Overview
I'm a New York Times & USA TODAY bestselling author who loves to help other writers bring their story to shelves.
Yes, my work has earned literary awards as well as starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Yes, I still write my own content. But I also offer ghostwriting, book coaching, developmental editing, and line editing across many genres. Why? Because I believe in the power of story, and I love encouraging YOU to share yours.
While I've edited works of nearly every genre, I particularly enjoy upmarket fiction (think book clubs), women's fiction, literary fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, and nonfiction. My "sweet spot" is an inspiring story of hope and resilience, so bring me your trauma and your drama!
I'm also a TEDx speaker, world traveler, and all-around happy heart who finds great joy in elevating others. So if you're looking for an honest, efficient, and positive partner, I'm your girl.
Wondering what my clients say?
“Julie and I wrote a magazine column together for years and critiqued back-and-forth with one another on novels. She’s not only a talented writer, she’s a crackerjack editor... and fast!”
Yes, my work has earned literary awards as well as starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Library Journal. Yes, I still write my own content. But I also offer ghostwriting, book coaching, developmental editing, and line editing across many genres. Why? Because I believe in the power of story, and I love encouraging YOU to share yours.
While I've edited works of nearly every genre, I particularly enjoy upmarket fiction (think book clubs), women's fiction, literary fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, and nonfiction. My "sweet spot" is an inspiring story of hope and resilience, so bring me your trauma and your drama!
I'm also a TEDx speaker, world traveler, and all-around happy heart who finds great joy in elevating others. So if you're looking for an honest, efficient, and positive partner, I'm your girl.
Wondering what my clients say?
“Julie and I wrote a magazine column together for years and critiqued back-and-forth with one another on novels. She’s not only a talented writer, she’s a crackerjack editor... and fast!”
— Lisa Wingate, New York Times Bestselling Author of Before We Were Yours
“Julie is a gifted, sensitive editor and writer who brings the highest standards of sense and sensibility to her work. When I need a second-eyes assessment on a project, I could not do any better than Julie."
–Jacquelyn Mitchard, number one NewYork Timesbestselling author of twelve novels for adults, including the Oprah Winfrey Book Club pickThe Deep End of the Ocean, as well as seven novels for young adults
“Julie is one of the finest editors I’ve had the privilege of working with. She possesses all of the qualities one would want from a partner: talent, wisdom, kindness, patience, with an unapparelled gift for storytelling. Those character attributes, along with her astute eye and ear, have enhanced all of my writing and made it a pure joy to work with her. Julie is also one of the most encouraging people I have been around, and every writer needs encouragement and someone who can help them to produce their very best work. She is also one of finest writers in the country herself, and I am blessed to have partaken of her services, services I highly recommend to anyone wanting to take their writing to the highest level possible."
– Zoro, world-renowned drummer for Lenny Kravitz, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, author of The Big Gig: Big-Picture Thinking for Success and SOAR! 9 Proven Keys for Unlocking Your Limitless Potential
“Julie was so helpful with my book proposal during the Fall of 2019! In addition to sharing her expert advice on how to best structure the book proposal, Julie used her years of experience as a successful author to help me understand how writing a chapter for a book can be different from writing a blog post. But what I treasured most from my short time with Julie while working on my book proposal was our conversations on the phone when she offered kind words of encouragement, giving me a boost in confidence to know that my story mattered, that my writing was good, and that my voice was going to make a difference and help other women out there."
– Naomi Davis, Love Taza (NOTE: This proposal brought her book to auction where she signed the book deal of her dreams.)
“After a year of collaborating alongside Julie on the book Crescendo,I can honestly say that it has been both a pleasure and honor to work with someone so talented and personable. Julie sees the world through a unique and beautiful lens and knows it to be a truly kind, hopeful, and inspiring place even through life’s most difficult and consuming times. Through her powerful and poetic writing, she instinctually knows how to show this to others in dramatic and redemptive stories such as Crescendo. Thank you, Julie, for sharing your incredible talent with me and so many others. You were surely placed on this earth to create and share words that make it a better place."
– Allen Cheney, film producer and bestselling author of Crescendo
"Julie is such a pleasure to work with and in all my book projects, I felt full confidence in her talent and ability in editing my manuscript. She has such a gift for helping to shape a manuscript into the best form it can be without affecting my voice or the goals of my message. Julie is also a great encourager and supporter during the whole editing process!"
– Tracie Miles, author of six best-selling books and Founder of the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Program, Director of COMPEL Writers Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Inspirational
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Travel
Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Coming of Age
Literary Fiction
Women's Fiction
Languages
English (US)
Awards
- The Christy Award - Debut Novel of the Year
- The Christy Award - Book of the Year
- The Southern Book Prize - Shortlist Finalist (twice)
- Publishers Weekly - Starred Review
- Library Journal - Starred Review
- The Carol Award - Historical Novel of the Year
- The Carol Award - Contemporary Novel of the Year
- Mississippi Library Assoc. Fiction Award - Novel of the Year
Certifications
- M.A.
- New York Times Bestselling Author
- USA TODAY Bestselling Author
- Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Fellowship
- Rivendell Writer’s Colony Mary Elizabeth Nelson Fellowship
- Pat Conroy Writer-in-Residence Fellowship
- Wolff Cottage Writer-in-Residence
- Creative Writing Instructor for Drexel University Low-Res MFA Program and Story Summit
Work experience
Self-employed
Feb, 2001 —
Present
With decades of experience working as both a writer and an editor, I've published/edited with large publishers across both the CBA and ABA (HarperCollins, Zondervan, David C Cook, etc.), as well as with smaller publishers (Mercer, Revell, WaterBooks, ClearSky, Rockhaven, University of Mississippi Press, and others). I've also helped many self-published authors polish their work for publication.
