Editing Services Tailored to Your Unique Voice and Vision
As an editor and writer, I understand the delicate balance of refining a manuscript without compromising its soul. Your voice is the heart of your story, and my job is to preserve it while ensuring your manuscript shines. With years of experience and a deep love for storytelling, I offer a range of editing services that cater to authors at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re polishing a completed novel, working through plot development, or preparing for publication, I’m here to help bring your vision to life.
Manuscript Critique – Actionable Feedback
This service is helpful when you are looking to get some professional feedback on your early drafts to see what is working and what isn’t, but can’t afford a thorough developmental edit.
I’ll check if the opening is strong, whether there are any flat characters, if the style and voice work for the story, if there are any plot holes or unrealistic events, if the climax is satisfying, etc. I will provide constructive comments in a detailed report, but I won’t mark your manuscript up for this service.
Craving big-picture feedback with zero overwhelm? Get clear. Get confident. Get critiqued.
Developmental Editing – Crafting Your Story’s Core
In this phase, we dive deep into the essence of your manuscript. Developmental editing is all about the big picture: pacing, character arcs, plot structure, and thematic development. It’s a collaborative process where I help you refine your manuscript into a cohesive, engaging narrative that resonates with readers.
If you’re not sure if your plot holds together, or if your characters feel authentic, this is where we’ll do the hard work of shaping your story into its best version. You’ll receive detailed feedback on your manuscript’s overall structure, character development, and narrative flow in the form of a detailed report, in addition to scene-by-scene inline comments throughout the book.
Ready to elevate your story? Let’s start by identifying the areas of your manuscript that need refining.
Line Editing – Polishing Your Words for Impact
Once the structure is in place, it’s time to focus on the language itself. Line editing is where we perfect every sentence to ensure clarity, rhythm, and emotional impact. I’ll help you streamline your writing, remove redundancies, and enhance your prose. I will check for paragraph structure, sentence flow, word choice, language-related techniques, passive voice, tense, style, readability, and forward movement besides checking for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.
Want to fine-tune your prose and make every sentence count? Let’s work together to refine your words.
Complete Editing Package – The Best of Both Worlds
This package combines both Developmental Editing and Line Editing. It’s perfect for authors who need a full editorial review, from big-picture adjustments to detailed, sentence-level refinements. This option includes two rounds of editing on the manuscript. The first round is for a developmental edit. Once you work on the dev edit suggestions and re-submit the manuscript, I will do a round of line editing on the manuscript.
Want the complete package for your manuscript? Let’s combine our efforts to make your book the best it can be!
Copy Editing – Ensuring Precision and Consistency
When your story’s structure and style are in place, copy editing gives it the polish it needs to truly shine. This stage is all about precision: grammar, punctuation, spelling, word usage, and consistency. Think of it as a final deep clean that sharpens your prose without touching your voice.
Whether you’re preparing for agents, publishers, or self-publishing platforms, I’ll ensure your manuscript is clean, consistent, and professional—ready to make its best impression.
This isn’t just about catching typos (though I’ll get those too!). It’s about making sure every sentence reads smoothly, every style choice is intentional, and your manuscript reflects your best work.
Want to send out your manuscript with confidence? Let’s get it crisp, clean, and ready for the world.
Proofreading – The Final Touch Before Publication
Proofreading is the last step in the editing process. It’s all about catching the final, pesky errors that have slipped through the cracks. I only offer proofreading if the manuscript has been edited by a copyeditor before. I’ll follow the style sheet your copyeditor provided, but don’t worry if you don’t have one; I’ll follow my style sheet template based on the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition.
Ready to take the final step? Contact me before it’s published.
Query Package – Opening the Doors of Traditional Publishing
If you’re hoping to break into traditional publishing, you need a query letter, synopsis, and sample chapters that stand out. With my Query Package, I’ll help you craft the perfect pitch to capture the attention of literary agents and publishers.
This package includes:
– Editing your query letter to ensure it’s clear, concise, and engaging.
– Perfecting your synopsis so that it highlights the essence of your story in a way that grabs attention.
– Reviewing the first three chapters (or 5,000 words) to ensure that your manuscript opens strong and hooks readers.
Ready to pitch your book to agents and publishers? Let’s perfect your query for submission.
Story Coaching – Guidance, Clarity, and Creative Momentum
Sometimes you don’t need an edit—you just need someone to talk it through with. Whether you’re wrestling with plot tangles, stuck in the middle, or doubting your idea altogether, story coaching gives you a supportive space to reconnect with your project.
