James Abbate

James Abbate – Editor

Professional editor with 13+ years experience. Here to provide every editing service and prepare your manuscript for publication.

Overview

Editor at Kensington Publishing, specializing in all genres of fiction and nonfiction, with a number of domestic and international bestselling authors on my list. I work quickly and efficiently to help authors and aspiring writers achieve a polished final product, editing for content, style, grammar, syntax, and impact.


For the past thirteen years I've worked at Kensington, the largest independent publisher in the United States, acquiring thrillers, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, World War II thrillers, memoirs, biographies, and historical nonfiction, including a Holocaust memoir that was a 2022 National Jewish Book Award finalist, and a 2023 title that won Best Holocaust Memoir. My titles include tell-alls of franchises like Scarface, The Exorcist, and Rambo, and biographies of famous musicians like Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Gene Krupa, and Keith Urban, as well as historical figures such as Meyer Lansky, Russell Bufalino, Frances Perkins, Ben Kuroki, and others. I'm also the editor for military history books ranging from World War II to the Cold War, including espionage tell-alls from FBI and CIA agents.


I'm adept at working within a tight time frame and ensuring that a manuscript is at its best, no matter the genre. I have all the skills that come with years of refined practice across hundreds of manuscripts, including copy editing, proofreading, developmental editing, and editorial assessment.


I can also help writers craft a streamlined query letter that both packs a punch and catches an agent or editor's discerning eye, having received thousands myself over the past decade.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Historical Fiction Mystery & Crime Romantic Suspense Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • M.S. in Publishing, Pace University

Work experience

Kensington Publishing

Jun, 2012 — Present

Portfolio

The Watchmakers

Lenga, Harry

The Ghost Tattoo

Bernard, Tony

Keith Urban

Apter, Jeff

The No-End House

Bates, Jeremy

Kensington

Echoes of Memory

Driscoll, Sara

Shadow Play

Driscoll, Sara

Kensington

Coal

Grant, J. Jason

Holloway House

Double Tap

Dees, Cindy

Second Shot

Dees, Cindy

Summit’s Edge (An FBI K-9 Novel)

Driscoll, Sara

Kensington

Terminal Impasse (NYPD Negotiators)

Driscoll, Sara

Kensington

Hunting the Hangman

Linskey, Howard

Ungentlemanly Warfare

Linskey, Howard

Unbound

Erlick, Lance

Shattered Lands

Henderson, Alice

Shattered Roads

Henderson, Alice

James has 73 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kevin C.

Kevin C.

Feb, 2025

This is my second collaboration with James. You can't ask for a more professional editor, someone who is responsive, has incredible attention detail, and gets your manuscript in perfect shape. Thank you James!
James A.
It was a pleasure, Kevin, always enjoy editing your novels!
Lance L.

Lance L.

Feb, 2025

Professional, Prompt, Valuable. James is a great choice for an editor. He did a wonderful job, communicated efficiently and answered additional questions. His work product shows he's a professional.
James A.
Thanks so much, Lance!
Sarah K.

Sarah K.

Jan, 2025

James indicated an interest in his original offer to work on the book which helped make a decision on an editor to select. He detailed out exactly what I would receive (so did all the others) and added how the payment broke down so it was easy to understand the funding. He began working on the collaboration immediately and kept me informed of the progress. He also provided the high level f...
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James A.
Thank you so much, Sarah, it was a pleasure working with you! Great story.
Gail G.

Gail G.

Jan, 2025

Excellent editing job on a tight schedule. Good communication. Answered all my questions. Just couldn't ask for a better experience. Thanks so much.
James A.
Thank you so much, Gail, it was a delight to work with you!
Marjorie G.

Marjorie G.

Dec, 2024

James did an very thorough job proofreading my manuscript. As someone just starting out on the publishing trail, his professionalism, knowledge, and encouragement were invaluable to me. I highly recommend James for any editing job. Thanks very much, James!
James A.
Thank you so much, Marjorie, it was a pleasure working with you!

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