Julia Fine

Julia Fine – Editor

Award-winning traditionally published novelist (4 books) with extensive editorial experience in historical, literary and speculative fiction

Overview

Since the debut of my first novel in 2018, I've helped other writers develop and perfect their own full-length fiction manuscripts. I've worked with best-selling traditionally published authors, as well as students finishing their first big projects. My goal is to help authors reach their project's highest potential, whether that's from leaning into themes, tightening plot or language, or expanding on a glimmer of an idea.

I'm passionate about tailoring each editorial experience to the immediate needs of a particular project, which might include large scale structural revisions, honing in on the narrative voice, or working to perfect a project's pacing. My background teaching creative writing helps me identify particular elements of craft that writers can strengthen, and my experience as a four-time traditionally published novelist means I can anticipate what editors and literary agents might say about your work.

Here are some kind words from writers I've worked with:

“When I’m working on a manuscript, Julia is always the first person I want to read it. Her feedback is insightful and concrete, her eye is sharp and detailed, and her taste is impeccable. She is undoubtedly one of the smartest and most generous writers in the business.”- Amy Jo Burns, author of Mercury and Wait for Me

"Julia is an exceptional developmental editor, who's helped me revise my two novels. Applying her keen eye for structure and limitless knowledge of craft, Julia meets you where you're at in your project and approaches your work with empathy and fundamental kindness--a necessity when you've poured years and your heart and soul into your work! I can confidently say that Julia's helped me unlock the full potential of both of my manuscripts. Whenever a writing friend is ready for a developmental edit, I strongly recommend that they work with Julia." -Matt Singer

"Julia is an exceptional editor -- incisive and thoughtful, with an incredible sense of story and rhythm. Her feedback has rescued me time after time, especially with my most recent novel Vantage Point. She is both intuitive and logical, and she elevates everything she works on. Anyone would benefit from working with Julia. She's simply the best." -Sara Sligar, author of Take Me Apart and Vantage Point

“I loved working with Julia! Not only is she a talented author, but she’s a brilliant teacher and an insightful editor. Her notes were always clear and helpful, and I’d love to work with her again! -Megan Barnard, author of Jezebel and The Winter Goddess

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Coming of Age Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Historical Fiction Magical Realism Themes & Motifs Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Chicago Review of Books Award for Fiction (2021)
  • Bram Stoker Finalist for Best First Novel (2018)
  • Barnes & Noble Discover selection (2018)
  • What Should be Wild (2018) named a Best Fantasy Book of All Time by Goodhouseeping and Esquire magazines
Certifications
  • MFA in Creative Writing

Work experience

StoryStudio Chicago

Nov, 2018 — Present
Book coaching, manuscript consultations, creative writing classes. * Led 4 year-long cohorts of writers finishing drafts of their book-length manuscripts, including manuscript review, editorial feedback, developmental coaching, and query reviews * Intensive one-on-one coaching sessions and manuscript reviews, including weekly meetings, writing prompts, developmental edits and line level editing * Taught classes on Novel-writing, including Novel Foundations, Reading Like a Writer, and Revision intensives

Catapult

Jul, 2018 — Feb, 2023 (over 4 years)
Taught classes on genre-bending fiction. * Craft lectures on genre-bending * Editorial feedback on individual chapters/short stories *Worked with authors including Megan Barnard, Courtney Preiss, Grace Shuyi Liew and Stephen Bell on speculative projects

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Vantage Point: A Novel

Sligar, Sara

MCD

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Mercury: A Novel

Burns, Amy Jo

Celadon Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The Sound of a Thousand Stars: A Novel

Robbins, Rachel

Alcove Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
Wait for Me: A Novel

Burns, Amy Jo

Celadon Books

Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Query Letter Review
A Play About A Curse

Macon Fleischer, Caroline

CLASH Books

Query Letter Review
Query Letter Review
People Collide: A Novel

McElroy, Isle

HarperVia

Editorial Assessment
Editorial Assessment

Julia has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Rana B.

Rana B.

Dec, 2025

Working with Julia has been an invaluable experience. Julia provided a clear, insightful, and highly professional evaluation of my novel draft. Her feedback pinpointed the areas that needed development and offered practical guidance that strengthened the manuscript considerably. I was especially ...
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