In this series, experienced editors reflect on their Top 3 tools, rules and suggestions for clients and colleagues.
Sohini Ghose (she/her) is an editor with over fifteen years of international experience, having worked on an array of books with indie and major publishers, university presses, and debut and bestselling authors, including a Nobel Prize laureate. Sohini is also the author of English-language textbooks published by Macmillan and a self-help book with Rupa Publications. She was part of the team that helped set up the Seagull School of Publishing, where she taught editing for a few years.
Top 3 professional tools you can’t work without
Aside from the essentials like MS Word and Adobe Acrobat (since I also proofread), my top three tools are:
1. Macros: My go-to macros are GoogleFetch and MerriamFetch. They really help speed up my workflow.
2. PerfectIt: I run PerfectIt on all the manuscripts I copy edit and line edit to ensure consistency.
3. Conscious Language Resources: I rely on the Conscious Style Guide by Karen Yin and the Conscious Language Toolkit for Editors by Crystal Shelley to encourage and maintain inclusive and mindful language.
Top 3 marketing channels you enjoy using
1. My Website: It’s a central hub where potential clients can find out about me, see my portfolio, read client testimonials and see what I offer.
2. Editor Networks: Groups like Editors Canada, ACES, the EFA, CIEP and the Editors Tea Club are amazing for networking. Through recommendations from colleagues and my association profiles, I’ve connected with some great clients.
3. Cold Emails: I’m a great believer in reaching out for what you want and making it happen. If there’s a publisher or author you want to work with, a well-written cold email can open doors. I’ve landed quite a few clients this way.
Top 3 work-life balance rules
1. Scheduled Breaks: I take a full day off after finishing every book I work on. It’s planned in advance, giving me time to recharge, catch up on admin work, pamper myself or just spend time with friends.
2. Hobbies are Key: As editors, we live in a world of words, so I find it helpful to switch to something visual to help me unwind and recharge. I love creating digital collages, and I also design business cards and social media graphics for fellow editors.
3. Flexibility in Freelancing: One of the perks of working for myself is the freedom to work wherever I like. You’ll often find me doing an initial review of clients’ manuscripts on my porch, in a café or curled up on the sofa with my laptop.
Top 3 suggestions for authors/clients you work with
1. Editing Takes Time: Quality editing isn’t a two-minute job. It’s a thoughtful and meticulous process that requires both time and financial investment.
2. Get Feedback Early: It’s always a good idea to seek developmental editing or feedback from a manuscript assessment early on. It’s easier to make major plot, structure or character adjustments at this stage, saving everyone time and energy later in the process.
3. Authenticity and Sensitivity Matter: Whether it’s fiction, a memoir or academic work, representation and inclusivity are crucial, and it is important to address potential biases to ensure your story resonates positively.
Top 3 suggestions for new editors/freelancers
1. Join the Community: The editing world is a warm and welcoming space. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or support; editing networks are full of resources and friendly colleagues.
2. Keep Learning: Courses, webinars and conferences are a great way to stay on top of language trends and enhance your skills. Even after 15 years in the business, I still find myself learning new things all the time.
3. Expand Your Horizons: Especially for fiction editors, it’s important to stay curious about the world. Read widely, watch diverse content, travel when you can. Understanding diverse perspectives will enrich your work.
Bonus — One recent industry trend that inspires you
AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly useful for streamlining the editing process, when used ethically. As a business owner, I find ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity especially helpful for handling routine, repetitive tasks, freeing up my focus for the more nuanced work of editing.
Another inspiring trend is the rising demand for sensitivity readers and editors who specialize in ensuring cultural accuracy and inclusivity. This is essential for authors seeking to create work that is both representative and meaningful.
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Sohini Ghose
Sohini Ghose (she/her) is an editor with over fifteen years of international experience, having worked with indie and major publishers, university presses, and debut and bestselling authors, including a Nobel Prize laureate. Her editorial journey includes in-house roles at Cambridge University Press, Seagull Books, Macmillan and Harlequin. Sohini is also the author of English-language textbooks published by Macmillan and a self-help book with Rupa Publications. In addition to her editorial work, she has also taught editing at the Seagull School of Publishing. Having lived and worked in India and the US, and currently based in Canada, Sohini serves on the board of Literary Arts Windsor and contributes to BookFest Windsor. In addition, she is a board member and the events co-coordinator for the Editors Tea Club, as well as an active member of ACES: The Society for Editing and the Editorial Freelancers Association, where she volunteers on the social media team. When she's not editing, Sohini enjoys expressing her creativity through digital collages, with her work first exhibited in New York in 2020.