Sara Jafari

Sara Jafari – Editor

Developmental editor, formerly at Penguin Random House, Harper Collins and Bloomsbury, and published author.

Overview

I work as a freelance editor for some of the major publishing houses in the UK.


Up until very recently, I worked as a senior editor at Bloomsbury, and prior to that Penguin Random House, the largest children's publisher in the UK, working across a range of ages from young fiction to crossover non-fiction. I have 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, romance, literary fiction and YA.


As an author myself (The Mismatch and People Change - both published by Penguin Random House) 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!

Services
Fiction
Children's Coming of Age Contemporary Romance Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • BA in English and Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London
  • Faber Academy - Writing a Novel graduate

Work experience

Penguin Random House Children's Books

Jul, 2019 — Sep, 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.

Bloomsbury

Oct, 2024 — Present
- Worked closely with a range of authors on editorial development, from structural editorial work and line editing - Took projects through the editorial and publishing process - Assessed agent submissions - Wrote cover copy and web copy

Mills & Boon / Harlequin

Mar, 2017 — Jul, 2019 (over 2 years)
- Line editing manuscripts - Providing authors with developmental edits - Assessing submissions

TOKEN Magazine

Jan, 2017 — Present
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

Penguin Random House

Mar, 2016 — Mar, 2017 (about 1 year)

Portfolio

The Mismatch: A Novel

Jafari, Sara

Dell

Things Left Unsaid: A Novel

Jafari, Sara

St. Martin's Press

The Mirror World

Femi Fadugba

Penguin

Developmental Editing
Good For Nothing

Ansar, Mariam

Developmental Editing
Book 9780241626955

Jenni Fletcher

The First Move

Jenny Ireland

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing
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 sea... read more
Developmental Editing
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 he... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
They Call Her Regret

Desamours, Channelle

Wednesday Books

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 Bl... read more
Developmental Editing
The third book in The Kissing Booth series - based on the upcoming Netflix film!
Developmental Editing
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... read more
Developmental Editing
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 informatio... read more
Developmental Editing
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 identit... read more
Developmental Editing
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 f... read more
Developmental Editing
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 missin... read more
Developmental Editing
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 ... read more
“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. Penni... read more
Developmental Editing
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 fu... read more
Developmental Editing
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 ... read more
Developmental Editing
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. Bu... read more
Developmental Editing
“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 shatter... read more
Developmental Editing
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 wh... read more
Developmental Editing
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 wh... read more
Developmental Editing
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 sis... read more
Developmental Editing
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 informatio... read more
Developmental Editing
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 ... read more
Developmental Editing
Coming soon! The Venetian One-Night Baby by Melanie Milburne will be available Jan 15, 2019.
Developmental Editing
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 stu... read more
Developmental Editing
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 f... read more
Developmental Editing
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 missin... read more
Developmental Editing
“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 shatter... read more
Developmental Editing
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 fu... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing

Sara has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

DT G.

DT G.

Jun, 2025

Sara completed an editorial review of my draft novel. She is the consumate professional. Her feedback was timely, balanced, extremely useful, and I would certainly work with her again.
Oliver L.

Oliver L.

May, 2025

Working with Sara on my submission package was an absolute joy. She was brilliant from start to finish. She was quick to respond, clear in her communication and incredibly thorough. Every piece of feedback she offered was thoughtful, practical and genuinely elevated my work. Her suggestions helpe...
Read more
Cassidy S.

Cassidy S.

Mar, 2024

Sara provided invaluable feedback on my novel extract, offering insightful suggestions that significantly enhanced the quality of my work. Notably, her keen eye for detail and constructive criticism were spot-on, and I found myself in complete agreement with her assessments. Beyond her editing pr...
Read more
Alexandra I.

Alexandra I.

Nov, 2022

Sara was fantastic to work with! Her feedback was helpful and specific!
Adrianna T.

Adrianna T.

Jun, 2021

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 ...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Sara and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Sara

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Robin Benjamin

Robin B.

A New York-based developmental editor, proofreader, and writing coach with over twenty years of experience in fiction for all ages!

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Jacquelin Cangro

Jacquelin C.

I'm a veteran developmental book editor with 20 years of experience at Penguin Random House committed to helping you make your story sing!

New York, New York, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Tallulah Lyons

Tallulah L.

Editorial Director at Hodder and Stoughton working on commercial fiction, previously at Penguin Random House.

London, UK

69% reply rate

View profile