In these 1:1 sessions, we’ll dig into your story goals, brainstorm solutions, and craft a path forward that feels exciting and doable. I’m here to listen, ask the right questions, and offer honest, encouraging feedback.
You can book a single session for clarity or a package if you’d like ongoing support while you write or revise.
Ready for a sounding board and creative partner? Let’s untangle the story together.
Sensitivity Reading – Write with Empathy, Confidence, and Cultural Respect
Authentic representation matters—and if your story includes Hindu or Sikh characters, traditions, or settings, I can help you handle that material with nuance, respect, and accuracy.
As someone with lived experience in these cultures, I offer thoughtful, non-judgmental feedback on how cultural elements are portrayed—what feels authentic, what might unintentionally harm, and how you can deepen your portrayal with care.
Sensitivity reading isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about helping you tell the story you want to tell, with the empathy and insight your readers deserve.
Want to make sure your representation is thoughtful and true? Let’s work together to get it right.
Formatting for Self-Publishing – Make It Reader-Ready
You’ve done the hard work of writing and revising—now it’s time to get your manuscript ready for the world. I offer clean, professional formatting for self-publishing on platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, ensuring your book looks polished and inviting from cover to final page.
From chapter headings to margins, line spacing to scene breaks, I’ll format your manuscript to meet industry standards so readers can focus on your words—not on awkward layout glitches.
Ready to publish your book? Let’s make sure it looks as good as it reads.
Blurb & Back Cover Editing – Craft Your Book’s First Impression
Your blurb is one of the most important pieces of writing you’ll do—it’s the bridge between your book and your reader. But condensing your story into a few gripping paragraphs? That’s no small feat.
I’ll work with you to shape a back cover blurb or online description that captures the heart of your book while sparking curiosity and emotional connection. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revising a draft, I’ll help you find the language that sells the story without losing its soul.
Let’s make sure your book’s first impression hooks the right readers—and keeps them turning pages.
Why Choose Shiuli Editing Services?
I’m not just an editor—I’m a fellow writer. I know the sweat, tears, and dedication that goes into creating a manuscript, and I treat each project with the care it deserves. My services go beyond mere editing; I work with you as a partner in the creative process. I’m here to help you bring your vision to life without losing the heart of your story.
What to Expect When Working With Me
– Personalized Approach: I take the time to understand your vision and your goals for your manuscript.
– Clear Communication: You’ll always know where we stand in the editing process.
– Timely Delivery: I respect your deadlines and work diligently to meet them.
– Tailored Feedback: My feedback is always constructive and focused.
– A Love for Storytelling: Editing is about nurturing your story and helping it reach its fullest potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I’ve already revised my manuscript a few times. How do I know if I need developmental editing or just line editing?
If you’re confident in your story’s structure but want your language to shine, line editing might be the best fit. But if you’re still unsure about the plot, character arcs, or pacing, developmental editing will help you shape your story’s foundation.
- Can I hire you for just a sample before committing to a full edit?
Absolutely. I offer a free sample edit for the first 1,000 words so you can get a feel for my editing style.
- I used AI to help with my manuscript—can I still work with you?
Of course. I’ll help bring your unique voice to the forefront and ensure the manuscript reads naturally and powerfully.
- How long will editing take?
Timelines vary, but I’ll always provide a clear timeframe before we begin and work to meet your deadline.
- Do you edit all genres?
I specialize in fiction and narrative non-fiction, but I’ve worked on children’s books, poetry books and others as well. I’m not averse to a good story whatever its genre.
- What if I’ve already worked with another editor and just need a fresh pair of eyes?
That’s totally fine. I can provide a second perspective to bring out new strengths in your manuscript.
- What format should I send my manuscript in?
A Word document (.docx) in standard manuscript format is best. I use Track Changes so you can review all suggestions.
- I’m nervous about someone else touching my story.
I completely understand. I treat every manuscript with care and work to preserve your voice, not overwrite it. Also, you can be sure I’ll never make any unauthorised use of the files you send me, even if it’s only a sample, whether or not we decide to work together. And if we do, be assured that my standard contract covers non-disclosure for all my authors.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re looking for a personalized, thoughtful editing process that preserves your voice while improving your manuscript, I’d love to work with you. Send me a short sample of your book at dolabsingh@gmail.com today, and I’ll provide a comprehensive sample edit along with a quote tailored to your needs.