James Abbate

James Abbate – Editor

Professional editor with 12+ years experience. Here to provide every editing service and prepare your manuscript for publication.

Overview

Associate 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 twelve 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, 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 timeframe 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 Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • M.S. in Publishing, Pace University

Work experience

Kensington Publishing

Jun, 2012 — Present

James has 58 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

John D.

John D.

Mar, 2024

James was an amazing editor for my debut novel. He was thorough, affordable, professional, and personable. He was quick, he provided the right feedback for my story, and he cleaned up what was needed to make it as sharp as possible. I wholeheartedly recommend him and his services to anyone looking for a hard-working editor that will be as careful with your story as you would want someone to ...
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James A.
Thank you, John, you were great to work with and I'm happy to edit everything you send my way!
Carol E.

Carol E.

Mar, 2024

This was the second time working with James Abbate and like the first it was an incredibly positive experience. His attention to detail in reviewing my manuscript was invaluable as was his meticulous proofreading and suggestions for small changes. He is wonderful to work with and his experience in editing and in the publishing industry inspires confidence in his work. I highly recommend him and...
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James A.
Thank you so much, Carol! Love working with you.
Patrick S.

Patrick S.

Feb, 2024

Fast, efficient, polite, awesome. Again. This is my second time working with James.
James A.
Thank you, Patrick, hope to work with you again!
Tammy B.

Tammy B.

Jan, 2024

James is professional, thorough, and fast with results. I enjoyed working with him and highly recommend his expertise for others.
James A.
Thanks so much, Tammy, it was a pleasure working with you!
Kristen A.

Kristen A.

Nov, 2023

I can't say enough about my experience with James. He was super professional, always easy to get in touch with and very thorough in his edits and analysis. And he is incredibly nice! As a debut author, having a Zoom call with him was really beneficial in terms of understanding the marketplace and best practices. I would highly recommend James to anyone looking for editing services.
James A.
Thank you for your kind words, Kristen, I loved working with you!

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