James Abbate

James Abbate – Editor

Professional editor with 12+ 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 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, 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 Literary Fiction Mystery & Crime 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

Echoes of Memory

Driscoll, Sara

Second Shot

Dees, Cindy

Double Tap

Dees, Cindy

The No-End House

Bates, Jeremy

Kensington

Coal

Grant, J. Jason

Holloway House

Hunting the Hangman

Linskey, Howard

Ungentlemanly Warfare

Linskey, Howard

Unbound

Erlick, Lance

Shattered Lands

Henderson, Alice

Shattered Roads

Henderson, Alice

James has 65 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Timothy D K.

Timothy D K.

Sep, 2024

James exceeded my expectations. He was timely and clear about the process. Moreover, his feedback, direction, and suggestions were invaluable. His ability to find blindspots in the work cannot be overstated.
James A.
Thanks so much, would love to work with you again!
Michael T.

Michael T.

Sep, 2024

James did a great job of editing. He was good to work with from minute one. He made it easy to get the job done. I appreciate what he did.
James A.
Much appreciated, Michael, you were great to work with, too!
Mike K.

Mike K.

Sep, 2024

Hello, I would like to say working with James was fantastic! James was fast and accurate. I can say very fast and very accurate. He knows his work and was great responding back to me with helpful advice every time. Believe me, this is a guy you want on your team. I consider myself very fortunate to have picked James to collaborate with and will definitely work with him again. All the best, Mike...
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James A.
Much appreciated, Mike, would love to work with you again too!
Thomas H.

Thomas H.

Sep, 2024

I was lucky to have learned about Reedsy and even luckier to discover James Abbate. As a first-time non-fiction author, I knew I needed an experienced editor to review my work. I trusted my research, but I wanted an expert to critique my writing and book structure. Jim was exactly the right person for the job. He was patient and easy to work with, but most importantly he provided clear, honest,...
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James A.
Thank you so much, Tom, it was a pleasure working with you! Looking forward to our next collaboration.
Theresa B.

Theresa B.

Jul, 2024

Not only is James an excellent, thorough editor, he is personable, responsive, and very knowledgeable in answering questions/concerns. I am definitely looking forward to working with James again. Theresa
James A.
It was a pleasure working with you, Theresa, thank you so much!

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