover non-fiction. During my time there, I launched numerous debut authors, and worked very closely with new authors, as well as more established brand authors.
Previous to this, I worked at Harper Collins, at Mills & Boon, and whilst there I edited contemporary and historical series romance.
My taste is broad, but I am particularly interested in editing upmarket women's fiction, literary fiction and YA.
As an author myself (my novel THE MISMATCH was published in 2021 from Cornerstone, PRH and my second novel PEOPLE CHANGE forthcoming) I am very sensitive to working with new authors and providing them valuable editorial feedback on their projects. I always provide the opportunity for a phone or video call which will accompany my editorial letter because I know how helpful it can be chatting through editorial feedback.
Above all, I am passionate about helping authors develop their voice and stories. So, please do get in touch with your projects!
Up until very recently, I worked as an editor at the largest children's publisher in the UK, Penguin Random House Children's, across a range of ages from young fiction to crossover non-fiction. During my time there, I launched numerous debut authors, and worked very closely with new authors, as well as more established brand authors.
Previous to this, I worked at Harper Collins, at Mills & Boon, and whilst there I edited contemporary and historical series romance.
My taste is broad, but I am particularly interested in editing upmarket women's fiction, literary fiction and YA.
As an author myself (my novel THE MISMATCH was published in 2021 from Cornerstone, PRH and my second novel PEOPLE CHANGE forthcoming) I am very sensitive to working with new authors and providing them valuable editorial feedback on their projects. I always provide the opportunity for a phone or video call which will accompany my editorial letter because I know how helpful it can be chatting through editorial feedback.
Above all, I am passionate about helping authors develop their voice and stories. So, please do get in touch with your projects!
Languages
English (AUS)
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Contemporary Romance
Historical Fiction
Literary Fiction
Middle Grade
New Adult
Paranormal Romance
Women's Fiction
Certifications
- BA in English and Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London
- Faber Academy - Writing a Novel graduate
Work experience
Editor
Penguin Random House Children's Books
July, 2019
–
September, 2022
(about 3 years)
- Actively commissioned new projects
- Assessed agent submissions
- Worked closely on edits with authors (from structural edits to line edits)
- Briefed covers
- Provided support for our big brand authors (such as Rick Riordan and the Wimpy Kid series)
- Published the titles in our Wattpad collaboration
I worked on a range of age ranges from 6+ into young adult and crossover spaces for both fiction and non-fiction.
Editorial Assistant
Mills & Boon / Harlequin
March, 2017
–
July, 2019
(over 2 years)
- Line editing manuscripts
- Providing authors with developmental edits
- Assessing submissions
Editor in Chief
TOKEN Magazine
January, 2017
–
Present
(almost 6 years)
TOKEN Magazine is a print literary and arts magazine that features under-represented writers and artists. I undertake all the editorial responsibilities in this role, such as:
- Providing developmental edits
- Performing line edits, as well as copy-edits
- Proofreading
Data Archivist
Penguin Random House
March, 2016
–
March, 2017
(about 1 year)
Portfolio (31 selected works)
The Dream Team: Jaz Santos vs. the World
Priscilla Mante
A heart-warming, funny and accessible new series: Bend It Like Beckham for fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Ella On The Outside.Things begin to go wrong for Jaz when her mum moves out, leaving her family behind. Determined to fix everything, she creates her own girl's football team to be the star her mum always wanted. First, she recruits a brilliant new group of friends to join her team. But aft... read more
Join Lizzie and Lucky on another mystery-solving adventure! Perfect for fans of Holly Webb and Anisha, Accidental Detective.When Lizzie and her hearing dog Lucky go on a family trip to the seaside, something doesn't seem right. There's talk of missing treasure no one has been able to find for years and years, and artefacts are mysteriously disappearing in the local museum. Anyone else would sh... read more
Meet Lizzie and Lucky: a sparky young detective and her loyal Dalmatian sidekick! The first title in a brand new illustrated series from beloved animal author Megan Rix.Lizzie is desperate for a dog. In order to convince her parents to get one, she has to come up with 101 reasons why she needs one. Lizzie is a master at making lists, so thinking of 101 reasons is going to be easy! Especially a... read more
The Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time
Beth Reekles
The third book in The Kissing Booth series - based on the upcoming Netflix film!
