A writer has his or her own message and purpose that needs to be communicated to the right audience. My role is to partner with my client to polish that message through editing or design. 

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Partnering with you means that I familiarize myself with your voice and style. Editing isn't about imposing my preferences or opinions on your manuscript. It's about improving readability and strengthening your voice by rewriting awkward sentences, resolving structural issues, checking for consistency in word choice or punctuation. It all depends on the type of editing we agreed on and where we are in the process.

 

Editing is a process and requires different rounds. As an editor, I'm trained to have an "objective" perspective. Unless asked, I don't get into the topic or share opinions on content; I edit and comment on how the writing makes an argument or present an idea. That's the objectivity 

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We all need editors—including myself. I too have editors copyedit my manuscript. When you're too familiar with the text, missing errors like out-of-place punctuation marks or misspellings is inevitable. It would be embarrassing to discover that you misspelled Aristole on the day of your thesis defense (BTW, did you catch that?).

I know what it's like on the other side of receiving feedback. I understand what it's like to want an editor who understands you and doesn't change your writing into something else, gives useful feedback, and knowledgeable about grammar and style.

 

A professional editor is not (and should never be) that jerk from your writing workshop. My approach is to give honest, thorough, constructive criticism with the intention to strengthen your writing. My desire is that you feel motivated and excited to pursue your goal. 

 

I have a wide variety of interests. I write mostly mainstream contemporary fiction and urban fiction, but I enjoy reading sci-fi, especially space operas. It's an adventure to delve into an array of genres, perspectives, and ideas. Throughout my life, I studied the craft, rhetoric and composition, and editing. 

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My specialties are: fiction, non-fiction, copyediting academic writing in APA and MLA formats, localization ("translating" from British English to American English and vice-versa).

 

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Editing Quotes and Types of Editing

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Each project is unique and has its own needs. My rates will depend on the level of editing and length. My editing services are listed below.

 

If you are not sure what you need you may email me and we can work together to figure out what type of editing works best for your needs. 

 

A free 1,000 word sample edit will be provided on request. 

 

You are welcome to email me at indu.shanmugam@gmail.com or use the contact form on the website.

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For a specific rate quote, I will need the following information: genre/topic of your manuscript, word count, a short sample, and expected completion date. Please let me know if you have any deadlines. I will get back to you within 24-48 hours.

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TYPES OF EDITING

 

Developmental Editing. Think of developmental editing as "big picture" editing. The primary emphasis is content, factual information, theme, plot, genre, voice, and ideas. This includes defining your target audience, and how to best communicate your message without compromising your unique voice or branding.

 

Development of ideas, chapter organization, format, and other structural concerns will be addressed. Grammar, sentences, mechanics are generally not covered. There is no point of fixing sentences when an entire section may be deleted. 

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Line Editing/Substantive Editing. This is the next step after developmental editing. Both terms tend to be used interchangeably in the publishing industry. Line editing can be thought of as paragraph-level editing where the emphasis is:

 

•    Sentence variation
•    Consistency in voice/tone
•    Overused or redundant sentences or words
•    Run-on sentences
•    Redundancies in ideas or information
•    Dialogue/sentences that need tightening
•    Unnatural phrasing or dialogue
•    Passages that don’t read or “flow” well due to bland language or ineffective sentence construction 
•    Confusing sequences in paragraphs
•    Improve pacing of a passage

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Copy Editing. Copyediting is a thorough edit of sentence structures, grammar, spelling, and fact checking such as accuracy of dates, references, and tables and charts. The three C’s of copyediting are correctness, clarity, and consistency. Style guides are referred for consistency. 

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Proofreading and light copyediting. Proofreading is checking against the printer’s proof. Light copyediting is a final pass to catch typos, minor grammatical blunders, and fine polish the manuscript before submission for publication, and ensure adherence to style guide. 

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Manuscript Review/Coaching. What if your manuscript doesn’t fit any of the above editing needs? Maybe you just finished your first draft and you’d like some direction before revising. A manuscript review is where I read the manuscript from the beginning to the end. Then, I will write a letter that provides detailed feedback. In the letter, you will receive feedback that outlines specific recommendations. The purpose is to provide direction for revision and the next steps. I have experience editing first drafts. A manuscript review is recommended for first draft feedback.

Design Services

 

For independent authors and small businesses. 

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A design, illustration, or layout plays an important role in your storytelling. Design that pairs well with branding, genre, and style will impact your target audience. We provide our experience and knowledge of best practices in design. 

 

Book Cover. We can create a cover as unique as your story. Our covers reflect the desired genre and message. 

Book Interior. Readability and style plays the important role. A book design involves many details for a professional layout. Our experience with interiors is standard trade books, illustrations and diagrams, cookbooks, magazine style layout, and graphic novel layout. 

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Documents. Our design services aren't limited to books. We can create pamphlets, conference materials, flyers, collaterals, brochures, menus, and much more. 

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Graphic Design and Digitization. Logos. Banners. 

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