Julia King

Julia King – Editor

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 54 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Laraine M.

Laraine M.

Aug, 2026

I couldn't have hoped for a better editorial review. Julia's recommendations resonated with me immediately, and I found myself agreeing with almost every suggestion. Julia has helped me see ways to make the novel significantly stronger.
Vicky K.

Vicky K.

Jun, 2026

Julia undertook a detailed line by line copy edit of my long manuscript and I appreciate every suggestion and update. I also appreciated Julia's communication throughout the process and her enthusiasm. Julia smoothed awkward sentence structures and applied her professional lens to every single w...
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Janey H.

Janey H.

May, 2026

Julia was incredible to work with. Professional, friendly, thorough, helpful and dedicated to providing a really polished final result. I've had many people read over my manuscript and she caught continuity errors I'd never seen before, and helped the writing really tighten as well as flow. She w...
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Fiona H.

Fiona H.

May, 2026

This is my second time working with Julia and yet again it was a brilliant experience. Not only is she a master of her craft, she is warm, kind, and encouraging. I have learned so much from her guidance and can't wait to come back!
Lynnie M.

Lynnie M.

Apr, 2026

At 70 years of age and submitting my debut manuscript for editorial assessment, I sought no-nonsense, professional and yet kind advice and guidance. Julia was marvellous. She was encouraging, warm and positive while giving insightful and engaged suggestions for making my manuscript the best it ca...
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