How to Disappear
Savannah Brown
"The year is 1987 and the sleepy village of Sandown Bay is waking up . . ."To its residents, Sandown is home - a tiny village holiday resort in the western United States.To everyone else, it's a minuscule island, that brings tourists in summer and not a lot else the rest of the time.To Mona Perry, it's a mystery.Thirty-four years ago, promising singer and Sandown resident Roxy Raines went miss... read more
Black Joy
Various
Nigerian hall parties. Black girl gangs. Being at one with nature. Creating a home. Finding love. Belonging to a fandom. Joy can be found in many places. Bringing together the most exciting Black British voices today, Black Joy is an extraordinary anthology that celebrates everything that is brilliant and beautiful about being Black British.
The Dream Team: Charligh Green vs. The Spotlight
Mante, Priscilla
Bound by Their Christmas Baby (Christmas Seductions)
Clare Connelly
From under the mistletoe……to down the aisle!When brooding bachelor Gabe Arantini learns the innocent beauty he shared a steamy festive night with is the daughter of his business rival, he’s furious. The following Christmas, Abby returns with shocking news—she’s had his child! Gabe knows he must marry Abby to legitimize his son. But can this be a marriage in name only, or will their red-hot che... read more
Bound by the Billionaire's Vows (Harlequin Presents)
Clare Connelly
“I have a condition…”Can she agree to her husband’s terms? When heiress Skye learns her marriage to Matteo was built on lies, she demands a divorce. A pawn in his revenge, Skye’s heart shattered when she discovered her husband’s game. The clock is ticking; she needs his signature. But Matteo is not willing to let Skye go so easily—the price of her freedom is one last night together!
How Not to Marry an Earl (Those Scandalous Stricklands)
Christine Merrill
The plainest Strickland sisterIn the earl’s arms!Part of Those Scandalous Stricklands. To escape marriage to the newly inherited Earl of Comstock, bookish Charity must find her family’s missing diamonds. She meets her match in an intellectual stranger auditing the estate…not knowing he is Lord Comstock himself! With him, Charity feels different—even desirable! But will seizing one night of pas... read more
A Kiss Away from Scandal (Those Scandalous Stricklands)
Christine Merrill
If the truth comes out……there will be scandal!In this Those Scandalous Stricklands story, Hope Strickland must find the lost items of her family’s estate. Mysterious Gregory Drake, expert at fixing the problems of the aristocracy, is hired to help. As they embark on the search, Hope finds herself drawn to the handsome stranger. He may not be a gentleman, but Hope’s tempted to put aside her mar... read more
Claimed for the Billionaire's Convenience (Harlequin Presents)
Melanie Milburne
To redeem his notorious reputation…She’ll agree to wear his ring!When headlines mistakenly announce florist Holly Frost’s engagement to ruthless celebrity divorce lawyer Zack Knight, she’s stunned. His lethal charisma may have ignited a fire in her blood, but she’s finished with fairy tales. Yet Zack seems determined to turn this scandal, and their red-hot attraction, to their mutual advantage... read more
The Venetian One-Night Baby (One Night With Consequences)
Melanie Milburne
Coming soon! The Venetian One-Night Baby by Melanie Milburne will be available Jan 15, 2019.
