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 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 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

The No-End House

Bates, Jeremy

Kensington

Keith Urban

Apter, Jeff

Echoes of Memory

Driscoll, Sara

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 68 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Thomas H.

Thomas H.

Nov, 2024

I am immensely grateful to James for all of his help. His insights and feedback were clear, focused, and always useful. He is knowledgeable, patient, and easy to work with. I could not have found a better project editor. I highly recommend him!
James A.
Back at you, Tom, it was great working with you! Very intriguing project.
Martin S.

Martin S.

Nov, 2024

James is great. Very professional and knowledgeable. In my case, he did a quick turnaround for copy editing and proofing when others I contacted were unavailable for weeks or declined for other reasons. He understands this is a business.
James A.
Many thanks, Martin, we are on the same page!
Patrick S.

Patrick S.

Nov, 2024

My second time working with James, he has lent his skills to an entirely experimental manuscript and adapted to my parameters with enthusiasm and in record time. Thanks to his efforts I am now ready to approach marketers and publishers and take my work out into the wider world. I’d gladly work with him again.
James A.
Always here to help, Patrick, thank you!
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!

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