Hire Me!

I’m a hands-on writer and editor coming from a decade’s experience in teaching and publishing. I’ve exercised these skills in both non-profit and corporate work, writing creative content, grants, and press material.

I see my role as part-coach, part-technician, part-cheerleader, with the goal of helping you hone the strengths and possibilities of your project and bring it closer in line with your aims and goals. I bring a storyteller’s approach with academic rigor and research, crafting content that brings audiences into a conversation.

See my About Me and LinkedIn pages for more information.

Each service will include:

  • A manuscript in MS Word with track changes appropriate to editing level.

  • A detailed feedback letter (DE or CE) or style guide (Proofread).

  • An optional pre- and post-editing meeting to discuss intentions and next steps for your future work.

  • I am available throughout the process to answer questions.

At this time I am seeking only fiction and creative nonfiction works (that includes essays and longform journalism!).

  • Does the narrative have a clear beginning, middle, and end?

    Do scenes and/or chapters build on each other toward a conclusion?

    Is there clear cause and effect driving character motivations and plot events?

    Is there a clear audience and intention for the book’s subject matter and themes?

    Does the prose keep consistent throughout the book?

  • Making sure the prose is consistent with the narration or character’s voice and tone

    Making sure plot is paced and forward-moving within passages

    Finding clarity and purpose in tonal shifts, narrative digressions, and/or confusing action

    A pass for a specific character’s scenes, motivations, arc, and dialogue

    Revising redundant, extraneous, or overused phrases, language, or sentences

    Revising and tightening dialogue

    Basic proofreading for spelling, grammar, and mechanics. For finer detailed proofreading including formatting, consistency, and style guides, see below.

  • Mechanical, grammatical, spelling, and other technical errors

    Consistency in capitalization, hyphenation, numerals, and fonts

    Formatting for chapter and section breaks

    Flagging possible or historical inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or incorrect statements (this does not include research)

  • With a long career in working with teen and college age writers, I am well-trained in methods and practices to help college-bound students develop an essay that speaks to their strengths, interests, and human spirit. The approach is: write the essay first, the one you want to write, and then format it to meet the prompt. This turns the application process from a dry chore into an artistic exercise that the writer is invested in and can be proud of their final product.

    These sessions start with a package of three one-hour meetings, with more added on as needed ($50 addl. per meeting). Students will write during our time together, with prompts and exercises to get us started, and live feedback, commentary, and encouragement along the way!

  • Professional Book Layout

    Custom Cover Design

    Placing on Amazon KDP

    Industry-savvy consultation on pricing, sales, and marketing

    Rates vary. Please inquire with details of your project for an estimate!

Please do not let rates deter your inquiry. I am open to finding a workable rate based on need & project intentions. I am committed to finding an approach that best works for you.

 

Please email me below with a description of your project, estimated word count, what type(s) of services you’re looking for, and a little about yourself, or sign up for a call using my Calendly.

Testimonials:

Client Project: Novel Manuscript Developmental Edit

“This was my first time working with a professional editor, and I was delighted with his friendly, accessible style, his hands-on approach, the careful detail he paid to the work itself, as well as the energy he invested in understanding my main character, the heart and soul of my novel-in-progress. I can heartily recommend Aditya to anyone looking for an experienced manuscript reviewer, but would especially endorse him for writers seeking someone with cultural sensitivity, a wide-ranging literary aesthetic, and a writer-centric approach to the editing process.”

Client Project: Memoir Copy Edit, Proofread, and Publication Formatting

“Aditya Desai was very helpful in his role as copy editor for my latest book, as well as his work on format preparation of the manuscript for publication. He met his deadlines and was very responsive to all of my inquiries.  Aditya is very cordial person and easy to work with.”

Client Project: Book-Length Memoir Developmental Edit

“From the beginning, Aditya has been an incredible listener, quick communicator, and took the time to understand the areas my writing needed work. He named areas of improvement that I myself even struggled to articulate. If you're looking for an editor who will truly be your thought partner, cheerleader, and the person who tells you what your work needs without you even realizing it, Aditya is your person! ”

Client Project: Short Fiction Manuscript

“Aditya is a fantastic editor to work with because of the unique sensibility he brings to the table. What makes him different from other editors is the way he reads your work from the perspective of someone who is deeply invested in it, hence the feedback he gives always stands out as being deeply attuned to the inner workings of your piece. While newer writers will definitely benefit from working closely with Aditya, experienced writers will also enjoy the process as he offers insight that goes beyond the regular feedback we expect from editors.”