Ivy L. James

Ivy L. James – Editor

Queer copy editor and proofreader specializing in adult genre fiction. I'm extra excited for romance and LGBTQIA+ stories!

Overview

I've been editing professionally for over 12 years, with both technical and creative works. In publishing, I spent 2 years with the former Astraea Press and am now working with Storm Publishing. I've offered freelance edits (line, copy, and proof) for manuscripts since January 2021, specializing in adult genre fiction. I've worked the most with romance, erotica, and fantasy. I'm especially excited to work with queer stories!

My focus is on clarity. I want to maintain your voice as the author while ensuring readers will understand what you're trying to say.

I default to Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster, but I'll use your preferred style guide and dictionary. I use US English myself, but I've worked with authors who use Canadian, British, and Australian English as well.

In my spare time, I read and write sapphic romance and poetry. I enjoy spending time with my spouse and our pets in Sedona, AZ.

Note: I do not use AI, and I prefer not to work with manuscripts generated by AI.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Contemporary Romance Fantasy LGBTQ Fiction Paranormal Romance Romantic Fantasy
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2021 — Present
I offer line edits, copyedits, and proofreading services for indie authors.

Storm Publishing

Oct, 2025 — Present
I provide copyedits and proofreading for the publisher.

Astraea Press

Jul, 2014 — May, 2015 (11 months)
I provided developmental edits, line/copy edits, and proofreading for the publisher.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
The Curse of the Crimson Crowns

Palazzolo, Angeleigh

Angeleigh Palazzolo

Copy Editing Proofreading
Dragon Born

Asher, Victoria

Desert Peacock Studio

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Show Me: Trevor's Story part 1

Alex, Mx.

Independently published

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Her Blushing Hero (Sapphic Lady Knights)

Birch, Mariah Rae

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Her Lovely Champion (Sapphic Lady Knights)

Birch, Mariah Rae

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Her Pretty Knight (Sapphic Lady Knights)

Birch, Mariah Rae

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing

Ivy L. has 8 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Harry M.

Harry M.

Mar, 2026

Pinned
Working with Ivy on my debut novel was an incredible experience. She was fast and responsive, but more importantly, she was deeply "in" the manuscript with me. Her attention to detail is extraordinary - she caught things I never would have spotted, and her feedback on everything from sentence flo...
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Ivy L. J.
Thank you so much, Harry! It was a pleasure to work with you.
Reese L.

Reese L.

Jul, 2026

Ivy was great to work with! This was my first time getting editing done, so I appreciate that she was responsive to my questions and understanding of my lack of knowledge at the beginning. There was a minor delay on the project, but in the end it wasn't a huge inconvenience. I really do think tha...
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Ivy L. J.
Thank you so much, Reese! It was a pleasure working with you on your manuscript. I'm glad the edits and suggestions helped strengthen your story, and I appreciate your understanding regarding the d...
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Jane C.

Jane C.

Jul, 2026

I would highly recommend Ivy. She is precise and detailed. I would work with her again and again.
Ivy L. J.
Thank you so much, Jane! I really appreciate your kind words, and I'm so glad you were happy with the final result. I wish you every success with your book!
LeAnn B.

LeAnn B.

Jul, 2026

Ivy is knowledgeable and takes great pride and care in her work. When I was searching for an editor, she was the only one who caught that I had misspelled the name of another published author in the sample manuscript I submitted for editing. That level of attention to detail immediately stood out...
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Ivy L. J.
Thank you, LeAnn! Your attention to detail as an author made the collaboration a pleasure. I'm especially glad my sample edit helped demonstrate the level of care I bring to every project. Best of ...
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Angeleigh P.

Angeleigh P.

May, 2026

Ivy was AMAZING! Would highly recommend to any author looking for a editor/proofreader.
Ivy L. J.
Thank you so much, Angeleigh! It was wonderful getting to work with you again. I'm delighted the proofreading was helpful, and I truly appreciate your continued trust in my work. Best wishes with y...
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