Julia King

Julia King – Editor

BOOKED OUT UNTIL AUGUST. Former senior editor @ HCP & HQN with 15 years' experience, specialising in romance, women's fiction, & thrillers.

Overview

Hello there! I’m Julia, a professional editor with fifteen years of industry experience and a deep love of helping writers create stories they’re proud to share with the world. I spent ten years as a senior editor at HarperCollins and prior to that worked as an editor at Harlequin, and I now work as a freelancer for major publishing houses.

I specialise in commercial fiction—romance, YA, thrillers, fantasy, historical fiction, and more—and I love helping writers elevate their prose and build compelling, emotionally impactful narratives. Whether you’re polishing a finished manuscript or still finding your way through a tricky draft, my goal is to help your story become the best version of itself.

I offer developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading. If you're unsure about what you need, just ask—I’m here to help! My approach is kind, honest, collaborative, and respectful: your vision comes first, and I’ll never try to turn your book into something it isn’t. You can expect thoughtful feedback, clear guidance, and support for your vision.

In addition to my professional experience and in-house training, I hold an MA in publishing, a BA in English literature, and a diploma in book editing, so you can trust you'll be in good hands. More importantly, I care deeply about the writers I work with and the stories they're telling.

For an overview of standard industry rates, please see: https://reedsy.com/blog/guide/editing/cost

Let’s work together to bring your story to life!

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Romance Historical Fiction LGBTQ Fiction Mystery & Crime Psychological Thriller Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • MA in publishing
  • Bachelor of Arts in English literature
  • Diploma of book editing and publishing

Work experience

HarperCollins

Jan, 2015 — Apr, 2025 (over 10 years)
Oversaw the management and coordination of book acquisitions for HarperCollins. Edited and project-managed a range of fiction and non-fiction titles. Guided authors through the publication process, reviewed manuscript submissions and conducted in-house substantive and copy editing. Coordinated and negotiated with freelancers, authors, and clients.

Harlequin

Mar, 2012 — Dec, 2014 (almost 3 years)
Edited a range of fiction titles, especially romance, YA and thrillers; briefed and liaised with freelance editors to ensure quality control; supported and guided authors through the publication process; reviewed submissions; and offered sensitivity feedback to publishers and authors.

Portfolio

Wake the Hollow

Triana, Gaby

Entangled: Teen

Only For A Night (The Lick Series Book 1)

Simone, Naima

Entangled: Scorched

No Cooldown for Love (Rock Falls)

Burke, Aliyah

Entangled: Amara

Tarnished (Perfected)

Birch, Kate Jarvik

Entangled: Teen

Truly, Madly, Sweetly

Archer, Kira

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers)

Drake, Brenda

Entangled: Teen

Only Daughter: A Novel

Snoekstra, Anna

MIRA

THE FIFTH LETTER

MORIARTY NICOLA

The One Who Got Away

Overington, Caroline

Julia has 49 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Alvaro M.

Alvaro M.

Apr, 2026

Julia was thorough in her work, explaining clearly her recommendations and kind in her commentary. I would highly recommend her if you are looking for guidance on your first manuscript. She worked diligently on every request I presented within the allotted time and her suggestions improved my wor...
Read more
Jacque S.

Jacque S.

Mar, 2026

It was a pleasure having Julia edit my book. She was thorough and detailed but she also was sensitive to me as an author and was careful to honor my style of writing. She was encouraging and supportive. I will work with her again!
Rachel S.

Rachel S.

Jan, 2026

I’ve worked with Julia on a number of projects, and each time she’s been a pleasure to work with. Her feedback is insightful, constructive, and delivered with real warmth. I trust her completely and recommend her without hesitation.
Orsi P.

Orsi P.

Nov, 2025

I recently worked with Julia to review my manuscript as a second opinion, and I’m incredibly grateful for her clarity, professionalism, and honesty throughout the process. I had originally contracted a Sunday Times and Amazon bestselling ghostwriter, Cathryn K., the budget being in the tens of th...
Read more
Robert A.

Robert A.

Oct, 2025

Working with Julia was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. I couldn’t have asked for a better editor. From our first message, she was kind, professional, and genuinely invested in my story. She approached my manuscript with both skill and sensitivity. Her feedback struck a perfect balance...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

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

Professionals similar to Julia

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

Joy Hoppenot

Joy H.

Fiction & memoir editor for heart-centered manuscripts (clients include Penguin, Simon and Schuster, Macmillan, Hachette). No AI, please!

Grenoble, France

95% reply rate

View profile
Rozi D.

Rozi D.

Too many words? Not enough? A subplot that wandered off like a Roomba? I refine structure & polish prose—esp. fantasy/romantasy. | PRH alum

New York, NY, USA

85% reply rate

View profile
Louise McGuinness

Louise M.

A proofreading specialist, you can rely on me to be the last person in the editing chain for all things fiction, non-fiction and travel.

Wirral, UK

100% reply rate

View profile