A secret night of bliss……a scandalous nine-month consequence!While attending a royal masquerade, billionaire Damon can’t resist seducing a captivating guest. It’s the most shamelessly sensual encounter he’s ever had! Then Damon discovers that his masked beauty was actually Princess Eleni—and now she’s carrying his child. To protect Eleni from scandal, Damon must do the unthinkable, yet outrage... read more
The King's Captive Virgin (Harlequin Presents)
Natalie Anderson
A woman untouched…Awakened by her king! Kassie’s scandalous family has left her craving a life in the shadows, not the spotlight. Then King Giorgos Nicolaides kidnaps her, demanding information about his missing sister! She knows nothing—but their potent attraction unlocks a desire Kassie never thought possible. A deal is struck—she will help protect his sister’s reputation, and Giorgos will i... read more
The Million Pound Marriage Deal
Michelle Douglas
A marriage of convenience…With a price!Billionaire playboy Will Trent-Paterson has one year to get married. His father will disinherit him if he doesn’t settle down, leaving his vulnerable sister homeless! So when his old friend Sophie Mitchell jokes that she’d marry him for a million pounds, a temporary marriage seems like the perfect solution! Until, after spending time with captivating Soph... read more
The Prince's Cinderella Doc
Louisa Heaton
A doctor, a single dad prince……and a happy-ever-after?Dr. Krystiana Szenac’s whole world is turned upside down when she’s hired to complete Crown Prince Matteo’s yearly physical. Especially when an unfortunate accident leaves her homeless—and Matteo offers her a room at the palace! Despite being worlds apart, Krystiana’s pulled into Matteo’s life by his fun-loving young daughter. But is sharin... read more
The Prince's Cinderella Doc
Louisa Heaton
A doctor, a single dad prince……and a happy-ever-after?Dr. Krystiana Szenac’s whole world is turned upside down when she’s hired to complete Crown Prince Matteo’s yearly physical. Especially when an unfortunate accident leaves her homeless—and Matteo offers her a room at the palace! Despite being worlds apart, Krystiana’s pulled into Matteo’s life by his fun-loving young daughter. But is sharin... read more
Bound by the Billionaire's Vows (Harlequin Presents)
Clare Connelly
“I have a condition…”Can she agree to her husband’s terms? When heiress Skye learns her marriage to Matteo was built on lies, she demands a divorce. A pawn in his revenge, Skye’s heart shattered when she discovered her husband’s game. The clock is ticking; she needs his signature. But Matteo is not willing to let Skye go so easily—the price of her freedom is one last night together!
Spaniard's Baby of Revenge (Harlequin Presents)
Clare Connelly
His vengeance was strictly business…Until he discovers she’s carrying his heir!Antonio Herrera’s plan is simple: persuade innocent Amelia diSalvo to sell the shares in his rival’s business. But what the Spanish billionaire didn’t plan on was their intense connection. Now Antonio has only one aim…the ultimate seduction! So he’s stunned to discover their nine-month consequence. To secure his hei... read more
Bought for the Billionaire's Revenge (Harlequin Presents)
Clare Connelly
Sold to the ruthless tycoon!Innocent socialite Marnie Kenington was devastated when her parents forced her to spurn Nikos Kyriazis. She’s never forgotten him, nor his raw sensuality. So years later, when Nikos insists on a meeting, Marnie’s heart leaps…until Nikos strikes a cold, hard deal. Her family is on the verge of bankruptcy and he will rescue them—if she becomes his wife!Marnie’s reject... read more
Bound by Their Christmas Baby (Christmas Seductions)
Clare Connelly
From under the mistletoe……to down the aisle!When brooding bachelor Gabe Arantini learns the innocent beauty he shared a steamy festive night with is the daughter of his business rival, he’s furious. The following Christmas, Abby returns with shocking news—she’s had his child! Gabe knows he must marry Abby to legitimize his son. But can this be a marriage in name only, or will their red-hot che... read more
Penniless Virgin to Sicilian's Bride (Conveniently Wed! Book 3717)
Melanie Milburne
