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

Double Tap

Dees, Cindy

Second Shot

Dees, Cindy

Hunting the Hangman

Linskey, Howard

Ungentlemanly Warfare

Linskey, Howard

Unbound

Erlick, Lance

Shattered Lands

Henderson, Alice

Shattered Roads

Henderson, Alice

James has 61 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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!
James R.

James R.

Jun, 2024

James is highly skilled, not only as an editor, but in his ability to communicate. His editorial letter was very descriptive, and helpful in a recommended next course of action. I would not hesitate to collaborate with James on my next project.
James A.
Thank you so much, James, it was a pleasure working with you!
Jihan O.

Jihan O.

Jun, 2024

He is a man of integrity. He fulfilled his promise and completed the assignment ahead of schedule.
James A.
Always, Jihan! Many thanks all around and hope to work with you again.
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 ...
Read more
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...
Read more
James A.
Thank you so much, Carol! Love working with you.

Sign up to read more reviews

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

Professionals similar to James

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

Sarah Giles

Sarah G.

A friendly and thoughtful Christian copy-editor and proofreader, with 20+ years' experience. Click through to see my clients' testimonials.

Alton, UK

100% reply rate

View profile
Lottie Hayes-Clemens

Lottie H.

Editor and proofreader with 3+ years' experience at HarperCollins and an expert eye for detail! Keen on women's fiction and fantasy.

Montreal, QC, Canada

97% reply rate

View profile
Christy Callahan

Christy C.

A cerebral yet down-to-earth editor since 2014, I do each project right the first time—on time—for traditional publishers and indie authors.

Frankston, Texas, USA

100% reply rate

View profile