Be Your Reader’s Favorite Author
Your words matter. Your manuscript carries an important message to your readers.
You deserve an editor who advocates for your unique writing style.
Ready to Publish? What Could Go Wrong?
Sloppy manuscript with newer errors & inaccuracies introduced–which undermines your credibility.
Editors who judge rather than guide you through your manuscript and publishing process
Lack of Transparency. Are you getting your money’s worth?
Receiving an over-corrected manuscript that does not sound like you. The meaning of your words is changed.
Get Guidance from an Editor Who Supports Your Vision
Over 10 years’ experience. Satisfied clients. Passionate about your success.
I’ve been there myself.
Ever dealt with a jerk in your critique group?
An editor who altered your writing so much that even you don’t recognize your own writing?
Someone who doesn’t get it?
Received edits with vague notes that leave you more confused?
You and I will be a great fit if
Human First
Nothing can write or edit like a human. My human-first policy on AI means that a skilled, human editor reads your manuscript. A human copyeditor brings fresh perspective and sharp attention to detail that software alone can’t match. Unlike AI tools, which rely on patterns and rules, a human editor understands nuance, tone, and context in a way that keeps your voice intact. They catch what algorithms overlook and make judgment calls that elevate your work beyond the mechanical. Bottom line: if you want your writing to resonate with real readers, it needs a real editor.
Copyediting Expertise
Copyediting is my specialization. I edit at the sentence-level, fact check for accuracy, and create print ready files. I focus on my expertise, nonfiction, literary and mainstream fiction, and romances. I will not accept projects beyond my experience or ability. Specialization helps me do what I do best and offer you the best services.
Focus on Branding & Voice
Centering an author’s voice or client’s brand message is my priority. My intent is not about imposing my preferences, opinions, or rewriting your work as I would. As a trained, experienced editor, I put the effort in getting to know your ideas, voice, and unique writing style.
The point of editing is to ensure clarity, consistency, conciseness. It’s about removing clutter from sentences so that your ideas resonate clearly among your audience.
Quality editing protects your credibility by making sure your manuscript is error-free, fact-checked, and readable.
It’s about enhancing your unique writing voice NOT changing it.
Transparency
If we’re not a great fit and if the project is beyond my skillset, I will let you know.
Pricing is clear, straightforward leaving nothing to guess.
Partnership
I’m your coach to guide you towards your goals. I work with you not against you. You can expect honest, professional advice with the intent to help strengthen your writing voice while aligning to your goals. I will explain reasons behind the edits and how it’d strengthen the writing or give you options.
Reliance on AI
AI is a useful tool not a replacement. While AI tools are fast and helpful for catching basic grammar and spelling errors, but they often miss subtleties like tone, pacing, or word choice that don’t fit the context. They can also make awkward suggestions that flatten your voice or introduce errors by misinterpreting your intent. Over time, this can lead to writing that feels generic or overly polished in a way that doesn’t connect with readers. For work that truly reflects your style and resonates with your audience, human insight is irreplaceable.
Master of None
You deserve a specialist, because your manuscript deserves meticulous attention to grammar, punctuation, consistency, and clarity—without the distraction of broader structural concerns. Unlike generalists who juggle developmental editing and multiple genres, a dedicated copyeditor brings deep expertise in refining language, adhering to style guides, and polishing prose for publication. Their focused skill set is especially valuable when your content is already structurally sound and just needs a professional finish.
Mechanical Editing
While there is place for prescriptive editing such as legal or academic editing, it takes a skilled copyeditor to know when to break the rules or deviate from the style guide. When it comes to narrative or creative writing, the approach of aggressively marking up without paying attention to context will not only strip away personality or nuances but also change the intended meaning of the writing.
This is not to say that correctness is not important. We wouldn’t want readers raising their eyebrows. Or your credibility questioned.
Balancing between prescriptive editing and voice-centered editing requires editorial judgement. Poor editorial judgment is when:
– Editors impose their preferences on your writing.
– Editors are not familiar or experienced in copyediting.
– Editors do not pay attention to the larger context or intent of writer.
Distant Judge
Remember what I said earlier about that jerk from your writing class. You don’t need your writing torn apart in a way that leaves you demoralized or even more confused.
Or the one who’s too nice and does not address real issues with a problematic manuscript.
Neither approach works for me.
Vague
A master of none who accepts every project without considering your best interests.
Unclear rates and a lack of communication.
Meet Your Editor
Indu Shanmugam loved stories as early as she could remember. She earned her Master of Science in Writing: Publishing from Portland State University, Oregon, where she received training as a professional editor and copywriter.
With over 10 years’ experience in publishing, both in-house and freelance, Indu has a deep understanding of editorial processes and publishing industry. Her experience includes working with small to medium publishers, businesses, and independent authors in copyediting. She’s served as Chapter Coordinator for the Boston chapter of Editorial Freelancers’ Association.