“Marry me this weekend.”He will wed his Cinderella!Sicilian billionaire Gabriel Salvetti offers a simple exchange—for her hand in marriage, he’ll save Francesca Mancini’s ancestral home. Penniless Frankie has the aristocratic name Gabriel needs to redeem his family’s notorious reputation. And their blatant physical attraction can only sweeten the deal. But when he discovers his convenient brid... read more
The Venetian One-Night Baby (One Night With Consequences Book 3691)
Melanie Milburne
It was a sizzling encounter…Then a baby binds them forever!A hotel booking mix-up in Venice means wedding-dress designer Sabrina Midhurst must share a room with her nemesis: wealthy, brooding businessman Max Firbank. It’s infuriating—until an unexpected night of passion awakens a need Sabrina didn’t even know was possible! They’ve always battled their supercharged attraction, so when Sabrina c... read more
How Not to Marry an Earl (Those Scandalous Stricklands)
Christine Merrill
The plainest Strickland sisterIn the earl’s arms!Part of Those Scandalous Stricklands. To escape marriage to the newly inherited Earl of Comstock, bookish Charity must find her family’s missing diamonds. She meets her match in an intellectual stranger auditing the estate…not knowing he is Lord Comstock himself! With him, Charity feels different—even desirable! But will seizing one night of pas... read more
A Kiss Away from Scandal (Those Scandalous Stricklands)
Christine Merrill
If the truth comes out……there will be scandal!In this Those Scandalous Stricklands story, Hope Strickland must find the lost items of her family’s estate. Mysterious Gregory Drake, expert at fixing the problems of the aristocracy, is hired to help. As they embark on the search, Hope finds herself drawn to the handsome stranger. He may not be a gentleman, but Hope’s tempted to put aside her mar... read more
Pregnant by the Commanding Greek (Harlequin Presents)
Natalie Anderson
Their blissful encounter was a secret…Until her pregnancy shock!Powerful Greek Leon Kariakis is not accustomed to being challenged—least of all by an impulsive woman who’s mistaken his identity. Yet warmhearted Ettie Roberts is a breath of fresh air, and Leon can’t resist indulging in a night of tantalizing pleasure! But Ettie’s pregnancy bombshell demands action. Leon’s heir will not be born ... read more
The King's Captive Virgin (Harlequin Presents)
Natalie Anderson
A woman untouched…Awakened by her king! Kassie’s scandalous family has left her craving a life in the shadows, not the spotlight. Then King Giorgos Nicolaides kidnaps her, demanding information about his missing sister! She knows nothing—but their potent attraction unlocks a desire Kassie never thought possible. A deal is struck—she will help protect his sister’s reputation, and Giorgos will i... read more
Seducing His Convenient Innocent (Harlequin Presents)
Rachael Thomas
The Greek’s terms?She must wear his diamond!Lysandros Drakakis always gets what he wants, and he’s never stopped wanting beautiful pianist Rio Armstrong! A fake engagement to please his family is the perfect opportunity to uncover why she walked away from their powerful connection…and indulge their still-sizzling desire under the Mediterranean sun. But Rio’s heartbreaking revelation changes th... read more
Sara has 4 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Sara was fantastic to work with! Her feedback was helpful and specific!
Alexandra Iordache, November 2022
Sara was extremely professional and just as passionate about my manuscript as I was. Her turnover time was very quick. The feedback letter she gave me for both my manuscript and query letter combined was incredibly detailed, she really broke down where to improve on my work to make it ready for literary agents to read. Definitely worth the money!
Adrianna Tetnowski, June 2021
I would highly recommend working with Sara. She is extremely professional and really cares about the project she reviews. Her inputs have been very valuable and will help me take my book to the next week. Looking forward to working with Sara again soon.
Negar Marazzi, February 2019
Sara was amazing with her assistance. Her insight helped a first timer understand the plot holes and problems in the story and gave great suggestions to overcome the issues. Grateful for her input and professionalism. I would definitely work with Sara again!
Cheryl Rosario, October 2018
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