In addition to traditionally publishing four award-winning novels, a work of creative non-fiction, and two children's books (all of which have landed on bestseller lists--whether regional, national, or international), I've contributed as a writer and/or editor to more than 20 anthologies, devotionals, and non-fiction works.
I've also edited proposals that have led authors to sign six-figure publishing deals, and I've edited works across nearly every genre including book club/upmarket fiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, literary fiction, inspirational fiction, devotionals, memoir, romance, and creative non-fiction, and more. I've served as editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review, and I'm equally pleased to work with self-published versus traditionally-published authors.
By working on all sides of the publishing process--as author, editor, and reader--I understand the expectations of all involved. I encourage all writers to find their voice, and I'd love to help you share your stories.
Portfolio
Developmental Editing
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Developmental Editing
Her desperate decision during World War II changed everything. Now, 70 years later, her secret is unraveling.At ninety years old, Audrey Thorpe still lives in a historic mansion on palm-tree-l... read more
Developmental Editing
What would it look like if you hand over all your uncertainty and fears to God and, instead, proactively join Father God in the development process of your unborn child? The beautiful and powe... read more
Developmental Editing
Mom! Get Real . . . and Get Free!Are you tired of constantly trying―and failing―to be a perfect mom? Stop beating yourself up and let the truth about motherhood set you free! Real Moms debunks the “good mom” fallacies that have weighed you down by giving you s... read more
Your Husband Can Be the Best Dad Ever!Want to encourage your husband to get more involved in parenting? Let Dad be Dad. It sounds so simple--but thousands of moms struggle with entrusting their child to someone whose parenting style is different from their own... read more
Mothering is an adventure to be sure--from diaper changes and potty training to car pools and soccer games, a mom's life is full of adventures with her children. But it's not only about the kids. Mothering is also an adventure in personal growth. And that's wh... read more
Mississippians is a coffee-table book featuring the most famous and notable individuals from the state of Mississippi from Elvis, Oprah and Faulkner to the little-known Mississippians living e... read more
Developmental Editing
In 1830, a treaty was signed. In 1830, hearts broke. Tears fell on the long journey for twenty thousand. The Choctaw Nation was forced to leave their homelands to preserve their people. But they could not save them all.For this collection of short stories, Cho... read more
The Seven Hills Review 2014 presents the winners of the 2013 Seven Hills Literary Contest and 2013 Penumbra Poetry and Haiku Contest. These award-winning authors hail from across the United States and some from other countries as well. The collection includes ... read more
WHEN A CASSEROLE OR A GREETING CARD ISN’T ENOUGH. Grief is one of life’s toughest challenges. During such times it is difficult to know where to turn. Yet in the midst of your deepest despair, God reveals Himself and His promises for a better tomorrow. The NIV... read more
In response to the “thousand year flood” of 2015 in South Carolina, eighteen beloved and bestselling authors graciously contributed a water-themed story, essay, novel excerpt, or poem to this heart-warming and thought-provoking anthology. Like a winding river,... read more
Part book club meeting, part costume party, part come-as-you-are, the Pulpwood Queens annual Girlfriend Weekend is an extravaganza none who've ever attended will forget. This 20th anniversary commemorative book is like Girlfriend Weekend itself--a warm, wise, ... read more
Contributions by Julie Cantrell, Katherine Clark, Susan Cushman, Jim Dees, Clyde Edgerton, W. Ralph Eubanks, John M. Floyd, Joe Formichella, Patti Callahan Henry, Jennifer Horne, Ravi Howard, Suzanne Hudson, River Jordan, Harrison Scott Key, Cassandra King, Al... read more
A SECOND BLOOMING is a collection of essays by twenty-one authors who are emerging from the chrysalis they built for their younger selves and transforming into the women they are meant to be. They are not all elders, but all have embraced the second half of th... read more
For a child, so many things can happen in one day. Sometimes the world outside is a scary place. There is so much to be discovered and understood and at times the adventure is simply overwhelming.This story reminds kids that God is always present. He is a prot... read more
In this book, furry friends reveal that even the biggest and bravest of God’s creatures feel frightened sometimes. This comforting story allows parents to build stronger bonds with their children while reminding readers of all ages that fear, loneliness, and h... read more
A story of mercy, miracles, and melody—and above all else: love.During the Great Depression, Fred Allen is born poor and hungry in the shadow of rural Georgia’s infamous cotton mills. By the time Fred is three years old, he can play hymns on the piano without ... read more
Millie is just a girl. But she’s the only one strong enough to break the family cycle.In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that marks her world. With an abusive father and a “nothing mama,” she struggles to find a place wh... read more
In a few hours, Millie will say “I do” to Bump Anderson, a man who loves her through and through. But would he love her if he knew the secret she keeps?Millie’s mind is racing and there seems to be no clear line between right and wrong. Either path leads to pa... read more
“Feathers—no matter what size or shape or color—are all the same, if you think about them. They’re soft. Delicate. But the secret thing about feathers is . . . they are very strong.” In the pre-Katrina glow of New Orleans, Amanda Salassi is anxious about chape... read more
From New York Times bestselling author Julie Cantrell comes a story of family and the Southern roots that call us home.“If Julie Cantrell isn’t on your reading list, she should be.” —Lisa WingateYears ago, Lovey chose to leave her family and the South far behi... read more
Julie has 10 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
George F.
Dec, 2021
Roselle M.
Dec, 2021
Johanna V.
Jun, 2021
Rae M.
Jun, 2021
Jimmy N.
Mar, 2021
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