Clients appreciate Indu’s passion for helping authors communicate their intended message to their readers. What drives her copyediting and interior design (layout) is wanting her author’s work to leave a lasting impact on readers. Her approach to editing is to partner with you, as she believes you deserve an editor who’s on your side.
❞
Thanks for working with me despite my shifting timelines. Your “can-do” attitude took one stress off of me at a time I was very stressed! Thank you for all the research and care you took in your editing of my very messy citations. Your notes are so helpful, and I can tell you really took the time to research to get this all right. I am so appreciative of your incredible attention to detail and your coaching in the comments. You are a treasure! Should I need this kind of work in the future, I know I will be turning to you.
Dyane Carrere
Owner, Dyane Carrere Consulting
❞
Working with Indu has been one of the best editing experiences of my career. From the beginning she asks questions about the book, provides a personalized sample of how she edits, and works with you to make sure she edits in the spirit of your work. While she works, she maintains communication. When she’s done, she provides you with the final draft and her personal style sheet of characters and repeatedly mentioned words/phrases. She will help you work through some of the issues that come up as a result of her edits.
Sara Marks
Author, 21st Century Austen Series
❞
Indu edited a novel of mine and I found her to be wonderfully detail-oriented and knowledgeable about editing and book publication. The combination of competence and patience made her a really good person to work with.
Amber Michelle Cook
Author, The Night of the Victorian Dead
See My Portfolio
Let’s Get Started
1
REACH OUT TO ME
Free Sample Edit* Available
Talk to me about your work when you send me your manuscript or project. This helps me assess your project’s needs and give you the best pricing. Click below to get started.
2
SAMPLE EDIT & RECOMMENDATION
Personalized Publishing Services
You will receive your sample edit and recommendations with a copy of contract with clear timeline and due dates and clear pricing.
We’ll together review edits and answer last-minutes questions.
3
SIGN THE CONTRACT
Sign up With Me
Once I receive our signed contract, I will get started.
While the work is being done, I may reach out to you with questions, and you are welcome to reach out as well.
4
CLOSING
Let’s check in
When you receive my manuscript, you may have questions.
That’s why I end each project with a closing online call to review my work, answer all your questions, and ensure satisfaction. I’d also include next recommended step (if it applies to the project).
Looking for something else?
Have questions?
No problem.
Reach out to me. We’ll figure out what works best for you.
Types of Publishing Services I Offer
Copyediting. Proofreading. Interior Book Design. Manuscript Evaluation. Diversity Reading.
Editing is a process with different stages or levels that start with “big picture” editing, known as developmental editing and then ending with proofreading, which is the “final catch” before the manuscript goes to work. Each stage of editing builds on one another, and each stage plays an important role in refining your document from the draft to a finished, high-quality, and error-free final piece.
If you’re unfamiliar with the stages of editing, I highly recommend browsing Editorial Freelancer Association’s Editorial Service Definitions.
Copyediting
Copyediting is what most people picture when they hear the word “editing”—and for good reason. It’s the sentence-level work that makes your writing shine. After developmental and line editing have shaped the structure and style, copyediting steps in to fine-tune the details. I’ll comb through your manuscript to catch errors, smooth out awkward phrasing, and ensure everything reads clearly and consistently. It’s a crucial phase that bridges creativity and precision, helping your words land exactly as intended. Here’s what copyediting includes:
- Correctness: I correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, and make sure numbers, dates, and names are accurate and consistent throughout.
- Consistency: I check for internal consistency—names, timelines, and factual details—and ensure your manuscript follows a specific style guide such as The Chicago Manual of Style, Associated Press, or American Psychological Association.
- Clarity & Flow: I refine word choices, untangle confusing or awkward phrasing, and improve overall readability so your writing flows smoothly and makes sense to your audience.
- Fact-checking: I flag potential factual errors or inconsistencies that could confuse or distract readers.
- Voice and Integrity: I polish your writing while preserving your voice, tone, and message—whether you’re an individual author or representing a brand.
- Formatting: I ensure that headings, lists, and captions are correct and consistent. Upon request, I can also add type codes for your publication designer.
- Legal, representation, and other problematic issues: I flag potential concerns such as plagiarism, outdated or insensitive terminology, and representation of marginalized groups. While I’m not a legal expert and can’t offer legal advice, I’ll alert you to anything that might pose a liability. For example, I’ve advised authors to seek permission for quoted material or revise outdated language around race and disability—small changes that make a big difference.
Copyediting is where your manuscript gets its final polish before heading to proofreading and publication. It’s not just about fixing mistakes—it’s about elevating your work to a professional standard.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final step in the editorial process and should be done after your manuscript has been typeset or formatted for publication. At this stage, the focus is on surface-level accuracy: catching typos, punctuation errors, formatting glitches, and any lingering inconsistencies that may have slipped through earlier rounds of editing. It’s not about rewriting—it’s about ensuring your book looks clean, professional, and ready for readers.
