I provide the following editing services for novels, novellas, short stories, short story collections, and non-fiction manuscripts:
I. Manuscript Critique:
A comprehensive manuscript critique comprising of a critique document and margin notes.
The critique document provides inputs on the following:
• Overall impressions: What are the major strengths of the story? What are the weaknesses?
• Plot: Is the plot credible? Are there any major plot holes or contradictions? Are there loose threads at the end of the story?
• Story structure and Pacing: Does each chapter pull its weight in moving the plot forward? Are scenes paced out based on their situation – for instance, action scenes should preferably be fast-paced, contemplative scenes can afford a slower pace. Does the pace slacken anywhere, causing the reader to lose interest? Are there unnecessary digressions that are not relevant to the overall story? Is the information the reader needs to understand the story provided at the appropriate points and adequately spaced out instead of being given all at once?
• Characterization: Are all the characters properly fleshed out? Are the characters distinct from one another? Are there any redundant characters?
• General suggestions and pointers on writing techniques such as correct use of point-of-view, dialogue semantics, etc. to strengthen the narrative.
Margin notes are inline comments that provide a valuable insight into the reader’s perspective. Sections that read well are marked out, as are sections where one might need further elucidation – contradictions, areas that may confuse the reader, or where the reader does not have enough information to interpret the text the way the writer intends (such issues usually arise because at any given point the writer already has the entire story in mind, while the reader knows the story only up to that point).
II. Line edit:
While the manuscript critique focuses largely on story elements, the focus of the line edit is mainly on writing elements, wherein the manuscript is edited for grammar, punctuation, usage and style. This will also include rewriting of any lines or small passages, where required, for clarity and precision, but will not involve any major structural changes.
III. A detailed two-stage edit:
The two-stage edit combines the benefits of both the above services. The writer gets the manuscript critique in the first stage and works on the feedback provided therein. The polished draft is then line edited for grammar, punctuation and usage.
This is the preferred approach for fiction manuscripts, and hence can be availed at a discounted rate.
Client Testimonials:
“Your editorial work has improved all the stories by a lot. In some, the changes in plot structure that you suggested helped tighten them. In others, the suggested slight tweaking of scenes worked wonders. And everywhere, it was lovely to see how you worked with the writers without ever imposing your voice or style on them. Wonderful! And of course, you stuck to your deadlines. So thank you. I must add that almost all the writers also expressed their happiness with your work. One said this was one of the most professional and pleasant interactions she has had in her two decades of writing!”
— Meera Iyer, Convener, INTACH Bengaluru Chapter. For the INTACH publication Eleven Stops to the Present: Stories of Bengaluru, a short story anthology.
“I am very pleased with Vrinda’s professional work on my book. Apart from editing for clarity and readability, she paid attention to detail, corrected inconsistencies and asked questions where there were ambiguities. She kept to the agreed timelines and delivered the edited manuscript on schedule. In all, it was a pleasant and smooth experience working with her.”
— Herwig Salmutter, London, April 2021. Author of When Madmen Lead the Blind.
“Dear Vrinda: Please accept my sincere thanks for helping me with my textbook on Entrepreneurship. You not only edited the language but added life to some of the case-studies of real-life entrepreneurs. What struck me the most was that you simply edited a sample without any expectations, only a person truly appreciative of writing can do that! Appreciate all your help and look forward to working with you frequently.”
— Prof. Safal Batra, IIM Kashipur.
“It was a pleasure working with Vrinda for editing of my novel ‘The Light Catcher’. I was really impressed by her astuteness during the critique stage and the way she refined the manuscript during line editing gave it a very suitable touch. She was very professional during the whole process and always adhered to our decided timelines. Overall it was a great experience and best help that I could give my manuscript.”
— Sameer Chopra, author of The Light Catcher.
“Vrinda Baliga’s holistic approach to editing and structuring of the story, as well as emotional attachment with the story made the book the way it is. Every deliverable from her side came a day or two before the committed deadline, adding to my motivation in the final phases of the manuscript.”
— Saiswaroopa Iyer, author of Abhaya and Mauri.
“I opted for a two-step edit and if you are a first-time author, I would recommend that. Vrinda treated my manuscript with total love, sincerity and commitment. Her suggestions took my work one notch above. Clear communication and humane touch to work really worked wonders while working with her. My best wishes to you Vrinda. I will never have to find an editor again!”
— Karan Agarwal, author of 7 Untold Secrets of Living Abroad.
For further details and sample edit of your manuscript, please email me at vbaliga@gmail.com or contact me.
Check out Resources for Writers for listings of competitions, literary magazines, podcasts and writing courses.
