Jamie Li is a writer & editor based in San Diego, CA

portrait of the author looking into the distance. she is sitting and wearing a green wrap dress, gold chain, and red earrings

About

she/her/她

Born in Guangdong, China, and raised in Seattle, Jamie now lives in Southern California. Born an illegal second child under China’s One-Child Policy, she writes about family (dis)connection, sacrifice, and irreverence.She holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she is Managing Editor & Associate Fiction Editor of Hunger Mountain.Before her MFA, she spent a decade in Silicon Valley during the heyday of tech optimism—a humorous experience that often finds its way into her writing.A VONA/Voices alum, her work appears in Slant’d Magazine, Mangoprism, Lit Mag News, and elsewhere. She has received support from Kundiman and the Fine Arts Work Center and is a 2025 Seattle Public Library Writers' Room Fellow. She is at work on her first novel.--
✏️ Subscribe to Jamie's Substack Now Go Write to get a weekly writing prompt alongside a reflection on the writing life.

Photo of the author reading into a microphone as an audience looks on

Selected Works

Writing

Storytelling & facilitation

  • Facilitator — “We Have What We Need to Flourish” event at Grist — Mar 2022

  • Pitch coach — ICA Fund's annual Accelerator Pitch event — Oct 2021

  • Facilitator for the “Grief Medicine” event at Food Culture Collective — Jun 2021

  • Facilitator — “Listening to Black Leaders” event at Food Culture Collective  — Aug-Sep 2020

  • Facilitator — “Why Inclusion Matters to Me” storytelling workshop at Walmart — Sep 2020

Awards & recognition

Contact

Reach out if you want to talk about campus novels, stories with bad-to-the-bone Asian protagonists, and stepping off the corporate ladder to pursue art in your 30s.

📸 Portrait by Ariana Pearl
📸 Reading @ MOCA by Amy Mai Photography

baby photo of the author

Drowning in Rejections? Let’s Fix That.

You’ve put in the work—hours of writing, revising, and submitting to journals. But the rejections keep piling up. You think, Can I even call myself a writer?Trying to get published can feel like a crapshoot—but it doesn’t have to. As a published writer, professional editor, and Managing Editor at Hunger Mountain, I provide expert, honest feedback to help get your piece publication-ready and stand out from the slush pile.----For a limited time, AWP attendees can save 15% on my developmental editing services with code AWP15 at checkout.

Basic Manuscript Review
(Up to 5K words)

$85

Value: $100
Apply code AWP15 at checkout

Expert developmental feedback with a high-level editorial review. Get big-picture insights on structure, pacing, character development, ending, and overall storytelling effectiveness summarized in a single-spaced, one-page letter.

Detailed Manuscript Review
(Up to 5k words)

$127.50

Value: $150
Apply code AWP15 at checkout

In-depth developmental feedback with a comprehensive, actionable editorial review. Includes line-level feedback plus an up to two-page, single-spaced letter on structure, pacing, character development, ending, and storytelling effectiveness.

FAQ

1. What types of writing or genres do you specialize in?

I primarily work with contemporary literary and upmarket fiction. My tastes skew toward realism and character-driven narratives that don't sacrifice plot. I won't be the best fit for experimental forms or genres like romance, fantasy, or thrillers. If you'd like referrals for editors in these genres, let me know!

2. What kind of feedback will I receive?

Basic Manuscript Review: A one-page, single-spaced editorial letter with big-picture, actionable insights on structure, pacing, character development, and storytelling effectiveness.Detailed Manuscript Review: Line-level feedback as needed to improve flow, clarity, and style plus an up to two-page, single-spaced editorial letter with deeper, more specific feedback on what’s working, what’s not, and clear revision strategies.My goal is to provide honest but constructive advice that helps you improve your manuscript—whether you’re preparing to submit to agents, contests, or literary magazines.

3. How long does it take to receive feedback?

I aim to return Basic Reviews within 7 days and Detailed Reviews within 10–14 days. If you need a faster turnaround, feel free to reach out—I may be able to accommodate rush requests for an additional fee.

4. How do I submit my manuscript?

After checkout, you’ll receive a link to a brief intake form and instructions on how to upload your manuscript.

5. Can I submit multiple pieces in my manuscript?

Yes! For example, you can submit a novel excerpt, multiple short stories, flash pieces, or any combination of pieces as long as the total word count doesn’t exceed 5,000 words.

6. Can I ask follow-up questions after receiving my feedback?

Yes! If you have a clarifying question or two, I’m happy to answer them over email. If you’d like a more in-depth discussion, I offer a 30-minute Zoom consult add-on where we can go over your feedback and brainstorm next steps together.

7. What if I don't agree with the feedback?

That’s totally okay! My goal isn’t to dictate how you should write but to offer an outside perspective based on industry insights, narrative best practices, and my editorial experience. You always have final say in how to revise your work.Refunds aren’t available once I’ve started reviewing your manuscript, but if you need to cancel beforehand, reach out within one day of purchase. While all sales are final, if you are dissatisfied for any reason, let’s talk and find a solution.

8. I have more questions, how can I get in contact with you?

Let's get you some answers! Send me an email at [email protected].

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