Most importantly, proofreading should be handled by someone other than your copy editor. Why? Because fresh eyes catch fresh mistakes. After spending hours immersed in your manuscript, a copy editor may unintentionally overlook small errors simply due to familiarity. A separate proofreader brings a new perspective and can spot issues that others might miss. To maintain consistency, your copyeditor should provide a style sheet—a document outlining editorial decisions, spelling preferences, formatting rules, and character name conventions. This ensures the proofreader doesn’t override intentional choices and helps preserve your book’s voice and structure. Think of it as passing the baton in a relay race: everyone has a role, and the handoff matters.
Interior Book Design
Interior book design is the art and science of arranging your book’s content—text, images, chapters, headings—into a visually appealing and readable format. It goes beyond simply choosing a font; it involves setting margins, line spacing, page numbers, chapter breaks, and ensuring consistency throughout the layout. A well-designed interior enhances the reader’s experience, making your book feel polished and professional whether it’s printed or read on a screen. Good design also accommodates genre expectations—what works for a poetry collection won’t suit a technical manual. It’s the difference between a manuscript and a finished product, and it’s essential for making your book not just readable, but enjoyable to read.
May I suggest combining proofreading with interior book design? I can offer you a deal if I haven’t copyedited your work earlier. This ensures a polished manuscript that’s ready to be sent to the printer.
Manuscript Evaluation
Manuscript evaluation is a high-level review of your draft that provides feedback on its overall strengths and areas for improvement. I recommend this service for new authors or those feeling stuck or overwhelmed by varied or confliction information from your writer groups. It’s designed to help you understand how your book reads from a professional perspective—looking at structure, pacing, clarity, and market readiness. This service includes a written editorial letter with observations and suggestions, but it does not include in-text edits or detailed restructuring. It’s not a substitute for developmental editing, which involves deeper, hands-on revision. Think of manuscript evaluation as a diagnostic check before you commit to major editorial work—it helps you decide what your manuscript needs next.
Diversity Reading aka Sensitivity Reading
Diversity reading is a specialized editorial service that focuses on identifying potentially harmful, inaccurate, or stereotypical portrayals of marginalized identities and experiences. It is also commonly called “sensitivity reading” but I prefer to use the term “diversity reading” for the following reasons.
It shifts the focus from potential harm to proactive inclusion. While “sensitivity” can imply fragility or defensiveness, “diversity” emphasizes the richness of perspectives, cultures, and identities represented in a manuscript. It frames my service as a way to enhance authenticity, broaden representation, and celebrate difference—rather than simply avoiding offense. Diversity reading feels more empowering, collaborative, and aligned with the goal of writing responsibly across lived experiences. It’s a subtle but meaningful reframing of the editorial intent.
I will review your manuscript through the lens of lived experience—whether related to race, gender, disability, religion, or other aspects of identity—to help ensure respectful and authentic representation. This isn’t about censorship; it’s about helping authors avoid unintentional bias, outdated language, or cultural missteps that could alienate readers or undermine the story’s impact. This could also undermine your credibility or image as an author. As a general rule, sensitivity reading is often done before or alongside copyediting, and it’s especially valuable for authors writing outside their own lived experience. It’s a thoughtful step toward writing with empathy, accuracy, and integrity. I include diversity reading with all my copyediting. If you had a manuscript copyedited and if another diversity reader was recommended as a “second opinion,” I will perform a diversity read without copyediting.
Here are the topics that work best for me: Indian/South Asian experience, first-generation Indian immigrant experience, third culture kid, disability, mental illness, PTSD, depression, autism, ADHD, bipolar, sex workers and adult entertainment industry, Hindu and Eastern religion, Indian Christian experience especially Malayalee or Kerala, BDSM and kink, LGBTQ+, alcoholism, trauma, drug addiction.
Curious how professional editing can elevate your writing?
Request a free sample edit to see the difference for yourself. I’ll review a short excerpt of your manuscript and show you exactly how I can help polish your prose—no pressure, just a preview.
Click on the button below. I’ll ask you a few questions and you can attach documents.
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My Portfolio Sample of My Past Works
Whether you’re a publisher looking for a reliable editorial partner or an author seeking a thoughtful, detail-oriented editor, you’ve come to the right place. Below, you’ll find a selection of projects I’ve had the privilege to work on—some award-winning, some bestselling, all handled with care. I specialize in production management, copyediting, line editing, sensitivity reading, and proofreading across a wide range of genres—from historical nonfiction and social issues to fiction, academic work, and corporate content. I bring deep familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style, AP, and APA, and I’m committed to helping every manuscript shine with clarity, consistency, and polish. Go ahead and take a look. Feel free to ask me any questions or for your sample edit.
