James Mustelier

James Mustelier – Editor

Developmental editor with wide ranging experience in genres from middle grade to adult, including books by NY Times best sellers.

Overview

I'm an editor, writer and literary agent with an MFA in creative writing, and experience as the in-house editorial consultant at a leading literary agency.

As an editorial consultant, I've worked on developmental edits across a wide array of genres, including books by NY Times best selling authors. From middle grade sci-fi, to young adult fantasy, to adult literary fiction, I have the editorial experience and market knowledge to shape and steer manuscripts to their most fully realized and marketable form.

I tailor my editorial approach to each writer I work with, and prioritize clear communication and maintaining the author's vision for their project throughout the editorial process.
Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Horror Literary Fiction Middle Grade Mystery & Crime Science Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • 2019 David Dotort Prize in Creative Writing for a work of long form fiction. Awarded by the City College of New York
Certifications
  • MFA in Creative Writing from the City College of New York

Work experience

The Bent Agency

Jun, 2020 — Present

The Bent Agency

Jul, 2018 — Present

In House editorial consultant at the Bent Agency.

Promethean - The City College of New York's Literary Journal

Aug, 2017 — Jul, 2018 (11 months)

Graduate Editor of Promethean, the literary journal of the City College of New York.

James has 21 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Meghan D.

Meghan D.

Apr, 2024

James exceeded my expectations. He is clear, direct, and concise, and dedicated to detail. 10/10. I hope I get to work with him again and wish I had involved him early on. Thank you, James!
Kevin B.

Kevin B.

Dec, 2023

I needed James to help with a query letter for a novel to an agent. He really came through for me and I learned a lot in the process. I would definitely use him again and highly recommend him. Thanks James!!!!
Joseph N.

Joseph N.

Dec, 2023

James communicated clearly, and his price was very competitive. The feedback I received was on-point and believable. His experience in the industry is evident. I especially like how he wrote open-ended feedback as in...."there is no hard rule but..." or "typically characters...." etc. He manages to strike the balance between firm critique and encouragement to become better. I will consider furt...
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Nick H.

Nick H.

Nov, 2023

I have a ton of experience as an editor in the academic space and I was worried that, like the Reviewer 2's of the world who leave a comment just to have left a comment or opine on the book/article/research study they wanted you to write, I might receive some less than actionable feedback or some feedback that left me asking 'Did I send the right document? Did they read the right book?' Well, I...
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Linda T.

Linda T.

Oct, 2023

James was thorough in his analysis of my manuscript. He readily informed me of my strengths and gave me things to think about and work on. He freely shared his knowledge regarding mystery genres. He pointed out ways to show and not tell, which lends to the reader's discovery. He also made suggestions on particular reads in order for me to strengthen my weaknesses. I will take all of his ad...
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