I am currently open to manuscript edits, book coaching, query package reviews, and consulting calls.
Manuscript edits: Have you finished a book and you know it needs some work that you can’t quite put your finger on? Or it’s not landing with people the way you expected? Whether it’s a polish or deeper structural work, I can help identify the flaws and give you guidance on how to fix them.
Book coaching: Do you have an idea, but you’re intimidated at the prospect of… sitting down and writing? Or you’re writing in circles and now sure how to focus? I can help guide you through the process, with weekly (or bi-weekly or monthly or whatever) checkins. We can design the process to fit your schedule and get the thing written!
Query package: Need someone to look over your query, synopsis, and submission pages? I know what editors and agents are looking for, and I can help you tighten everything up.
Consulting calls: Do you have general questions about writing craft or the business of publishing? Need to talk about how to set yourself up for future success, or want to know how to get started? We can chat, in half-hour or hour increments, and I’ll offer you guidance.
You can contact me here to let me know what you’re looking for and inquire about pricing.
Why work with me? Here are some reasons!
- I’ve written eight books, including The Warehouse, which sold in more than 20 countries, The Paradox Hotel, which was named one of the best books of 2022 by NPR, and Assassins Anonymous, which was optioned for film by Steven Spielberg.
- I participated twice in Pitch Wars, and both times my mentees landed with solid agents.
- I worked as an editor and publisher, running MysteriousPress.com for several years, during which I edited and acquired novels, and saw a lot of the behind-the-scenes machinery.
- I’ve published more than 20 short stories, including a Star Wars story. I received a Derringer Award nomination for best flash fiction story, and my short story “Take-Out” appeared in Best American Mystery Stories 2018. I also received honorable mention in both Best American Mystery Stories 2015 and 2017.
- My essays and articles have been published at places like Writer’s Digest, Salon, The Daily Beast, Criminal Element, and CrimeReads.
- I’ve ran the online writing workshop program at LitReactor for ten years, and lectured several times for Writer’s Digest.
I’ve seen a bit and done a bit, but more importantly than that, I really like talking craft and working with writers. If you’re got a manuscript that needs a boost, or someone to help you make the story crackle, I’m your guy. If you’ve got an idea and don’t know where to start and just need to spitball, we could do that too.
I’m also generally available for teaching and speaking gigs, both online, and in-person in the New York City area.
“Rob did a great job of telling us how to set priorities in the right order. If you’ve got a big, sprawling idea but can’t quite “see” all of it, I would take this class. Also, the feedback from classmates was great. It actually helped that many did not write in my genre. They provided a fresh set of eyes.” —Hugh L., on Rob’s LitReactor class The Big Idea
“Rob’s class is engaging, interesting, and helps wrangle the process of starting a project into a manageable framework. He’s a friendly and encouraging teacher who helps you develop your idea into an exciting new story.” —Kyle M., on Rob’s LitReactor class The Big Idea
“In a matter of weeks, Rob helped me to look at my idea from angles I’d never considered, then to reshape it into a solid, marketable concept I couldn’t wait to start drafting.” — Dan F., on Rob’s LitReactor class The Big Idea
“Rob’s insight and guidance made my manuscript better and helped me become a better writer. His keen editorial eye saw what I set out to do with my work, and he provided me with a detailed plan toward executing that vision and fulfilling its potential. From developmental edits to fine-tuning the manuscript to be market-ready, Rob truly took my writing to the next level, and he did so with professionalism and genuine investment in the book’s success.” —Victor Manibo, Pitch Wars mentee
“Rob saw straight to the heart of my manuscript. He immediately understood what made the plot and characters tick, and then helped me build a stronger story around those. I’m consistently impressed by Rob’s sharp editorial instincts, his insight into the market, and his genuine commitment to helping writers reach their goals.” —Jennifer Mandula, Pitch Wars mentee
Rob Hart 