About

Specializing in developmental and line edits of genre fiction, in particular romance—of most* sub-genres—and mystery. Also works of women’s fiction and thrillers, as well as adult-leaning young adult.

*I’m not the right editor for faith-based/inspirational romance.

Also providing mentoring, career counseling, agent search and other advice. Comprehensive list of services can be found on this page.

Interested in booking an in-person presentation of Before You Hit Send or another workshop? Visit this page for options. Speaker fees and more information available on request via email.

To book any service, request pricing, ask questions, or receive more information, please email angela AT angelajames.co 

Freelance editor and author career specialist Angela James is a veteran of the fiction publishing industry and has enjoyed nearly 20 years of experience in her field, including successfully launching, building and serving as editorial director for first Samhain Publishing and then Harlequin’s Carina Press for a combined 15 years of editorial lead and strategy experience.

An expert on editing (and reading!) genre fiction, especially romance and mystery, Angela has edited numerous bestselling books and authors, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Paper Princess by Erin Watt, as well as hundreds of other authors such as Shelly Laurenson/G.A. Aiken, Shannon Stacey, A.M. Arthur, Jaci Burton, Lauren Dane, Alexa Riley, Lisa Marie Rice, Ilona Andrews, Eve Vaughn, Lilith Saintcrow, Josh Lanyon, Jen Frederick, K.A. Mitchell, Lucy Monroe and more. She was profiled in Fast Company magazine as a digital pioneer in the romance publishing industry, has been named New York Romance Writers of America’s Golden Apple Editor of the Year, and is the creator of Before You Hit Send: From Written to Recommended, the popular online self-editing and writing workshop for authors.

Editing philosophy

My editorial philosophy has always been that editing, and the editor/author relationship, should be a partnership, that author voice is of paramount importance, and that it’s not the editor’s book, it’s the author’s book. My goal is to help you create an excellent reading experience for your readers, while also giving you an excellent experience during the editing process.

My job as the editor is to make your book the best it can be. Constructive criticism is important, but positive feedback, support, and encouragement is even more so. It’s never enough to merely point out mistakes because positive feedback teaches as much as criticism.

Thanks to being a fast, voracious reader who reads hundreds of books across genres each year, I’m an open-minded and non-judgmental reader and editor. After working with me, I want you to feel confident in your writing, and confident in your choice of a partner to help craft the best version of your book. I will help you write the strongest book you can and help you find the audience for the book you want to write.